Spring 2008 Voice - The Dachshund Club of America, Inc.

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A new section of "The Voice" where editorials and commentary may be posted. Before being considered for publication, all articles must be submitted to the Trial Advisory Committee and will be reviewed for content by the three members of the committee. FIELD CHAMPION STAKES The January issue of the Voice contained an opinion piece submitted by Sherry Ruggieri entitled “Oh Split!." This article provided encouragement for clubs to make the decision to run both Field Champion Dog and Field Champion Bitch stakes, rather than a Combined Field Champion stake. Then "Voice" editor Larry Gohlke allowed that counter arguments would be entertained in subsequent issues. To that end, we submit a sampling of comments received by the TAC. Some correspondents requested to remain anonymous. “My club divided the FC stake when we had few rabbits, but prefers to run field champions as a combined stake.” “There is extra difficulty in finding field champion judges – it’s even harder when you split the stakes. There is also the extra fee for judges / prizes / rosettes (Not to mention judges' meals) to consider when you are the one assuming financial responsibility to your club.” "The field champion stake should be a competitive one among field champions, otherwise we should be talking about a Bitch Field Champion and a Dog Field Champion title." “The simple preference to finish a trial earlier in the day is also not a reason to split unless it is necessary.” From Patt Nance: The Voice Forum “Regarding the splitting of Field Champion stakes, my perspective is different than the thoughtful, wellarticulated article published in the last Voice. (Splitting FC stakes, of course, refers to running Field Champions in classes divided by sex - FC Dogs, FC Bitches - instead of as one combined-sex class.) The effect of advocating for division of all Field Champion stakes, if not the intent, is a push toward the 'generic' field trial. I am hoping we will avoid that. I like that some clubs split the Field Champion classes for I find smaller classes and more placement opportunities very enjoyable. And I like that some clubs run Field Champions as combined stakes, too, for I relish opportunities to win or place in large classes and find them very enjoyable. (And I like the Michigan weekend where there is one trial over two days and the Buckeye weekend that puts a special spotlight on Field Champions...) All weekends, with their various grounds, judges, trial committees, and competitors, are fun but I think it adds to the flavor when trials and classes are different beyond those entities. I appreciate the 'spice to the sport' added when clubs are willing to do things differently. Please, let us not advocate for sameness throughout. I, for one, enjoy a little field trial variety.” SPRING 2008 28 of 37
HUNT TEST FOR DACHSHUNDS There has been interest in the development of a hunt test program for Dachshunds for some years. Here is Cheri Faust's report about one group's efforts (quite possibly the first) to actually come up with a prototypical format. Others are welcome to submit comments and any ideas they may be developing. Background Briefly, about ten years ago, the Dachshund Club of America was approached by the Basset Hound Club of America with the idea of establishing a hunt test for scent hounds that might develop into an AKC-recognized event. In 1998, the BHCA developed test regulations and established a BHCA titling program. DCA, through the Trial Advisory Committee, discussed the hunt test program in 2003 and 2004, but did not follow-up with plans for a Dachshund hunt test program. In the meantime, Dachshunds were participating in BHCA hunt tests, although tests were and are few and far between. Current Following BHCA hunt tests in 2006 and 2007 in Ladonia, Texas, there was an interest expressed by Dachshund participants for more opportunities to work with their dogs using the hunt test format. Current BHCA regulations require that the test secretary be a BHCA member, which made it problematic for Dachshund owners to host BHCA hunt tests. So, with the intention of exposing more people to the hunt test concept, guidelines for a Dachshund test were established under the name of the non-member, non-organizationally affiliated “Texas Hunting Hounds”. While loosely based on the BHCA regulations, the THH guidelines are less rigid in terms of administrative procedure, simplify the judging and scoring of dogs to a pass/fail basis, and make voicing and gun steadiness optional designations rather than requirements. Anyone wanting to hold hunt tests for Dachshunds in their area may use these guidelines or modify them in any way they like – the idea is to give the hunt test a try! The people that I’ve spoken with have been very enthusiastic about the format, and like the emphasis placed on handlers working cooperatively with their dogs throughout the test, as well as the opportunity to have their dogs tested on a solo basis without the influence of a brace mate. THH Statistics To date, four hunt tests have been held, with a total of 76 dogs tested. Breeds participating to-date include Dachshunds, Basset Hounds and Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens. Beagles are also eligible to participate. 39 of the 56 dogs tested passed in the Solo format. 12 of the 20 dogs tested passed in the 2-Pack format. No dogs have been tested in the 4-Pack format. 20 of the 76 dogs tested were recognized for the proper use of voice on rabbit scent. 42 of the dogs that opted to be tested were recognized for gun steadiness. The Voice Forum SPRING 2008 29 of 37
Page 1 and 2: Chairman’s message 2008 has alrea
Page 3 and 4: Region V - Issues that have been di
Page 5 and 6: DCA COMMITTEES Last December, DCA S
Page 7 and 8: PERFORMANCE JUDGES AND THE AKC Appl
Page 9 and 10: NOMINATION FORM FOR DCA 2009 NATION
Page 11 and 12: Open All Age Dog Winner, new DC Ent
Page 13 and 14: More from the DCA 2008 “Country E
Page 15 and 16: … after the bunnies! Above Kathy
Page 17 and 18: Claire Mancha & Veela of Portland,
Page 19 and 20: 4th Duchwood's Certainly Cerise MS
Page 21 and 22: OAAB 12 Starters Judges: Cheryl Shu
Page 23 and 24: Absolute Judges: Phil Trautman and
Page 25 and 26: Absolute Judges: Vicki Spencer and
Page 27: Absolute Judges: Cheryl Shultz and
Page 31 and 32: Open All-Age Bitches Sherry Ruggier
Page 33 and 34: Field Champions (Combined Sexes) Fr
Page 35 and 36: (206) 948-7923, linda.pyne@nordstro
Page 37: Intro to Quarry Judy Todd Junior Tr

Spring 2008 Voice - The Dachshund Club of America, Inc.

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