Age

1.     Exhibitors must be aged 8-19 as of January 1st of the current year to participate in the show.

2.     Youth ages 5-7 years of age as of January 1st of the current year must participate in the Cloverbud Division.

 

Eligibility

1. Exhibitors are limited to showing 2 dogs as long as they are not in the ring at the same time.

2. The same dog may be shown and shared by family members if they are not in the ring at the same time.

3. Cloverbuds may use an older senior exhibitor’s dog if they are their mentor.

4. Obedience, Rally and Showmanship classes puppies must be 6 months of age or older. For Agility class, AKC/UKC/CPE require dogs to be 15 months or older for agility.

5. Females in season will not be allowed to show.

6. All exhibitors are required to show in Showmanship to be eligible for any other class.

7. All exhibitors must turn in a Dog Project Record book to be eligible to show along with a dog project $20 registration fee.

 

Vaccination Policy

1. The MCFA Dog Committee will enforce the Michigan State 4-H State Dog Show Vaccination Policy at all dog shows we sponsor.  Below is an excerpt from the 2018 Michigan 4-H State Dog Show Vaccination Policy for your reference, any new versions of this policy will take precedence.

2. Michigan State 4-H Dog Show Vaccination Policy (replace Michigan 4-H State Dog Show with MCFA Dog Shows)

 

In order to participate in the MCFA Dog Shows, exhibitors are required to provide proof of up-to-date immunizations for all dogs entered for rabies, distemper virus, parvovirus and adenovirus (hepatitis).  Rabies vaccination is required by Federal Law and must be administered by a licensed veterinarian. The remaining three vaccinations are considered core vaccinations by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and are vital to maintaining the health of our canine population. By definition from AAHA, core vaccinations are those that “all dogs should receive in one form or another.”

 

Prior to exposure to other dogs, exhibitors are recommended to have their dogs vaccinated for Leptospirosis and Bordetella (Kennel Cough).

 

Proof of up-to-date immunizations can be met by one of the following:

• Copy of veterinarian records clearly showing both rabies and core vaccination with a due date for next vaccinations following the date of the State 4-H dog show. A titer test by a veterinarian showing acceptable level of immunity is also acceptable.

• A combination of a rabies certificate from a veterinarian showing due date after the dog show AND owners vaccination records of core vaccinations.  The only acceptable proof of owner-administered core vaccinations is a copy of the label from the vaccine vial, along with date administered. All home vaccinations will only be valid for one year from the time the vaccines are given.

• Exceptions to the above are only accepted in the case of a veterinarian certifying they do not recommend vaccines for a specific dog for health reasons. Such cases will be verified by the MCFA Dog Committee and are subject to approval.

 

Dress Code

1. The MCFA Dog Committee will enforce the Michigan State 4-H State Dog Show Dress Code at all dog shows we sponsor.  Below is the 2018 Michigan 4-H State Dog Show Dress Code for your reference, any new versions of this policy will take precedence.

2. Any clothing which draws undue attention to one’s self, or clothing that may distract other

handlers, spectators, or the judges(s), is unacceptable.

• Halter tops, low-cut blouses or sweaters, shorts, hats, mini-skirts, denim of any type, style or

color, and bare mid-drifts are NOT ACCEPTABLE IN ANY CLASS.

• Skirts/culottes shorter than fingertip length are not allowed.

• Flat shoes such as tennis shoes, should be worn by all exhibitors. Sandals, high heels, or boots

are not recommended.

• Long hair should be tied back. Jewelry that makes noise or interfere with handling should be

avoided. No clothing with club name, personal identification, or Logos or other printed words or saying will be allowed.

• For Junior Showmanship, females should consider wearing skirts, culottes, dresses or jumpers

(with appropriate tops) no shorter than fingertip length (Dress slacks are acceptable).

• For Junior Showmanship, males should consider wearing dress slacks and a shirt and tie or

turtleneck (Jackets or suits are optional).

• For Obedience, dress slacks are acceptable.

• For Agility, athletic attire including shorts that are at least fingertip length, polo shirts or t-shirts free from club name, personal identification, or logos or other printed words or sayings are acceptable.

• Clothing should be neat and free from wrinkles.

• If at any time the judge feels your attire is not appropriate, it may reflect on your placing.

 

Judging and Awards Procedures

1. The order of the classes for a particular ring will be posted at the entrance to that ring.  It is the exhibitor's responsibility to be at ringside when their class is called.

2. Exhibitors must contact show superintendent with possible ring conflicts 24 hours before the show however it is the judge's discretion to hold classes for exhibitors with conflicts with animals in other rings.

