Running order is determined by the number of pre-entries. We use that information to create a running order that is convenient to our judges, and other volunteers' schedules to ensure the show runs smoothly. Therefore running order is posted after pre-entries close. 

The facility we hold almost all of our shows at is the Pine City Armory, in Pine City Minnesota. 
The space is temperature controlled, cooled in summer and heated in the winter. The floor is cement, and we use mats in our rings. 
There is plenty of crate spacing, but we do not allow blow dryers (there aren't many outlets, and the noise would echo too much in the space and we want to be sure the exhibitors can hear the judges' directions)
There are two entries, one in the front of the building that will lead to a entry area and where the bathroom is, and one near the back of the building, where most people enter and which is shown in the video below.
Once you arrive you will want to go and get your armband number. There is no need to do any checking in. Simply grab your armband number(s) from the table/cart, with your dog's call name listed.

Our club is run by volunteers who work full-time jobs, and therefore it would be impossible for us to review breed counts and respond to individual requests. However, after pre-entries close, we will post pre-entry numbers that will list all of the breeds and numbers associated with them as well as a pre-entry show catalog. 

We do not post "not before times" which are times some clubs will post to let you know that you do not have to be to the site until a certain time. UKC's website suggests you allow 2 minutes per dog. We post our pre-entry running order which should give you an idea of when you should be to the site. Take into consideration that some dogs may be "no shows" so it is a good idea to plan ahead to get to the show site early and patiently wait for your turn to enter the ring. 

Yes! You may certainly enter both shows! We have 1 ring for show 1 and 1 ring for show 2. Show 1 starts in ring 1, with the juniors. Once the juniors are done in ring 1, they move to ring 2 to be judges. Show 2 does not start until the juniors are done in ring 1. Show 1 then moves onto their first group, and goes through their first breed in that group. Once that breed is done in Ring 1, that breed will then move to ring 2. Group judging in ring 1 will take place after all of the breeds in that group in ring 1 have been shown. Then group 2 continues with the breeds in that group and group judging occurs in ring 2 after all of the breeds for that group have been shown. 
*NOTE!: Non-Licensed Classes, like Novice Puppy & Veterans do not have group judging. Instead they show in the classes and then show at the end of the day in Best in Show. 

If you have a ring conflict, because you are showing another breed or competing in a UKC performance event at the same event, let the ring steward know. The ring steward will help make sure the judge knows you have a conflict and the judge can then make adjustments to ensure you are able to show.

Visit our Facebook Group to view the below video that shows an example of our show rings. https://www.facebook.com/jessica.heather.anlauf/videos/402502328370657/?idorvanity=312776712514818

All dogs in one particular group show in their classes in one block (example, all gundog breeds will show, like chesapeakes, then GSP's then Golden Retrievers, etc. until the entire group has been judged).
The order of judging is as follows Regular classes, Altered, Veteran, Novice Puppy.
Once all breeds in that group have shown, the group judging occurs. (With one exception: The judge often times will choose to send all non-licensed novice puppies into the Best in Show ring, bypassing the group ring.)
The Group 1 winners from all of the groups, then go into Best in Show at the end of the day.
There is no specific time for Best in Show, it simply happens when all of the groups have been judged.
The order of Best in Show judging is usually as follows: Novice Puppy, Veteran, Altered, Regular 

Yes, unless you are entering novice puppy. Otherwise you need to be sure you have a UKC number and that it is filled out on your registration form, in order to enter our licensed events. 

For Temporary Listing (automatic registration for immediate temporary approval, see the FAQ above).

For "Single Registration" meaning you aren't registering a litter of puppies and instead are just registering a single dog for permanent registration, you may go to this link for more information from UKC: https://www.ukcdogs.com/single-registration

A temporary listing (TL) number is the quickest way to obtain a UKC number. You will receive your number within minutes of registering and paying online. The TL number, however, is only temporary so you need to be sure you complete a permanent registration as well. Once your permanent registration is approved through UKC, your TL number with be associated with that number and all of your points will be recorded. Apply for a TL number here: https://www.ukcdogs.com/tl-numbers

If you have a ring conflict, because you are showing another breed or competing in a UKC performance event at the same event, let the ring steward know. The ring steward will help make sure the judge knows you have a conflict and the judge can then make adjustments to ensure you are able to show. 

