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Click on an individual topic to view it, or scroll
down to see them all. Included in this section are the
NCA philosophy on the following topics:
Philosophy
The National Canine Association (NCA) will conduct Dog Show Events
in a manner that will include the more desirable aspects of the present
conformation competition while eliminating most aspects that the majority
of owner exhibitors/professional handlers, judges, event-giving clubs
and rare breed clubs believe need improving. In addition, the NCA will
support the Purebred Rescue Dog and Mixed Breed Canine Companion participation
as part of our approved events.
The NCA is presently incorporated as a "for profit" Chapter
S corporation. The goal is that within five (5) years the NCA will go
public and be owned by the members and participants within the Sport.
Addressing the concerns of each of the above elements of the Sport:
One of the primary concerns of the average owner handler is that it
can be extremely difficult to win at Group and Best in Show levels. In
their minds, the top-winning 4% or 5% of the individuals (usually professional
handlers) in the Sport have a distinct advantage in competition with them.
The NCA understands that the perception is generally correct; that individuals
who are financially able to purchase a top dog, hire a top professional
handler and literally spend thousands of dollars advertising the dog,
do indeed have a very real and distinct advantage. This, of course, in
no way reflects adversely on the professional handlers, the dogs or the
individuals who have the financial means to do this. In the Sport today,
this small percentage of owners and professional handlers are often subject
to adverse comments. The criticism is unjust and unfounded; nonetheless,
it is a very real negative aspect of the Sport.
One of the national kennel clubs attempted to solve this problem by
not allowing the professional handlers to exhibit at their shows. The
NCA’s philosophy is quite different. We feel that the professional handlers,
the owners who employ them and the top specimens they exhibit are a very
important part of the Dog Game. We do not want to discourage the professional
handlers in any way from competing. Nor do we want to discourage the individuals
who have the financial means to employ the professionals to compete at
our shows. Quite the contrary, we will encourage these individuals to
participate. The professional handlers play a very important role in the
Sport. They do indeed have some of the top specimens in their breeds,
and the professionals do an outstanding job of presenting their dogs.
At the shows, beginners can learn various techniques, both in grooming
and handling, from observing the professionals at work. Most handlers
have a great attitude for the Sport and go out of their way to impart
their knowledge and expertise to the owner exhibitors. (For the record,
we are fully cognizant of the fact that a small percentage of owner exhibitors
are indeed capable of competing equally with the professionals. These
nationally recognized breeders and owner handlers may, and are encouraged
to, voluntarily compete with the professional handlers although under
the NCA definition, they may still be non-professionals.)
The NCA addresses this disparity between the owner exhibitors and
the professional handlers by providing "Two Tier Competition".
The owner exhibitors (Non-Professional Tier) will compete among themselves
at all levels from breed classes to Winners, Best of Breed, Group and
Best in
Show. Professional handlers (Professional Tier) will also compete
only among themselves at all levels. NCA's Rules and Regulations will,
however, provide for competition between the top owner exhibitor (non-professional)
and top professional handler at each level from Winners Dog/Bitch to Group
and Best in Show.
The NCA believes our judges play a vital role in the
success of our events. We feel it is essential that our judges have a
working knowledge of the rules governing the show events as well as extensive
knowledge of the breed(s) applied for. The NCA believes the average person
meeting the initial requirements to judge is capable of achieving Group
and multiple Group status in a reasonable amount of time. Having said
this, it is axiomatic that, as in all professions, there will be a wide
range of competency. The approval process will be simple and straightforward
and above all, fairly administered. We believe in the old adage, "The
cream will rise to the top." Judges, by their actions and demeanor,
will establish their reputation through the years. The NCA firmly believes
(as in every profession) peers should evaluate peers. The individuals
within the NCA responsible for evaluating and approving judges will themselves
have been judging a minimum of twenty (20) years. NCA’s policy is to assist
and help judges in every way possible and to treat them with respect and
fairness and as an important and equal member of the NCA team.
