We were at an All Breed two years ago that attracts a lot of GSD because of ring size and judges. There was an All Breed handler there that was helping out with GSD's... and all during the day he loudly and laughingly gave the GSD exhibitors a hard time over what they pay handlers for the GSD Breed. He pretty much called us all STOOPID...... He said we are paying a handler so you can have a better shot at winning....then you pay a bonus for winning.....so you are actually being 'penalized' financially for winning. Good point. <G> We have always used new upcoming handlers. Seems no one will give them a good dog......until someone DOES!! Carolyn marhaven@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx www.marhaven.com From: "" <dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> (Redacted sender "campaignersgsd@xxxxxxxxx" for DMARC) Subject: Re: [ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: 'Other Breed' Specialty closed due to maxed out entries One of the biggest reasons for lower entries are the handlers fees. A/B handlers that show many breeds are allot cheaper than our GS Specialty handlers and the expenses are allot less. It would be nice if people used the "new" handlers more but few are willing to take the chance as so many judges look at the "faces" in the ring. Honestly, as the handlers that we all recognize are becoming fewer and fewer and they do not move like years ago this will have to change. LOL Joan Joan F. Fox 17500 Haskins Rd. Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023 tel: 440-759-4119 http://www.campaignersgsds.com <http://www.campaignersgsds.com/> On Friday, January 16, 2015 9:30 PM, Hickoryhill <hickoryhillgsd1@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: Carolyn I think much of what you cite is true for many. However it has been argued on many occasions on this List that the 'economy" is major factor in the dwindling of the GSD entry. The economy pertains to all, not just to the GSD exhibitor and it doesn't seem to be affecting the entries of many other breeds . CG It really never matters to me howmany Labs or other Breeds fill their rings. I would never give up GSD's just so I could handle in the show ring. This IS the Breed!! <G> I think we cannot ever judge our Breed by another Breed. I am sure they have their share of popular judges, popular show venues, time of year....nice indoor ring, or nice outdoor ring...whichever they prefer that attracts them...or 'cyles of Breed popularity'.Same syndromes we have with our Breed. Does it really matter that they outnumberus? Do wereally want a GSD that moves like a Golden? YEP...we definitely have some issues with how our Breed is shown. At times it makes it really really tough to compete. That our GSD shows and Clubs are failing IS a major concern. But personally I love to watch a great German Shepherd Dog gaiteasily around a BIG ring with an attitude of loving it, and the desire to go again. YEP...it is difficult for some of us to show them that way....and YEP...someone my age can no longer keep up. Actually most of us breed dogs we CANNOT keep up with anyway. <G> I'm grateful for handlers to take them and keep up with them.We can't change the breed or show venue because WE age! <G> It's gratifying to us to see our dog perform at its best and happy in the ring showing off side gait and quality the way we've trained them with a handler that allows them to show that way. I don't care to watch a long striding GSD in a small ring....especially indoors. Just is not what I want to do or watch. That's just me....Some choose to send their dogs away....some prefer All Breeds....I can't do either....but I cannot criticize that either. Their choice......your choice...... my choice. Carolyn marhaven@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx On Behalf Of Ruth Scheubler To: suzannejambe@xxxxxxxxxxx; DaList Subject: [ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: Specialty closed due to maxed out entries The entries for Labs are large here also and so many of the dogs are owner handled. The style of showing our breed has evolved into something that most owners can't take part in. It is not as much fun sending your dog off to a pro to condition and show while you have no part in it other than signing checks. Most people get involved in dog events because they want something they can do with their dog and we are rapidly leaving them all to find other breeds. Been to a Siberian Specialty lately? Almost all of the dogs are shown in Bred By and their breeders are generally amateur handlers. Ruth On Thu, Jan 15, 2015 at 7:09