You will be called into the ring by your armband number. So be sure you have your armband on your left arm, and you know your number. Once your number has been called in to enter the ring, you can then enter and either free stack (let your dog stand naturally) or hand stack (use your hands to place your dog's feet how you want them). 
The judge will usually then ask you to gait (move your dog at a trot) around the ring. Sometimes the judge will ask the whole group to go around together, other times they will ask for you to go one at a time, so pay attention to the judge's instructions. The judge will also tell you where to stop. So be sure to wait for the judge to finish his/her instructions before you start to go around. 
Once you stop where the judge has instructed you to, you will hand stack your dog (use your hands to place the feet in a way that best shows off your dog's conformation). The judge will come over and put his/her hands on the dog, checking the structure, coat, and if a male the testicles. 
The judge will also ask for you to show the bite. (the judge may ask before or after they go over the dog). 
Once the judge has gone over the dog, he/she will ask you to do a down and back, usually on a diagonal, but could also be on a straight line or another pattern specified by the judge. You will gait your dog (at a trot) once again down and back stopping well before you get to the judge and presenting your dog with a free stack once again. At this point the judge may make some sort of noise or try to get your dog's attention to see his/her expression. 
The judge will then ask you to either go and stand in line while he/she goes over the other dogs in line, or he/she will ask you to go around the ring again, where you will once again gait (trot) your dog around the ring. You can usually relax with your dog, until the judge gets to the last dog, after which the judge will again look at all of the dogs in line to make his/her final decision. The just will then point to the dogs for their placements, look at your armband number and write it down on the judges book and hand out the ribbons/awards. 
You can then leave the ring, and get ready to come back in if you placed first in that class/group, etc.

There is almost always someone at the show that is able to help you handle a dog if you need help. There are usually junior handlers that are very willing to handle a dog, as well as other exhibitors that will help you if you need it. You can also post in our facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/312776712514818/ where you can ask the group ahead of time, if anyone can help you handle a dog(s). 

No. UKC does not allow you to pay or remunerate anyone in any way for their handling of your dog. You may ask a friend, relative, junior or other person to handle your dog, but you may not pay or gift them anything for doing so. Professional handlers are not allowed to show any dog other than their own personally owned dogs in UKC. 

The use of items such as dye, hairspray, chalk, powder, aerosol sprays, dry shampoo and other such grooming products is strictly prohibited. Shampoo and conditioners are acceptable for use at shows. A non-aerosol spray bottle with water only or water mixed with a conditioner can be used on the dog at the event but may not be used in the ring. Exhibitors are prohibited from having or using combs, brushes, or other such grooming tools while in the ring. Judges who have reason to believe that a dog has grooming products on their coat/skin must excuse the dog and mark the Judge’s Book accordingly. The Judge’s decision on this matter is final.

***Exhibitors who violate this rule may also be subject to disciplinary action by the host club and UKC. UKC encourages exhibitors to emphasize the conditioning and training of their dogs and to avoid extreme grooming practices. A dog should be sufficiently clean and well-groomed to enable a Judge to properly evaluate the dog.
Breeds with traditional trimming patterns should be presented in those patterns. Except as allowed by a dog’s UKC breed standard, exhibitors are prohibited from the following:
• altering coat color
• altering coat texture
• altering color of skin pigment
• using foreign substances
• altering ear carriage
• altering tail carriage
• any other surgical means used to alter the physical appearance of the dog

The use of bait in the ring will be determined by the judge. If bait is not allowed, the exhibitor may not take any type of food, squeakers or toys in the ring. If bait is allowed, the Judge must allow food, squeakers, and toys equally in the ring. Bait must never be thrown or litter the ring. Any exhibitor found to be throwing bait or littering the ring surface may be subject to disciplinary action. 

https://www.ukcdogs.com/docs/rulebooks/2019-conformation-rulebook.pdf

There are many "show lead" options out there. We recommend a slip style or martingale style lead or collar, with a lead attached. We recommend NOT using a clip lead, but instead a lead with a loop that attaches to the collar. Clip leads can come open by accident when you are moving your hand down the lead. For safety loop lead attachments are the best. Using a "snake chain" or show chain collar is great, as well as sturdy nylon leads or other thin yet durable leads. The reason you want a thin but durable lead, is so that the lead does not detract from the outline of your dog. You want the lead to be the least visible possible, so that the dog is the main focus.
Be sure when buying a lead that it is rated or made specifically for the weight of your dog. Many people will buy pretty soft nylon leads that are not strong enough for their dog and end up stretching out. Look for leads with a strong core, with a specific test weight that is compatible with your dog's weight. 

