The National
Dog Show

organised by the Birmingham Dog Show Society (founded 1859)

7 - 10 May 2009
at the Staffordshire County Showground, Weston Road, Stafford ST18 0BD


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Birmingham Dog Show Society

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Acting Secretary:
Mr Mike Townsend
Hawthorns, Oakley Road,
Cheltenham, Glos. GL52 6NZ
Tel: 0786 6159690


History


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 - 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. In 2009 the judges willl officiate over 192 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 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 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 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. At present; Stewards receive £20 per day and £10 if they chose to have lunch. In addition for those that are able to steward on at least three days we offer free caravan parking.

RING STEWARDING SEMINAR - 31st January 2009

The Management Committee appreciate the enormous contribution made by the Ring Stewards to the running of all shows and acknowledge that we could not run the events without them. We are planning another Ring Stewarding Seminar on Saturday 31st January 2009 at the Kennel Club Building meeting room, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire. 

This will be a chance for experienced Stewards and novices alike to 'brush up' on the various aspects of their role in the ring covering the new Breeder Stakes, single CC's, how best to assist the judge etc. There will be an opportunity for questions and discussion on how to deal with a variety of incidents. Speakers will be Gerald King, Chief Steward at Crufts and Annette Oliver-Wyles, Chief Steward at The National.

The Seminar will begin at 11am - 2pm approx. Just £2 per person payable on arrival to include Tea/Coffee and Biscuits. There will be limited places and it will be a question of first come first served. 

The Seminar is now fully booked, however watch this space for future dates. 

The dog show scene is changing but the Birmingham Dog Show Society Ltd [Limited Company status in 2001] will organise their 2009 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 and some special Stakes classes with lots of big prize money will be offered. Plus our usual Best Puppy competetion and the new Breeders Group award. There will also be a memento for each and every exhibitor. 

[See From Little Acorns, The History of the Birmingham Dog Show Society Est. 1859]

 


© The Birmingham Dog Show Society Ltd. 2009.
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