3. Dogs may be excused from a class by the judge for lameness, aggressive or uncontrolled behavior (see other rules).  Exhibitors may be excused for lack of adequate control of their dog or unnecessary roughness in handling of their dog.  Once a dog or handler is excused from any class, they may not show in other classes.

4. Judges decisions are final.

5. Participants, parents, leaders and others are not allowed to speak or ask questions of the judge during judging, unless a judge asks someone a question.

6. All awards will be handed out at the conclusion of a class at ring side for obedience; rally and agility after total scores have been tallied. All other classes will continue to run while previous scores are being tallied. Placings will be announced at an appropriate time between and after classes.

7. Showmanship awards will be given in the ring.

8. 1st – 5th place ribbons in all classes.

9. Championships in Showmanship will be run off in the ring.

 

Dog Show Volunteer Expectations

1. It is expected that each club will participate in the activities required to run the Dog Show this includes setup, tear down and ring stewards.

 

Other Rules

1. All dogs will be required to wear proper equipment for each class entered.  See class descriptions for explanation of appropriate collars and leashes.

2. All dogs will be expected to display good behavior.  Dogs who show signs of aggression toward other dogs, the handler, the judge or spectators (ie hard staring, stalking, lunging, excessive/prolonged growling and or barking, snapping or biting) will be excused without exception.

3. Proper care and treatment of animals will be accorded at all times.  Handlers who fail to demonstrate a safe level of control over their dog will not be allowed to show and will be excused (ie dog drags handler, handler unable to keep dog from approaching other handlers, people or dogs).  Any handler who displays unnecessary roughness or unusually harsh and/or sustained corrections in the handling of their dog may be excused.

4. All exhibitors must complete a Dog Project Record Book and turn in with Dog Registration by June 15th.

5.     Non-Qualifying (NQ) scores in any classes will be placed after all qualifying scores.

6.     In Obedience, Rally and Agility, exhibitors must move up to the next level either by obtaining 3 Q’s or reaching the number of years limit. The exhibitor can choose which qualifying criteria best fits their situation.

a.      Beginner Classes - 3 Q’s or 3 years.

                                i.      Obedience - Beginner Novice and Pre-Novice

                                ii.     Rally - Novice

                                iii.    Agility - Beginner

b.     Above Beginner Classes - 3 Q’s or 4 years

i.      Obedience - Novice and above

ii.     Rally - Intermediate and above

iii.    Agility - Intermediate and above

7.     High in Trial Novice “Cooper’s Dogs are Pawesome” Award sponsored by Ally Kucks: a traveling trophy awarded to the Novice dog & handler team with overall highest points in beginner agility off leash (not Jumpers), novice rally and beginner novice/pre-novice obedience.

8.     High in Trial “Luv So Tru” Award sponsored by Addison Walstra and Rhonda Temple (WinRock Shelties) : a traveling trophy awarded to the dog & handler team with the overall highest points in off leash agility (not Jumpers), rally and obedience.

9.     High in Trial Award - Exhibitor is eligible for either Novice Award or the High Point award, NOT both. If there is a year where ALL exhibitors are “Novice”, the exhibitor with the highest amount of points will receive the “Luv So Tru” Award and the exhibitor with the second highest amount of points will receive the “Cooper’s Dogs are Pawesome” Award.

10.   Overall Showmanship Champion – All age levels sponsored by J & F Tilling.

 

Dog Project Class Descriptions

Educational Dog Poster Contest - General Rules & Information

1. Posters should allow the participants imagination in developing a slogan or theme that promotes a dog breed or project area or educates the viewer about a dog project related activity.  Examples of topics could be: Basic caring for your dog, dog health problems, nutrition, breed promotion and characteristics, or basic obedience.

2. Posters must be 22”x28”.  Posters can be made using poster board or tag board.  No copyrighted images.

3. The back of the poster must include in the upper right-hand corner: Exhibitor Name, Age, 4H Club, Title of the Poster and a list of resources cited.

   • Any poster not containing this information will be disqualified.

4. Champion Poster:   Champion Poster is no longer sponsored.

 

Cloverbud Division - General Rules & Information

Cloverbud division is educational and non-competitive, participation ribbons will be awarded.

1.   Cloverbud Showmanship - Cloverbuds will be expected to stand for exam, show the bite, gait their dog in a group, do a down and back pattern and stack their dog.

2.   Cloverbud Obedience - Cloverbuds will be expected to do the Beginner Novice levels skills.

3.   Cloverbud Agility - Cloverbuds will be expected to do the Beginner level skills.

4.   Cloverbud Rally - Cloverbuds will be expected to do the Novice level skills.

5.   Dog Educational Poster

 

AGILITY - General Rules & Information

All agility classes are based on dog and handler experience. Per Muskegon County Dog Rules, for an Exhibitor to participate in Beginner Agility they must have participated in a minimum of a 4 week Agility Training Class or 6 Agility Training sessions within their Club. Club Leader and Class Trainer must sign the MCFA Fair Dog Registration & Exhibitor Form stating participant has completed this requirement.  For an Exhibitor to participate in an agility level above Beginner, they must present three qualifying scores from previous level.