All of our show premiums can be found on our website at: www.appleblossomkennels.com

All site specific information can be found in our show premium on our website at: www.appleblossomkennels.com

3-6 months

YES! Your neutered or spayed dog can enter into Altered classes. They receive the same titles as regular classes (ie. champion, grand champion etc.) and compete only against other spayed and neutered dogs. 

Spayed and neutered dogs can also enter into the veterans class if they meet the age requirements. 

A show catalog listing all of the dogs entered for the show will be published online after pre-entries close (usually 1-2 days after), and will also be published online on the day of the show after day of show entries close.

It will be published on our website and our Facebook group and Facebook page. 

- Requests received prior to pre-entry closing date will receive a voucher, to be used within one year. Entry fees will not refunded in the event the request is received after the pre-entry date, a dog is absent, disqualified , excused by the judge or veterinarian or barred from competition by action of the show committee.
- No fees will be refunded if the show cannot be open or be completed by reason of riots, civil disturbances, fire, extreme and/or dangerous weather conditions, an Act of God, public, or any other cause beyond the control of the show committee. Instead a voucher will be given.- Returned checks do not constitute a valid entry fee. The club will add a $55.00 fee for each returned check
- The show giving club, their agents, and employees, etc., assume no responsibility for any loss, damaged, or injury sustained by exhibitors, handlers, or any of their dogs or property.
- Dog MUST have a UKC registration or listing number to be entered.

Entry fees are determined by the cost of putting on the show. Those costs are significantly higher when we hire out of state judges. However, our club members have expressed their desire to have judges that are new and not frequently used in this area, therefore we pay higher show costs than many other clubs.

The following is a list of some (not all) of the costs associated with the show: 

-JUDGE EXPENSES (per show expense): travel expenses to and from their home to the airport prior to departure, airfare to our airport including baggage fees and insurance, food and drink on travel days, food and drink on show days, minimum 2 night hotel stay (3 night for international judges), 3 day car rental, gas for car rental, airfare back to their home airport, travel expense from their airport back to their home. Snacks and drinks while at the show. Any other necessities, specific requests to keep the judges comfortable, the judges feel, judges gifts. 
(Note: UKC only allows a conformation judge to judge 1 day at any event weekend. Most AKC judges, judge multiple days, at events. Therefore we incur more expenses due to the fact that we are flying in judges to judge only one show for that weekend.)

-START UP EXPENSES: There are a lot of startup expenses that we needed to purchase to startup these shows including mats, ring equipment, tables, clean up equipment, garbage, trailer to move the equipment, printer, printer ink, printer cart, plain paper, armband paper, judges hospitality carts, snacks and drinks for judges and ring steward carts, ribbon printers, heat foil stamps and dyes, glue guns, glue, staplers, staples, business stamps, pens, pencils, laptop, software, ribbons, additional materials for ribbons, junior prizes/gifts. That equipment was paid for with a small business loan that we will be paying back for many years. 

-OTHER CONTINUAL EXPENSES: all judge costs (per show expense), judges gifts (per show expense), rent for the facility (per show expense), clean up cost for facility (per show expense), additional hourly rate for service member to monitor event (per show expense), software (annual expense), website (monthly expense), sales & use taxes (per show expense), Fees to UKC to get the show on the calendar ($480 for a 3-day show) (per show expense), Fees to UKC after the show to process the paperwork (roughly $2000-$3000 for a 2-3 day show) (per show expense), Junior Prizes/Gifts required by UKC (per show expense), arm band paper (per show expense), regular paper (per show expense), ink for printer (per show expense), hospitality cart snacks and drinks for judges and stewards (per show expense), ring steward hire (per show expense), secretary hire (per show expense), mat tape (needed to purchase new for each show), cleaning supplies, garbage bags, paper towel, cleaning spray, sanitizer, wipes, etc. (per show expense), office supplies, paper, armband paper, pencils, pens, paperclip, etc. (per show expense), ribbons & ribbon supplies, base ribbons, ribbon rolls, embellishments, scissors, glue, staples (per show expense), other gifts and prizes for the show (per show expense)