Meet The Breed Guidelines for ABdFC Members
For the printable MTB Guidelines [pdf] Click Here
For just the Evaluation Form [pdf] Click Here
For just the Evaluation Form [pdf] Click Here
Purpose
Meet the Breed representatives are ABdFC members in good standing who are willing to share their expertise and their * Bouviers *, up close and personal, with the public. Some events are held in conjunction with Breed Shows, while others are separate from shows, or performance events.
Bouviers are presented to give the public education about our breed. The Public can be defined as adults, children, families with all ages of children, Groomers, Handlers, Trainers, and Other Dog People.
It is our responsibility to represent ALL the ways we enjoy our breed ~ therefore, the club would like members and Bouviers from a variety of disciplines to participate in Meet the Breed events.
As an ABdFC Meet the Breed representative, you have a responsibility to the AKC, the ABdFC and the public to conduct yourself in the highest sense of sportsmanship and honor all breeds, and all ways in which our breed is loved and enjoyed.
Bouviers are presented to give the public education about our breed. The Public can be defined as adults, children, families with all ages of children, Groomers, Handlers, Trainers, and Other Dog People.
It is our responsibility to represent ALL the ways we enjoy our breed ~ therefore, the club would like members and Bouviers from a variety of disciplines to participate in Meet the Breed events.
As an ABdFC Meet the Breed representative, you have a responsibility to the AKC, the ABdFC and the public to conduct yourself in the highest sense of sportsmanship and honor all breeds, and all ways in which our breed is loved and enjoyed.
Objectives and Considerations
A Meet the Breed representative must be a member in good standing with the ABdFC.
It will be your responsibility to make the Meet the Breed area as attractive as possible by:
Please remember to wear a name tag, and always introduce yourself and your dog. ABdFC Meet the Breed volunteers should greet each visitor, and share their enthusiasm for the breed and answer questions. If there are multiple ABdFC Club Members in the booth, ensure you are “public relations” focused.
Share the upside of owning a Bouvier, as well as the downside
While some members/ Bouvier Owners are strictly of the Conformation Show discipline, members/ Bouvier Owners also enjoy Agility, Herding, Carting, and of course Bouviers as Companions.
Most attendees to a MTB event want to touch our dogs.
Make sure you, and especially your Bouvier, do not get stressed by more than you can handle.
Bring plenty of water and food / goodies.
To eliminate Club liability or conflicts, do not sell dogs or puppies or promote your kennel or breeding program at a Meet the Breed event. It is appropriate to refer the inquirer to the ABdFC Website, provide AKC Regional Bouvier Club information, and /or tell them about upcoming events (conformation shows, obedience/rally, herding, and agility trails, etc.) where they could meet other Bouviers and their people.
HAVE FUN --- show the public how much you enjoy our breed and your Bouvier, specifically. Please keep it safe and enjoyable.
After the event, please complete the MTB Evaluation Form, and return it to the ABdFC General Education Chair.
THANK YOU to you and your wonderful Bouvier(s) for taking the time to represent our beloved breed.
It will be your responsibility to make the Meet the Breed area as attractive as possible by:
- Using club supplied posters, pictures and handouts ( Breed Standard, ABRL info, Rescue Roundups).
- Please coordinate with the ABdFC General Education Chair to have the club materials shipped to you.
- While it is your responsibility to coordinate the return of club materials, you will be reimbursed for the cost of return shipping. Please complete the expense report for reimbursement of these expenses.
- You may also coordinate the use of your own scrapbooks, handouts, pictures, etc.Please obtain prior approval from the coordinator when using non club material.
Please remember to wear a name tag, and always introduce yourself and your dog. ABdFC Meet the Breed volunteers should greet each visitor, and share their enthusiasm for the breed and answer questions. If there are multiple ABdFC Club Members in the booth, ensure you are “public relations” focused.
Share the upside of owning a Bouvier, as well as the downside
- As we know, Bouviers are not the breed for everyone. Topics to cover should include Grooming ( including the different styles for Show, Working and Companion Bouviers ) Exercise, Training, Socialization, Health Issues, the importance of good breeding and Breed Longevity.
While some members/ Bouvier Owners are strictly of the Conformation Show discipline, members/ Bouvier Owners also enjoy Agility, Herding, Carting, and of course Bouviers as Companions.
- If a representative from each/various disciplines are not able to represent, it is important for those present to support all the disciplines in a positive manner.
- Negative comments about other dogs/breeds/events are not appropriate, and can destroy any education you might be trying to convey.
Most attendees to a MTB event want to touch our dogs.
- You should be willing and prepared for adults and children to want to pet or hug our lovable furry friends. Some people, not familiar with Touching Etiquette will need guidance about the proper way to approach and pet a dog.
- Be prepared and bring dogs that enjoy this type of interaction.
Make sure you, and especially your Bouvier, do not get stressed by more than you can handle.
- Meeting and Greeting is stressful.
- It is suggested that you bring a crate and crate draping, so your friend can get out of the public eye and rest. You know your dog the best, of course, but a good rule to follow is an hour On and an hour Off.
Bring plenty of water and food / goodies.
- Remember The Public might not always know how to act around a dog with food/goodies.
To eliminate Club liability or conflicts, do not sell dogs or puppies or promote your kennel or breeding program at a Meet the Breed event. It is appropriate to refer the inquirer to the ABdFC Website, provide AKC Regional Bouvier Club information, and /or tell them about upcoming events (conformation shows, obedience/rally, herding, and agility trails, etc.) where they could meet other Bouviers and their people.
HAVE FUN --- show the public how much you enjoy our breed and your Bouvier, specifically. Please keep it safe and enjoyable.
After the event, please complete the MTB Evaluation Form, and return it to the ABdFC General Education Chair.
THANK YOU to you and your wonderful Bouvier(s) for taking the time to represent our beloved breed.