22 Saber Tails Summer 2017

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America

The second annual PBGVCA National Triathlon was held 

in Charlotte, NC over the eight day “Queen City” PBGVCA 

Eastern Region and National events.   Two awards were 

offered, one a regular Triathlete Award for entering at 

least three different disciplines and qualifying in three 

disciplines.  The second award, the Beginner Triathlete 

was also offered for entering at least three different disci-

plines and qualifying in two.  This year participants could 

choose from agility, hunt, obedience and rally.  At the 

2018 Reno, Nevada National nose work will take the place 

of hunting.  

Tuesday April 25

th

 started with Agility, the first of the four 

disciplines offered.  17 of the 21 dogs entered in the Tri-

athlon participate in agility.  11 of those 17 dogs qualified 

for their first Q in their pursuit to earn a triathlon award.  

No Triathlon events were held Wednesday.     

Thursday afternoon was the first chance to get a qualify-

ing score in Obedience or Rally.  Obedience had an entry 

of 20 and 22 for the second trial held Friday morning.  A 

couple of dogs were entered in more than one obedi-

ence class along with four dogs being absent over the 

two days, two due to being in season.  Triathlon dogs ac-

counted for 12 of the 15 dogs vying for a qualifying score 

in obedience.  7 of those 12 dogs received qualifying 

scores in obedience on Thursday.  Obedience on Friday 

morning saw two more Triathlon PBGVs being added to 

the list of dogs now with Q’s in obedience.  9 out of 12 

dogs qualified in obedience…Way to go PBGVs!   

Rally started immediately after obedience on Thursday 

and again on Friday morning.  Rally had an entry of 35 

and 36 with 28 different dogs participating over the two 

days.  Some dogs showing in the Advanced and Excellent 

     2017 PBGVCA Triathlon By the Numbers
21Dogs entered in the Triathlon
12Dogs earning the Triathlete Award
  7Dogs earning the Beginner Triathlete Award
  1Dogs qualifying in all 4 disciplines  
16 Dogs qualifying in 3 disciplines
  2Dogs qualifying in 2 disciplines
  2Dogs qualifying in 1 discipline
15 Dogs who were Champions  
12Dogs who were females
  9Dogs who were males

  2Dogs who cutback due to illness or surgery 

2017 PBGVCA National Triathlon…

PBGVs Show Off Their Versatility

By Vickie Willmann

classes on the same day at both trials.  5 dogs were ab-

sent, two of those for being in season.  Thursday and Fri-

day’s Rally saw all but one dog qualifying each time they 

were in the ring.  That is a great qualifying rate especially 

for our little hounds.

Saturday was a free day for the Triathlon dogs.  Sunday 

morning started the national hunt with a practice day in 

Anderson, South Carolina.  All 21 Triathlon dogs were en-

tered in the hunt.  Once again the Triathlon dogs came 

through with flying colors.   All 21 dogs were able to use 

hunting as one of their qualifying disciplines. 

All owners or family groups received the AKC rules book-

lets for Agility, Conformation, Obedience, Rally, and Track-

ing along with a large engraved paper clip/bookmark just 

for participating in the Triathlon.  Winners of the Triathlon 

Award could pick from 5 colors of large bath towels em-

broidered with “PBGVCA Triathlon Qualifier 2017”.  Those 

earning the Beginner Triathlon Award received a unique 

“Cool Pooch” water bottle designed to give both the own-

er and dog each a separate water supply.

The Triathlon showcases the versatility of our great little 

hounds.  Setting a goal to enter the Triathlon can be a 

good motivator for starting to work with your PBGVs in 

multiple and sometimes new disciplines you might not 

otherwise try.  The Triathlon has also helped PBGVCA 

members and non-members to build a bigger commu-

nity of performance and companion participants.  It is 

wonderful to see so many people being encouraging and 

supportive of each other while competing at a national.  

Don’t forget the fast growing and fun sport of Nose Work 

will be included in the 2018 national.  In closing, I want to 

encourage everyone to check out some training classes 

close to home.  Get out there and try something new with 

your PBGVs.    

If you have any questions about the Triathlon or what 

might be the best disciplines for you to start training in 

for the 2018 National Triathlon don’t hesitate to contact 

me at: tvwill@aol.com.