par Karl DonvilAmbiorix Trophy 2009
This show is no longer a small show. This year, the 11th edition, has attracted no less than 1138 dog from 8 different countries. That is a gain of 9% compared to last year and really good for a CAC show, one of the few in Belgium. Even 5 dogs from the UK and one from Ireland were entered. I think they didn’t expect this success. This show is held in Genk in the same halls were the CACIB show happens. It looks a little bit confusing as the committees of both shows help each other a lot and some board members officiate in both clubs. That helps a lot in building up experience and strengthens friendship. That is perhaps the key to the success of both shows, a lot of help, a lot of experience and a lot of friendship.
One can hardly say that the panel of judges was spectacular, with 15 judges of which 11 were Belgians and another 2 came from Holland and Mr. Piotr Kroll from Poland is a regular guest and friend too. But with a closer look on the catalogue it was funny to see how successful the Belgian judges were. The reason has to be found in the new regulations to get pedigrees, as since the start of this year dogs must have minimum one quotation of “good” on a Belgian show under a Belgian judge before approved to breed. This affects automatically the popularity of CAC shows and Belgian judges in general and the Junior Class. In my personal opinion this new rule does not go far enough as the qualification “good “ is really devaluated . Too easy a “Very Good” and even an “Excellent” is given to mediocre dogs. Thus, a “Good” stands for poor quality and the dog can have certain rather serious faults (that can be heritable!!!!). A dog of unknown origin, or without a (recognized) pedigree (pure bred or not), must win at least two “Very Good” qualifications under two different judges in order to get a blank pedigree. This is a much tougher rule and it is not even said that such a dog will be bred from!
Monique Van Brempt had 97 dogs on Saturday. The Bulldogs were the only popular breed with 31 specimen, all the others were a little bit of this and a little bit of that. On Sunday she was not scheduled as a judge but she took over several breeds from other judges like Mr.Declercq who had a little too much dogs to judge (111). Same scenario for Mr.August De Wilde one of the other popular Belgian allrounders. He ended with 115 dogs to judge on Saturday. Mrs.Degryze had 102 dogs to judge on Sunday. Some of her breeds were also given to other judges. Mr.Chamberlan, who is not so young anymore, was invited on both days. It was his first time in the halls of Genk and he lost his way. It was already start of the afternoon when he arrived and he was welcomed with an applause. Notwithstanding his age, he managed to end his judging right in time before the start of the main ring.
I think that I am not the only one who likes the atmosphere in Genk very much. The people are friendly, everything gives a relaxed impression and you feel comfortable there. It is also very important if you seem to know the members of the committee. If they show up on other shows to promote their show, one get more familiar with them. The attraction is much bigger that way and that affects the total number of entries significantly.
One small but important remark with regard to the catalogue, and this counts for more show catalogues. Too often the contact information is very poor and like here, there is not a single page where you can find a telephone number, an address or not even a homepage or e-mail address. Such a page should be standard in every catalogue. It should also announce the next show and give information on how to subscribe for that show, which judges are invited etc.
All group winners were invited to come back on Sunday for the Best In Show that would be chosen by our All Rounder judge Mr.August De Wilde. Only one dog would be placed. This honor went to the winner of the Terrier Group, the Welsh Terrier, Angie of the New Husken. This 3 year old bitch was entered in Champions Class under Mrs.Weijenborg-Weggemans from Holland and is bred and shown by Mr. Krautscheid, also from Holland. It was Mr.Piotr Kroll who judged the Terrier Group in the main ring and made him Best of Group. Not only Mr.Krautscheid went back to Holland with many trophies, but a lot of other Dutch exhibitors did too, as Holland was very well represented on the podium in the main ring.
Next edition will be earlier next year, on 13 and 14 February to be precise. I don’t think this change will affect the success of this show. Even if it freezes outside de halls, the warmth and hospitality inside is becoming legendary in Genk.
