U.S. Championships in 1997

by Stacey Kubyn

Some comments on Caucasians with U.S. Championships:

There are many rare breed show circuits in the U.S. The largest is the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA). Requirements for an American Rare Breed Association Championship are Four (4) ratings of excellent under different judges on an adult dog. An ARBA championship can be earned in a weekend. NO COMPETITION REQUIRED. Judges may be FCI, AKC or are at times people without any particular specialization.

ARBA provides a wonderful opportunity for rarebreed exhibition. Many judges are qualified. Receiving an "excellent" rating is a good start toward the breed standard. This post is NOT a criticism of ARBA.

Simply bringing to attention the reality that, with such a small number of Caucasians in the U.S., most dogs that don't have disqualifying faults can be finished if they are taken to a handful of shows and stand solo in the ring. The result is that "okay but mediocre" dogs can become U.S. ARBA Champions.

A U.S. Championship is nice, it is a start. Speaking as the owner of the most titled dogs in the U.S., keep it in perspective, especially when you see it ballyhooed on the net.

(c)1997 Stacey Kubyn