Herding Instinct Tests - September 17-19, 2016

Have you ever wondered whether your Briard could herd sheep?  The time to find out is fast approaching. Mark your calendars for September 17, 18 & 19.  

The Pacific Northwest Herding Club is hosting Briard-only Herding Instinct Tests at PackLeader Farm in Gig Harbor WA.  Testing will be offered on Saturday and Sunday so that an AKC Certificate can be earned.  The entry fee for this event is $40 per test and must be made in advance. This event is also an all-breed herding trial with supported entries for Briards.  If you want to learn more about herding this is a great event to plan to attend.  

On Monday, September 19, the Briard Club of America (BCA) is hosting Briard-only Herding instinct Tests at Brigands Hideout in Battleground WA.  BCA Certificates will be awarded to those who who pass.  The evaluator is Vickie Swarowski DVM.  The entry fee for this event is $40.

The Herding Instinct Test is the non-competitive (pass/fail) initial test.  The purpose of non-competitive herding tests is to offer owners of herding breeds a standardized gauge by which a dog’s basic instinct and trainability are measured. The dog needs no training before entering this class and may be handled by the judge, owner or designated handler. The judge is looking for the dog’s ability to move and control livestock by fetching or driving.

BCA membership is not required to attend these events.  For more information, contact Gabrielle LaRoche.

JOIN US SEPTEMBER 17-25th, 2016!!!

We invite you to join us in Portland, OR!!!  The BCA Specialty is fast approaching!  The deadline to reserve your room at the Event’s special rate is August 28^th, 2016!!!  Call now to make your reservations!!

The Specialty will be at the Portland Airport Holiday Inn.  The rooms are $109 per night and there is a one-time pet fee of $35.  To make reservations by phone call toll free, 1-855-642-6271, or hotel direct (Monday-Friday), 503-256-5000. Ask for the Briard Club of America National Specialty Group Rate or click the link below. The Group Code is DOG.

Don't forget that you  can demonstrate your support for the Club and the Specialty by placing a catalog ad, sponsoring a trophy, or participating in any of the ongoing fundraisers.  New this week - Specialty Logo t-shirts and other apparel.

Please visit the website to see more information on the Specialty.  http://www.2016bcaspecialty.com/index.html

We look forward to seeing you in Portland!!!!

Tracy Thorleifson,

2016 National Specialty Co-Chair 

2016 Specialty Volunteers Needed

Hi Folks -

Putting on a national specialty takes  a village.  There are many things that need to be done at the Specialty itself, as well as other tasks that need to be accomplished ahead of time.

Here are some of the things we need help with:

1)  Freebies for the Welcome Bag.  Does your workplace have free stuff that it gives out to the public?  Can you procure 125 to 150 items for stuffing in our welcome bags?  (Traditionally, everyone who comes to the Specialty gets a welcome bag with goodies both doggie and human.)  Do you know any business owners who would be willing to donate?  Anyone have special connections with pet stores in the Portland area?

2) Speaking of welcome bags, does anyone have a connection an inexpensive source for the bags themselves that we can print our logo on?  In past years they have ranged from backpacks to canvas bags to other tote-type bags.  

3) Does anyone have the ability to (or access to someone who does) to cut small (12" or less) Briard silhouettes from a piece of plywood?  This would be for a fundraiser -- we would send out the silhouettes to artistic club members for decoration and then sell the decorated Briards in a silent auction.  They did this a few years ago and the range of decorations that people used was amazing.  But in order to do this, we need to find someone to make the silhouettes (we can provide the template)

4) Fundraising generally -- we need help.  If you have a great idea for a fundraiser, share it now!  And if you see a fundraiser announced, please support it!

5) Welcome table and staffing -- at every specialty there is a welcome table where people can get their Welcome bags, check out the schedules, sign up for events, etc.  It needs organizing and staffing.

6) Groundskeeping -- if you want to earn extra cosmic brownie points, and have some time -- or maybe some energetic teenagers -- we need to have someone in charge of poop patrol.  I promise this will not be a thankless job.  Making sure that poop bags, scoops, and buckets are placed throughout the grounds is critical.  