 

1. Dogs must be 15 months to compete in agility.

2. Acceptable/Required Equipment:   Dogs are allowed to run without a collar, but if they do wear a collar it must be a buckle or snap collar without tags.  When leashes are used, they should be nylon or leather of a width appropriate to the size/weight of the dog (see obedience) and of a length comfortable for the handler to manage without tangling or snagging on obstacles. A walk through without dog will be done at the beginning of each class.

3. All classes are timed, maximum time 3 minutes.

4. In order for a dog and handler team to be eligible for the Agility or Jumpers High in Trial, they may run either on or off leash.

5. The MCFA Dog Committee will follow the Michigan State 4-H State Dog Show Agility rules and Michigan 4-H Agility Guides except for jump heights.  An exhibitor can choose to jump at the 4-H jump height, the jump height on the following table, or an alternate jump height if appropriate for their dog and approved by Superintendent.

 

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   6.Agility A/B Descriptions (per 2018 Michigan State 4-H State Dog Show) 

1. Each level is divided into an "A" and "B" class. "A" is for members who will be competing at a level for the first year. "B" is for members who have competed in the "A" class previously.

2. Beginner Agility A - 1st year dog or handler

   • Handlers will be allowed to jump with their dog.

3. Beginner Agility A Off Leash – 1st year dog or handler

   • Handlers will not be allowed to jump with their dog.

4. Beginner Agility B - 2nd year dog or handler

   • Handlers will be allowed to jump with their dog.

5. Beginner Agility B Off Leash - 2nd year dog or handler

   • Handlers will not be allowed to jump with their dog.

6. Intermediate Agility A - For dogs who have received 3 qualifying scores (4-H or other) in Beginner Agility.

   • This level is done off lead with jump heights of appropriate jump height.

   • Handlers will not be allowed to jump with their dogs. Dogs 10" or less at the withers jump heights will be 8" and long jump will be 16" wide. The course will have 6 weave poles, but they will not be judged (no faults).

7. Intermediate Agility B – Handler or dog with previous experience in Intermediate Agility.

8. Advanced Agility A - For dogs who have received 3 qualifying scores (4-H or other) in Intermediate Agility.

9.       Advanced Agility B – Handler and/or dog with previous experience in Advanced Agility.

 

SHOWMANSHIP – General Rules & Information

1. All dog project kids must go in showmanship.

2. Showmanship classes following according to exhibitor years in project and experience.

3. Novice Class: For handlers who are in their 1st and 2nd years in Junior Showmanship

4. Open Class:  For handlers who are in their 3rd year and above in Junior Showmanship

5. Champion Class: 4H dog program exhibitors who have placed 1st & 2nd   in their classes.

 

RALLY – General Rules & Information

1. Acceptable/Required Equipment:  A chain or fabric "choke"/training collar with or without a toggle, well fitted buckle or snap collar, or martingale style collar are permitted.  NO prong or pinch style collars or electronic collars of any kind are permitted.  A six-foot leather leash is preferred, but a soft nylon leash is all permitted.  The width of the leash should be in proportion to the size/weight of the dog (narrower for toy and small breeds, wider for large and giant breeds).  NO chain leashes or flexi-leads are permitted.  

2. Rally rules will follow AKC Rally regulations and will use AKC signs. Go to www.akc.org for signs, rules and regulations.

3. Only ONE entry in Rally per dog.

4. Exhibitors get one walk through without their dog.

A/B Descriptions

• Novice A Beginning dogs and exhibitors

• Novice B for any dogs who do not have a Novice Rally title but the handler has put a Novice Rally title on a dog.

• Intermediate for dog and handler Teams that have received their 3 Q’s in Novice but are not ready to be off leash in Advanced. These exhibitors will run the advanced course but on leash.

• Advanced A for dogs who have a novice rally title in 4H and who do NOT have a Novice (or higher) obedience title in any registry.

 

• Advanced B for dogs who have a novice rally title in 4H and also have a Novice (or higher) obedience title in any registry.

• Excellent A for dogs who have a Rally Advanced title in 4H and who do NOT have a Novice (or higher) obedience title in any registry.

• Excellent B for dogs who have a Rally Advanced title in 4H and which also have a regular obedience title in any registry.