The NCA recognizes the requirements for central control
by a governing body to provide a registry as well as uniform rules and
regulations. At the same time, the NCA believes the affiliated partners
and associations should have an input as to the details of how their events
are put on. Most all-breed clubs believe their primary purpose is to put
on dog shows involving different forms of recognized competition within
the Sport. Activities such as education and rescue work should be on a
voluntary basis. The NCA believes the vast majority of the people in the
Sport are fully capable of doing what needs to be done in the way of community
projects and education such as helping with rescue work and other areas.
Most clubs resent being directed to do what they would otherwise do voluntarily.
Indeed, being ordered to participate takes away a good bit of the satisfaction
that humans customarily enjoy by volunteering their services and time.
There is a growing interest in the rare breeds being exhibited throughout
the world in recent years. The NCA will provide a venue for the rare breeds
to compete for national titles. This Group competition is in no way intended
to compete with the excellent rare breed shows put on throughout the country
by the dedicated and true pioneers and advocates of the rare breeds. Indeed,
if it were not for the hard work and efforts of these dedicated individuals,
the progress, acceptance of and increase in popularity of the rare breeds
would not have gained acceptance in the world of purebred dogs. The Sport
owes this select small group of individuals our gratitude. As an adjunct
to the approved breeds, the NCA offers a RARE BREED GROUP for all recognized
rare breeds listed in Attachment B. This will, for the first time, provide
rare breeds an opportunity to gain championship and other titles through
national all-breed events. Competition will be within the respective breeds
with breed winners as outlined and detailed in Chapter 5. Both the Non-Professional
and Professional Best of Breed winners in each breed will advance to Group,
and Group winners will advance to Best in Show. The NCA’s ground- breaking
format will guarantee that we will have a rare breed representative in
every Best in Show line up for both the Non-Professional and Professional
tiers.
Many individuals have asked about the recognition of their particular
rare breed pointing out that other registries have recognized them. The
deciding factor on when a rare breed will no longer compete in the Rare
Breed Group and be placed into one of the other NCA Groups and competing
therein will be contingent on the consistent increased number of entries
at NCA all-breed events and a request from the parent club for an approval
of recognition to be placed in one of the other Groups by the NCA.
All rare breeds will compete among themselves in their respective breed
at breed level. The major change at NCA events for rare breeds will be,
rather than compete in the regular Groups in competition with the better
known and larger entry breeds, the rare breeds will compete among themselves
in the Rare Breed Group (GROUP VIII). This provision will afford rare
breeds the additional opportunity to gain championship points by Group
placing' 1st through 4th. The NCA believes this
unique procedure will provide a very desirable venue for the rare breeds
and further provide exposure and enhance the knowledge of other dog fanciers
of these rare breeds.
The NCA believes all dogs are created equal. The NCA has established
competition at its events for the Purebred Companion Dog. The two (2)
categories for the purebred companion dog are:
- PUREBRED RESCUE DOGS - The NCA believes the individuals who own
rescue dogs deserve special recognition and accommodations to meet their
desire to participate in NCA events. The NCA has established a special
registry and competition for these purebred dogs.
- PUREBRED DOGS WHO CANNOT BE SHOWN IN THE REGULAR CLASSES - There
are a number of reasons why a properly registered purebred dog cannot
be shown in the regular classes for competition. Additionally, an owner
may realize that their particular dog is not up to competing in the
regular show classes.
At NCA events, a special class for these purebred rescue dogs is established
as the Purebred Companion Dog Class to include both dogs and bitches.
Normally, there will be one class; however, if the number of entries within
the Purebred Companion Dog class warrant, this class will be separated
by Group. When classes for these dogs are separated by Group, the Group
winners will then compete for Best in Show Purebred Companion Dog. No
championship points will be awarded; however, points for a "Recognition
of Achievement" certificate will be awarded to those purebred companion
dogs fulfilling the requirements listed in Chapter 5, Section 5.
Mixed
Breed Canine Companions
The NCA believes the Sport has unknowingly erred by ostracizing a large
segment of the dog lovers throughout the country, and indeed the world.