7) Hospitality Suite -- we need a volunteer to organize the hospitality suite,  At the Holiday Inn it will be a suite on an upper floor of the hotel.  

8)  A tourist excursion -- is there anything fun to do in Portland (like a river tour or Multnomah falls or the Rose Garden) that could be planned for anyone interested on Monday or Tuesday evening?  We would not be subsidizing this, but it might be fun if it were made available to out-of-town attendees (without their dogs).  Can someone research prices and options?

There's lots of other stuff to be done too, so if you don't see something you are interested in or have time to do right now, please let me, Carol Wolfram, or Gabrielle LaRoche know.  We can use your help!

Thanks all.  Give your puppies an extra cookie tonight from me.

Tracy Thorleifson, 2016 Specialty Co-Chair

tthorleif@aol.com

2016 National Specialty in Portland!

Hi Folks -

 

The 2016 Briard Club of America  National Specialty will be in Portland at the Airport Holiday Inn Conference Center.  It will be DURING THE WEEK, Tuesday through Friday September 19-23, with a Regional Specialty Show on Wednesday, Sweeps and Obedience on Thursday, and the Specialty itself on Friday.  We also hope to have supported entries at the Centralia and Gig Harbor shows on the weekends prior to and following the Specialty, so there will be lots of opportunities for points.

 

If you need to plan your vacations in advance, now is the time to reserve that week for dog stuff!  And start saving your pennies for entry fees!

 

For those of you who do not show your dogs in the "beauty contest" it is still a great way to come see the biggest assemblage of Briards in one place in the Pacific NW.  It is a lot of fun and you and your dogs are all welcome!  There will be much Briards fun to be had, and you can hang out with other Briard owners, meet other Briards, and even buy -- or win - Briard-related items.  There will also be a herding instinct test in nearby Vancouver WA that is fun for everyone.

 

Mark your calendars now! 

 

Tracy Thorleifson

tthorleif@aol.com

Briard Rescue Trust 2014 Calendar Photo Contest

Thank you!

Thanks to everyone who supported the Briard Rescue Trust Fundraiser.  We have an additional $681 to help people who help Briards through financial support and education! Celebrate the season! Enjoy your Briards and gardens!

Gabrielle LaRoche,
Briard Rescue Trustee

2013 Spring Flower Power Fundraiser Supporters:

 CM Arras, Kirsten Becker, Debi Bernardi, Angie Bixler, Colleen Brent, Janis Carpenter, Andy McGregor, Barbara Galecki, Lana Ginnis, Becky Goodwin, Melody Hanson, Constance Hardy, Nancy Kalish, Sarah Kephart, Gabrielle LaRoche, Elizabeth LaRue, Lorraine Nettles, Gail Oneal, Denise Partyka, Lynda Ronell, M SuDock, Erika Swerling, Sonia Thompson, Tracy Thorleifson, Maureen Visnicky, Judy Withee

Briard Rescue Trust's 2012 Fundraiser "Briards & Mystery"

For our Grand Prize, Jeffery Deaver has graciously offered to donate a name of your choosing as a character in his upcoming book. We also have several other nice prizes, including a framed and signed print of original artwork of briards and sheep by Connie Hardy. Tickets are available starting at 1 for $5, 5 for $20 to as many as you want and are on sale now on our website @ http://www.briardrescuetrust.org/Jeffery_Deaver_Raffle.html or from Gabrielle in person, via email, or snail mail. The website accepts both Credit Cards and PayPal . All proceeds will go to support Briards in need of our help. The raffle will be held in Pittsburg at the Annual Banquet. However you do not need to be present to win. All prizes can be mailed.

We appreciate your support for this very worthy cause.

Thank You, From all of us on The Briard Rescue Trust.