 

OBEDIENCE - General Rules & Information

1. Acceptable/Required Equipment:  A chain or fabric "choke"/training collar with or without a toggle, well fitted buckle or snap collar, or martingale style collar are permitted.  NO prong or pinch style collars or electronic collars of any kind are permitted.  A six-foot leather leash is preferred, but a soft nylon leash is all permitted.  The width of the leash should be in proportion to the size/weight of the dog (narrower for toy and small breeds, wider for large and giant breeds).  NO chain leashes or flexi-leads are permitted.

2. All obedience classes are based on dog and handler experience not age.

3. Exhibitors can enter more than one dog in the same class. as long as they are not in the same class.

4. Exhibitors may begin competing at Beginner Novice, Pre-Novice or Novice Class level.  Once an exhibitor begins to compete at the Novice Class level, proof of 3 qualifying scores must accompany the Dog Project Registration each year to move up to the next class level.

5. Exhibitor must notify whether they are A or B on their Dog Project Registration form.

A/B Descriptions

• “A” is for members who will be competing at a level for the 1st year.

• “B” is for members who have competed in the “A” class previously.

• If you or your dog has received training other than through club meetings, you must show in the “B” classes.

• If you have titled a dog at a UKC, AKC or other breed show in obedience you must show as “B”.

 

DOG PROJECT CLASSES SECTION:

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1: DOG EDUCATIONAL POSTER:

10001 Cloverbud ages 5-7                                                         10002 Juniors ages 8-11

10003 Intermediate ages 12-14                                                10004 Seniors ages 15 & over

 

GRAND & RESERVE CHAMPION POSTER

 

SECTION 2: AGILITY

10005 Beginner Agility Cloverbud                                          10006 Beginner Agility A

10007 Beginner Agility Off Leash A                                        10008 Beginner Agility B

10009 Beginner Agility Off Leash B                                        10010 Intermediate Agility A

10011 Intermediate Agility B                                                      10012 Advanced Agility Open A

10013 Advanced Agility Open B High Score

AGILITY Grand & Reserve Champion (Dog may run on or off leash to be eligible.)

 

10014 Beginner Jumpers with Tunnels Cloverbud             10015 Beginner Jumpers with Tunnels A 

10016 Beginner Jumpers Off Leash with Tunnels A           10017 Beginner Jumpers with Tunnels B

10018 Beginner Jumpers Off Leash with Tunnels B           10019 Intermediate Jumpers with Weaves A

10020 Intermediate Jumpers with Weaves B                      10021 Advanced Jumpers with Weaves A

10022 Advanced Jumpers with Weaves B

High Score JUMPERS Grand & Reserve Champion (Dog may run on or off leash to be eligible.)

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SECTION 3: NOVICE SHOWMANSHIP

10023 Novice Showmanship Cloverbud                                10024 Novice Showmanship 8-11

10025 Novice Showmanship 12-13                                           10026 Novice Showmanship 14-15

10027 Novice Showmanship 16-17                                           10028 Novice Showmanship 18-19

Novice Showmanship Grand & Reserve Championship

 

SECTION 4: OPEN SHOWMANSHIP

10029 Open Showmanship 8-11                                               10030 Open Showmanship 12-13

10031 Open Showmanship 14-15                                              10032 Open Showmanship 16-17

10033 Open Showmanship 18-19

 

Open Showmanship Grand & Reserve Championship

Overall Grand Champion Showmanship Trophy sponsored by J & F Tilling

Showman of Showman Grand Champion

 

SECTION 5: RALLY

10034 Novice Cloverbud                                                              10035 Novice A

10036 Novice B                                                                               10037 Intermediate

10038 Advanced A                                                                         10039 Advanced B

10040 Excellent A                                                                          10041 Excellent B

 

High Score RALLY Grand & Reserve Champion

 

SECTION 6: OBEDIENCE:

10042 Beginner Novice Cloverbud                                           10043 Beginner Novice A

10044 Beginner Novice B                                                            10045 Pre-Novice A

10046 Pre-Novice B                                                                       10047 Novice A

10048 Novice B                                                                              10049 Graduated Novice A

10050 Graduated Novice B                                                         10051 Advanced Graduate A

10052 Advanced Graduate B                                                      10053 Open A

10054 Open B                                                                                 10055 Pre-Utility A

10056 Pre-Utility B                                                                         10057 Utility A

10058 Utility B

 

High Score Obedience Grand & Reserve Champion

 

SECTION 7: FUN CLASSES (Cloverbuds are eligible but will not be placed.)

10059 Best Dog Trick                                                                  10060 Dog and Handler Costume Class

 

High in Trial Novice “Cooper’s Dogs are Pawesome” Award sponsored by Ally Kuck

High in Trial “Luv So True” Award sponsored by Addison Walstra & Rhonda Temple (WinRock Shelties)