66 Saber Tails Fall 2018

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America

eyes. I heard one owner remark, “He thought 

my dog was wooly?” as his dog exited the ring. 

Excellents are not given to every dog, so there 

were also some disgruntled remarks heard out 

of the ring.

Unfortunately, females were judged in anoth-

er ring so I wasn’t able to see that process. It 

must be hard for an owner to show both sexes, 

unless there is some one to help.

I found most people to be very freindly, and 

somewhat curious. The most often asked 

question for me was, “Does your dog hunt?” 

My answer was, “Not yet.”

A buffet lunch was held after all classes were 

completed. A stand sold bottled wine from 

St. Emillion with the club logo. It was a rather 

good red from 2014 or 2015. You could also 

purchase a glass or a bottle of champagne. Other stands sold hunting gear, and clothing.  There was also a club stand. 

We ate slowly, enjoying the warm weather and wine.

Around 2:00 pm the judging began again for winners of the breed. There 

were three judges : puppy class, male, and female. Together the judges 

decided. Dogs were stacked, viewed, and judged very quickly, without 

the scrutiny of the first judging. They awarded best female, male, runners 

up, best pack. best champion, and best veteran. There was no best of 

breed or best in show. The winning dog and winning bitch were given a 

CACS, certificate of champion of France. It takes four of these certificates 

(earned under different judges), plus a hunting certificate , plus one must 

be from the national elevage, to complete a French championship. The 

final CACS must be earned after age two.

The day ended around 4:00 PM and I packed up my dog area, happy I did 

not have to lug a crate, or walk far, as my car was just 15 ft from the as-

signed cage. 

The show concluded 

with a banquet back 

under the tents next 

to Nedde City Hall. It 

was a very special day 

for me, with new friends, and so many PBGVs, and griffons. I retreated 

to my hotel, so happy to have my pup confirmed and his first French 

show completed with an excellent rating.

Next year, The D’Elevage is on an island off Bordeaux, Ilse de Rae in 

May.