Elle & Ranger's Puppies

Judy Meggitt is proud to announce the arrival of 8 lovely black puppies: 6 girls and 2 boys. The puppies were born October 5 and were all 15 oz or greater and thriving! Parents have good hips and knees and are night blindness clear. Elle is a champion and Ranger is currently pointed out. For more information, contact Judy at jmeggitt@soundandsea.com

Small Brag & Big Life Lesson

~ submitted by Tracy Thorliefson

Ellie qualified in Rally Advanced and Excellent both days at the Olympic Kennel Club dog shows in Enumclaw this past weekend. She had scores of 98, 97, 96 and 95 and in one class of 21 dogs placed third. With these "q's" Ellie earned the RAE title.

This is not a particularly difficult title to achieve, you just have to double qualify in both Advanced and Excellent ten times. Last fall, when I realized that Ellie already had 8 legs, I decided that we might as well go for the title. She would be 10 in January, but still loved to play at obedience. I started taking her to Rally class with Griffey and she had a ball. (Plentiful amounts of cookies are involved so what's not to love?) I looked at the upcoming show schedule and planned to enter her at the Seattle Kennel Club shows in March.

Then, in February, she was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma. She had surgery (her tumor-ridden spleen was removed) and then she had chemotherapy. While having chemo she was prohibited from going to dog class because chemo suppresses the immune system. Other than losing all her hair, she tolerated chemo really well. Nonetheless, I never thought that she would go to a dog show again, much less compete.

But Ellie finished chemo and seems to be doing really well -- eating, playing with Griffey, barking at the neighbor dogs and hogging the bed. I took her back to Rally class, where despite some foggy moments she showed she still remembered what "heel" means. So, I decided to enter her at the Enumclaw shows. Why not try for one last title?

We went, we competed, and we qualified -- title earned and goal achieved. But doing this with Ellie, under these circumstances, felt totally different than past shows and rally trials. I can get impatient or exasperated at stupid mistakes (mine and whatever dog I'm with), rue the lost points, plan the next training strategy, and focus on how to get better next time. That didn't happen this weekend. I was pleased with the decent scores and thrilled with the third place in such a big class, but mostly I was just grateful to be there, with Ellie, one last time. I appreciated her and her efforts and was happy with what we accomplished. So -- small brag but big life lesson. Remember to appreciate each moment for what it is and be happy that your dog is there to share it with you.

God willing, I will have Ellie with me for many more months/years. I hope that I will remember the life lesson for just as long.

Go hug your dog(s) tonight and be glad that they share your life. I know I'm just a little more mindful about how grateful I am for their companionship today than I was last week.

BCA 2011 National Update

Dear Fellow Briarders,

We know you are anxious for information on the 2011 BCA National in Greensboro, NC, and the show committee has been working to fill in all necessary details that will enable you to make your plans accordingly. We are appreciative that so many of you are willing to work on bringing the National to fruition . Due to the fact that we are working within an infrastructure of multiple all-breed shows, some events will be offered by the all-breed clubs.

The host hotel will be the Clarion Greensboro Airport Hotel(http://www.clariongreensboro.com/). The room rate is $74 per night, including a full hot breakfast each morning. The hotel has a shuttle service to and from the airport(including dogs)There is motorhome parking available, and the hotel management is looking to provide us with a hot water bathing area. The hotel is approximately 15 minutes from the all-breed show site, where there will be 5 days of shows prior to the National. The show committee will assist anyone needing rides back and forth to the show events. There will be extra crates available on site for those who might need them, and we will have an area for grooming reserved for Briards.

The schedule of all-breed, agility, and the specialty events is as follows. PLEASE NOTE that the all-breed shows are at the Greensboro Coliseum. The National will take place at the host hotel, the Clarion Greensboro Airport .

