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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 become 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. 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. In 2007 the judges willl
officiate over 187 Breeds 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 tickets 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 combing 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 'affiliate'
committee members from the Young Kennel Club membership 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. Some of
these members are now full committee members of the Society.
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. In 2007 we are able to offer
them a small amount to offset their expenses by way of £15 cash without
lunch or £10 plus a cooked lunch. For those that are able to steward on
at least three days we offer free caravan parking.
During the latter part of 2006 a
Ring Stewarding seminar was held which was very well attended by approximately
50 experienced and novice stewards plus some Chief Stewards from other
Societies. So hopefully there will be some new faces joining our team in
2007.
The dog show scene is changing
but the Birmingham Dog Show Society Ltd [Limited Company status in 2001] will
organise their 2007 show with the same commitment as did the gamekeepers and
gentlemen of the 19th century. A commitment that has been as much a part of its
history as the dogs themselves.
In 2009 the National celebrates
its 150th birthday - watch this space!
[See From Little Acorns, The
History of the Birmingham Dog Show Society Est. 1859]
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