Rules and Regulations. All shows are held under the auspices of K.U.S.A. ( Kennel Union Of South Africa ) and all shows are licensed by them. There are strict rules to be observed and club officials must ensure that there are no infringements. All puppies must be registered by the breeder within three months from date of birth. When buying a Saint Bernard puppy it is wise to ask the breeder to include a signed statement that he has applied for registration of the litter if he has not received them back from K.U.S.A. When the registration form has been received, the breeder will send it to you together with his signature on the back of the form so that you can fill in your name and address to place the dog in your name. Do not forget to post it to K.U.S.A. in the envelope attached with the Registration form, so that the dog can officially come in your name. This is what we call the Transfer of ownership. There is no charge for the first Transfer of ownership for the puppy.

Shows.

There are a number of different types of shows namely :-

Match Meeting

This is a fun show, being a competition between two or more clubs challenging one another on a point system. This can be great fun as one does not worry about being competitive in won owns breed but rather winning against the other breed. The objective is to have fun and try and win for your breed club.

Open Show

If you are wise you will attend a few open shows before attempting a championship show. All dogs over the age of 4 months can compete and registration is not necessary. Entries are taken on the day of the show. This type of show is good practice for both the novice handler and his dog.

Championship Show

The final step up the ladder is the championship show. This is were dogs compete for the Challenge certificates which count towards becoming a South African champion. Entries must be received by the secretary of the show holding club by a specific date, usually at least four weeks before the show as there is a great deal of administration to be done. Do not expect to have a late entry accept. The show holding club will post your numbers to you before the date of the show.

The show will take up a long and tiring day, so make sure that you consider comfort. Chairs, umbrellas, water dishes and comfortable clothing are a must. Food is often expensive, so take along a snack for your family. Most important is to take your dog with that you have entered as this could be highly embarrassing if he is left at home. You might think this is funny, but I have seen where exhibitors have come to the show and set up their benching place and they have forgot the dog. This could lead to a family dispute and the funday could turn sour, if you are the first exhibitor in the ring.

Arrive early as parking is usually a problem. Upon arrival, find out where your Saint Bernard’s will be judged and bench yourselves near the ring. Find out before the time when your dogs are going to judged and take your dog for a walk so that he can relive himself. Remember to clean up afterwards where your dog messes. Put on your official number before the time. Watch the judging of the other dogs before the time and see what the judge requires you to do. Above all listen to what the judge expects from you.

Always place your Saint Bernard to his best advantage but don’t fuss too much. Only take your dog and yourself in the ring, not brushes, handbags, or anything else, except a small cloth to wipe his slobber. Wipe the drool off when necessary and don’t give judge a bath. It is courtesy to congratulate the winner but don’t let your dog approach his. Your dog might be a sour looser and it is best to keep a firm hold on your dog at all times.

Finally dog showing is a hobby and therefor it is obviously a certain amount of competition involved, but this should not detract from the social side or the spirit of the show giving club. Good luck and enjoy your Saint Bernard.

Horst and Susan Kranz

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