Following are some important things to remember as PCA’s Show Committee and PCA exhibitors and spectators work together to have a great week of POODLES.

The American Kennel Club has firm rules regarding unentered dogs and underage dogs in the show building during show hours. This was clearly explained to me and other members of the show committee, at PCA 2001, by the attending AKC Rep. He listed these regulations and explained that the enforcement of them is THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SHOW GIVING CLUB. I hope ALL exhibitors and spectators understand that PCA is not arbitrary in enforcing AKC’s regulations. AKC regulations are for ALL exhibitors and must be enforced by PCA.

AFTER show hours is the time to bring out unentered stud dogs and those pups exhibitors have carefully kept “under wraps” or in their air conditioned vehicles all day. Yes, PCA is about evaluating stud dogs and their get and generally enjoying Poodles in ways that are inappropriate during published show hours. Everyone looks forward to this wonderful part of having the best Poodles on our continent in one place at the same time.

The piggy system will again be in operation – what a great addition that has been to the appearance of the Arena.

The Radisson in Annapolis, MD. Will again be our headquarters hotel. This is a nicely located hotel – very close to BWI – near historic attractions and wonderful restaurants. EVERYONE must do ALL possible to keep this establishment clean. Reminding people who are exercising dogs in designated areas to clean-up and showing those who do not know where exercise areas are located. Any Poodle “accident” that happens must be taken care of immediately – whether it was caused your dog or one belonging to someone else. Noise from Poodles left unattended MUST not be an issue – we cannot afford to annoy Radisson guests with our Poodles. Please be especially conscious of the need to be clean, courteous and quiet guests who just happen to have Poodles in their rooms! We want the Radisson to be proud to be PCA’s headquarters hotel. Most of our guests were very cooperative and barking dogs were the exception – not the rule.

As a reminder regarding Poodle trims and our various events: The only event we have that allows for a different trim than the four trims described in the Standard of the Breed and the modified version of the Continental trim is Veteran Sweepstakes. For Veteran Sweeps ONLY: Any clip WITH THE EXCEPTION OF DESIGNER OR GROOMING CONTEST CLIPS. Face and feet shaved. Ears may be tasseled, feathered or shaved. Tail may have pompom or short blanket of hair. NO FANCY ADORNMENTS (E.G. COLLARS, BOWS, BANDANNAS). No clip that would let the Poodle resemble any other breed.

I am reminding you of this because each year we have people enter in the Parade or Stud Dog or Brood Bitch class in trims that are not accepted by the Standard of the Breed. Those people cannot show their dogs. If you can help by passing this information along, it is appreciated.

Though PCA, 2004 is six months away, the Show Committee is already at work on the 72nd edition of THE GREATEST POODLE SHOW ON EARTH!

SEE YOU THERE