ALL-BREED DOG SHOWS: MB-F Superintendent(REGULAR CLOSING DATE of JULY 27, 2011)

Wednesday, August 10, 2011 : Danville Kennel Club
Thursday, August 11, 2011 Danville Kennel Club

• Special Events: Puppy Group 8/10, Bred-by Group 8/11

Friday, August 12, 2011 Greater Hickory Kennel Club - Briard Club of America Supported Show, hosted by Atlantic States Briard Club

• Special Events: Sweepstakes(pending approval), Puppy Group

Saturday, August 13, 2011 Carolina Kennel Club - Briard Club of America Supported Show

• Special Events: Puppy Group, CERF and Cardiac Clinic, CGC

Sunday, August 14, 2011 Carolina Kennel Club - Briard Club of America Supported Show

• Special Events: Puppy Group

List of judges (Pending AKC Approval) :

• 8/10 Capt. William Daugherty(CT)
• 8/11 Mr. Kenneth Rayner(NJ)
• 8/12 Mrs. Cathy Daugherty(CT)
• 8/13 Mrs. Sheila Cann(ENGLAND
• 8/14 Ms. Virginia Lyne(CANADA)

A brief background of the judges at the all-breed shows:

Captain and Mrs. Daugherty are breeders of Belgian Sheepdogs for 30 plus years, and have judged and exhibited in the US , Canada, and internationally. Mr. Kenneth Rayner has a long and successful history in German Shepherd Dogs, as a member of a family immersed in the fancy. Mrs. Sheila Cann has been involved in Briards virtually since their recognition in England, and has judged both club shows there, as well at Crufts. She judged the 1996 MOBC Regional, and has attended 5 BCA Nationals. Ms. Virginia Lyne is a popular all-rounder from across the border, a successful breeder of her chosen breed, the English Cocker Spaniel, and judged all over the world, and received a high number of votes in the 2011 judges balloting.

NATIONAL SPECIALTY -Caper Dog Shows Superintendent(EARLY CLOSING DATE JULY 20, 2011)

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Monday, August 15, 2011

• AM: Obedience/Rally - Judge: Mr. Ted McCall, NC (pending AKC approval)
• PM: Puppy and Veteran Sweepstakes - Judge: Michele De Tour, MA (pending AKC approval
• PM: All Parade Events After Sweepstakes

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

• AM - Judge Mr. Stanley Saltzman, CT (pending AKC approval) - All Regular /Non-Regular Classes for dogs/bitches
• There will be a 2 hour break before breed, stud dog, brood bitches, and brace
• Junior Showmanship: Mr. Larry Sorensen (pending AKC)

Wednesday, August 17, 2011 BCA Herding Instinct Test
              Tester: Gerard Baude
              Norton, NC

AGILITY TRIALS

Thursday, August 11, 2011- All-Breed Agility Trials, Concord, NC
Sunday, August 14, 2011 Carrabus Center

ACTIVITIES FOR THE NATIONAL:
Friday: BMT Speaker
Saturday: Educational Evening for Members
Sunday: Judges Education (Afternoon), Annual Meeting PM
Monday: Awards Banquet
Tuesday: Briart after completion of judging

Others events are in planning, but among them are a puppy match, a charity miniature golf tournament, a charity golf match for the real golfers among us!

A website will be up shortly which you will be able to visit for updates on the planned events.
We look forward to seeing you in August, and thank you in advance for your participation and efforts in making the National an enjoyable and successful event.

Sincerely, Joshua Greenberg, Show Chair 2011 BCA National

Save the Dates - Oct. 29-31!

~ submitted by Lynda Ronell California Briarders are trying to get an entry together for the BCNC designated Specialty in Dixon, CA. It is held with the Northern CA Herding Group Show Oct. 29 Judge is Atilla Soos. Oct. 30 Judge: Anitra Kuneo Oct. 31 Judge: Joyce Vanek

BCA Supported Entry

The Pacific Northwest Herding Club is holding a herding trial on October. The BCA is supporting the entries of Briards on Sunday October 3rd.   Information on the trial can be found here: http://pnwherding.blogspot.com/

Quarterly Update of NW Briard Accomplishments

~ from Gail Oneal Dara got her second leg for her JHD title and Emmy got her first leg and second place towards her HRD title in the Inland Empire Collie Club AHBA trial.

Mother's Day Puppies!

