THE NATIONAL DOG SHOW BIRMINGHAM has since
1859 been organised by the Birmingham Dog Show Society. In the 21st
century this old Society is just as determined to keep up with
modern day needs as it was when exhibition of dogs was a new sport.
Newcastle upon Tyne was the scene of the
first organised dog show in June 1859, prior to which competitions
of various sorts had been held in pubs and clubs up and down the
country. The Birmingham show held in November 1859 was organised by
Mr Richard Brailsford, gamekeeper. An organising committee of
eminent gentlemen and sportsmen ensured the show, held in one of the
galleries of the Horse and Carriage Repository, Birmingham was a
successful event for the 80 or so dogs entered in the 14 classes.
Inspired by the popularity of this show
the committee continued to make this an annual event and some of the
gentlemen involved to became the founder members of the Kennel Club
some 14 years later. The background to the early shows is
fascinating.
Modern day exhibitors expect very high
standards at dog shows - large rings, good layout and facilities. In
the early days sawdust was the norm for the floor, the dogs were
paraded between the benches and held by stewards while being judged.
Lady exhibitors complained if there was too much wet floorcovering
because of their flowing skirts; the exhibits were often despatched
by rail.
In 1859 Pointers and Setters were the only
breeds on show and there were 3 judges. Nowadays nearly 200 breeds will be judged, and Challenge Certificates will be on
offer for every breed that has them. (For historical reasons the
National is a representative show which entitles the Management
Committee to elect a member of the Kennel Club Show Executive
Committee and to have Challenge Certificates for all breeds as at
Crufts and the Welsh and Scottish Kennel Clubs).
The National has been held at a number of
venues over the years. The late 1980's saw a move from the National
Agricultural Centre to Perry Park Birmingham where the innovative
'in and out' rings under marquees were first used and now commonly
seen at a number of major dog shows. After a succession of shows on
this site, a move was made to Arbury Hall, Warwickshire, a lovely
venue let down by the weather. Two good shows were then held at the
NEC where an 'Activity Ring' was a new venture in which many breeds
had an opportunity to show off their capabilities and historic
origins. Therapy dogs were introduced to the public there and
displays of heelwork to music entertained visitors and exhibitors
alike. In 2002 the Society moved to the Bingley Hall, Stafford which
it is hoped will be its home in the years to come.
Since 2002 the Society has used all the
available ring space in the halls combining this with large outside
marquees. Each year the committee, ever mindful of the needs of the
exhibitors, manipulate the space to suit the entries, with large
rings, wide aisles between the benches, an attractive Stakes and
Best in Show ring and lots of FREE car parking.
A younger group of Committee members
originally from the Young Kennel Club are now included as part of
the management team which should ensure that the future of this
historic society is safe for the exhibitors of the future to enjoy.
We are also fortunate to have the support
of a large band of willing stewards who regularly fulfil the
administrative requirements to assist our judges.
[See From Little Acorns, The History of
the Birmingham Dog Show Society Est. 1859] |