We make reference to the millions of mixed breed canine pets owned, loved
and cared for by individuals from all walks of life and all ages. These
canine companions are loved and cherished by their owners to the same
extent as today’s purebred breeders and dog show exhibitors love and cherish
their show dogs. By keeping pet owners at a distance, we have no platform
from which to communicate with them. The NCA believes it would be prudent
to bring this segment of the dog lovers into the world of the registered
pure breeds and rare breeds. The NCA encourages affiliated associations
to invite pet owners to NCA events and to provide a show ring devoted
to special classes for canine companions similar to the various events
held throughout the country at the local malls and fairs. The big difference
at NCA events is that pet owners will be surrounded by purebreds and rare
breeds whose owners will be available to talk to and visit with. In all
likelihood, their next dog would be a purebred. Through positive experiences
and exposure to the show world, we can educate the pet owners rather than
have the more radical elements of the animal society address them. Examples
of the fun classes could be: the dog with the most coat, curliest coat,
healthiest coat; the dog with the curliest tail, longest tail, bushiest
tail; the dog with the best movement; the dog that performs the most interesting
single trick or service. Ribbons and/or merchant-sponsored prizes should
be awarded for these classes. The NCA encourages a "finals"
event for Best Mixed Breed Canine Companion. This class need not be judged
by an approved NCA judge; rather, it is encouraged to have a local well-known
person to adjudicate this class, i.e. a local TV news or weather announcer
or sports figure, etc.
The NCA strongly encourages junior showmanship, obedience,
flyball, freestyle, agility, utility, herding demonstrations or other
events that might prove interesting and entertaining for the general public.
The NCA will compile and furnish a list of suggested events and formats
for the consideration of local canine associations. These events will
be incorporated into NCA’s Rules and Regulations as they are promulgated.
Affiliated Canine Associations — Any organization approved by the NCA
to hold NCA events.
NCA Sanctioned Event — Any event approved by the NCA at which NCA
championship points or other titles are awarded. Competitions may be held
by NCA affiliated associations or by the NCA itself.
Non-Professional Handler — An Non-Professional is an individual who
has NOT been paid in any manner to actually handle or act as
agent for any dog or has NOT been listed as a handler or agent;
however, they may be reimbursed for expenses only for handling
a dog. In keeping with the true spirit and intent of NCA’s two-tier system,
any non-professional handler, due to their prominence and years of experience
in the breed, may elect to enter and compete in the professional classes
and are encouraged to do so.
Professional Handler — A Professional handler is an individual who
has, in the past, or is currently accepting a fee for handling or acting
as agent for any dog, including dogs owned, co-owned or bred by them.
Being reimbursed partially, or in full, for expenses only encountered
in handling a dog for a family member, friend or associate does not constitute
being a professional handler. ALL APPROVED JUDGES IN ANY KENNEL CLUB OR
REGISTRY WHO EXHIBIT DOGS MUST EXHIBIT IN THE PROFESSIONAL TIER.
Recognized Registry — Any national or international kennel club, canine
association or rare breed association or club that has been recognized
by the NCA. See Attachment A.
Registration — The recording of a dog into the official registry of
the NCA.
NCA Title — Any championship title, certificate of outstanding merit
or any other certificate of achievement awarded by the NCA to a dog.
Event Announcement — The official announcement of an NCA event.
Event Schedule — The official program and schedule of an NCA event.
Event Catalog — The official detailed listing of the event including
the event's schedule officials and entrants.
Owner — The individual listed on the NCA registration papers as the
owner of the dog.
Limited Registration — A purebred dog which may NOT be bred
or ever registered as a sire or dam for an NCA registered litter.
Purebred Companion Dog — Comprised of two (2) categories of purebred
dogs:
- Purebred Rescue Dogs (see definition "n" below)
- Purebred Dogs eligible for purebred dog registration, but are
either not up to or are ineligible to be exhibited in the regular
classes.
Purebred Rescue Dog — Purebred dogs ineligible for purebred dog registration
due to unknown parentage or other reasons.
Mixed Breed Canine Companion — A dog registered with the NCA as a
mixed breed (non-pure) dog.
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