Ch. Nightwind's Instant Winner - "Ivan" (OFA Good, Thyroid normal) X Radieux's And The Winner Is HSAs - "Emmy" (pointed, OFA Excellent, Thyroid normal).  This was a frozen semen breeding so Gail Oneal is especially happy to report that 9 puppies were born Mother's Day: 2 boys and 7 girls.   PNWBC members will recall that Ivan was owned by Pat and Sandy Parsons and shown to his championship by Gail in the late 90's. Gail may be contacted via email at gailoneal@q.com

Pacific Northwest Briard Club Dinner

WHAT
An early dinner and informal meeting of the Pacific Northwest Briard Club

WHEN
Sunday, January 17 from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm - following the herding group judging

WHERE
Charlies Restaurant is located at 113 E Main Puyallup, WA. Phone: 253-845-0588

For more information contact Gabrielle

New Briard in the Northwest!

Submitted by Sally Lewis ~ Austyn (photo at left) is now almost 4 months old. She was born Sept 12th. She comes from Aladax Briards, as does her Uncle Jordan. Her dad is Ivy, who is from Portland, Oregon. He is originally from the Czech Republic. Austyn is such a character - a bundle of enrgy and curiosity! She just loves her Uncle Jordan! Austyn's mom is Jordan's half sister. Jordan will be 2 in April!
Austyn and Jordan (above) - classic briards -doing what they do best - couch potatos!!!!! Jordan is pictured (below) in the back yard and standing at the gate waiting to go run thru the barn to the back pasture where he LOVES to play ball!!! Jordan and Austyn are lucky to have 10 acres in Ferndale WA to romp and play. Rumor has it that sheep could be added tp the mix....

New Canadian Champion

submitted by Romy Wood ~ Good news! Rio, “Ne Orageux Assiniboine Admirer” finished his Canadian Championship with a Second in Group placing at the West Kootenay Kennel Club show in Castlegar, August 22! He won the Group at that show two years ago.
We also went to the Cranbrook Kennel Club show the following weekend, but no luck there. Most everywhere we go Rio is the only Briard. The Cranbrook show is at a new venue, beautiful mountain views and lots of space for camping. Maybe we could talk some members from the Spokane and area region into coming over the border next year?
Warm greetings from the East Kootenays!!!

Welcome New Member Chris Marshall

Chris has Callisto (above) who he obtained her from Lebec Briards in California six years ago when he lived in Chicago. He now live in Corvallis Oregon and both Callisto and he love it. He doesn’t show her (she’s not show quality) but he certainly shows her off in public…and she loves attention. She’s well behaved but has never received formal herding training – just obedience training. Callisto and Chris are too busy hiking and travelling around the Pacific Northwest to head to many dog related events, but he thought it’d be fun to know what was going on around here just in case. Oh…her name: She’s named after a greek nymph who (like many unfortunate characters in mythology was tricked into sleeping with Zeus and summarily punished…in Callisto’s case: she was turned into a bear) – you can read about it http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callisto_(mythology. At left is picture of Callisto as a puppy (at that time, she was a little scared of water…although now she LOVES swimming). When Chris is not hiking and traveling with Callisto he serves as the Curator & Collections Manager, Cordley Hall, Zoology Department, Oregon State University.

Bastille Day Puppies!

Ch. Popsakadoo Deja Vu Bono (OFA Good) X Ch. Bijou All Flash No Cash, CDX, HSc, HSAs, OA, NAJ, RA (OFA Exc)Tessa/Bono puppies are here! 6 boys.... ...and 1 girl (below, no collar) at last!Carol reports that Tessa is a great 1st-time mom and that all 7 are happy and healthy! For more on the litter and the parents go to Bijou Briards.

Welcome New Member Kristl Lemieux!

Kristl Lemieux is a new Briard owner. She owns Destin or Voila étoile montante destinée. He is her first Briard, the dream dog that she waited 20 years for. Kristl is a groomer in Great Falls Mt, and has wanted to show dogs for years and finally took the plunge. She plans on doing conformation and herding eventually agility and obedience. Destin is out of CH Bigtree-ACT All About Love and Multi. CH Massai Mara de Los Niegos. She is so excited to show him. Kristl knows getting points will be hard so she figured joining a group like this will help her figure out what shows people will be at. She says she is ready to travel and really looks forward to any help and meeting people at the shows!!!!