Inside the BTCA National Specialty with Show Chair Debbie Hollan – event highlights, history, challenges, and community celebration.
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Debbie Hollan & Dominic Koon: I am Show Chair of the Boston Terrier Club of America (BTCA) National Specialty. Like most successful ventures, it takes a talented team to pull it all together. I was blessed with a wonderful, extremely talented team who took my vision and brought it to life beyond my expectations. Jill Moore and Amiee Brumleve worked tirelessly to put together the exceptional trophies and rosettes. Beverly Nelson designed our beautiful logo. Carol Stringfellow and Marty Linder created and constructed the stand for the official photos and pitched in wherever needed. Cindi Bosley was our boots on the ground person, vital for on-site coordination. Jackie Martin was the genius creative mind behind the fantastic banquet decorations and those for the ring and surrounding area. She took what I had envisioned and brought it to life. Jodi Koon was the glue that held it all together.
Debbie Hollan & Dominic Koon: For 2025, BTCA was at the Owensboro Convention Center, 501 W. Second Street, Owensboro, Kentucky.
Debbie Hollan & Dominic Koon: I have been a Show Chair since 2010. I was Show Chair for the Boston Terrier Club of America for 2024 and again this year, and it was an honor to do so. I believe a show/cluster should have a theme; it gives the clubs so much more to work with. The BTCA theme last year was “Circus” and this year it was “Run for the Rosettes.” I think shows should be fun for the exhibitors as well as for the organizers.
Debbie Hollan & Dominic Koon: Being one of the first dog breed clubs, created in 1891, the Boston Terrier Club of America boasts over 500 members from all over the United States and around the world. The BTCA is a member of the American Kennel Club (AKC), and is parent club to approximately 25 affiliate clubs around the country. Our club holds the National Specialty dog show in either April or May each year, holding this event in rotating regions across the US. The 130th Annual National Specialty was held this year.
Debbie Hollan & Dominic Koon: This year, the BTCA National offered RV parking with hookups, free general parking, a dog wash area, and judges education seminar(s). There was a free city trolley to local restaurants, and a river walk with views of the Ohio River with plenty of grassy areas for exercise pens as well as vendor and grooming spaces. Three dog-friendly hotels are adjacent to the Owensboro Convention Center.
Debbie Hollan & Dominic Koon: The BTCA National has offered NOHS (National Owner-Handled Series), Junior Showmanship, and 4-6 Month Beginner Puppy Competition. BTCA has also offered Best Bred-By.
Debbie Hollan & Dominic Koon: At this past National, BTCA offered Rally, Obedience, and Agility. Our Cluster will offer Rally, Fast CAT, CAT, and Barn Hunt.
The judge for the National is chosen in advance by the membership, as is the Sweepstakes judge.
Debbie Hollan & Dominic Koon: Most clusters hire professional stewards. The BTCA National hired a person who served as both the Show Secretary and the Ring Steward.
Debbie Hollan & Dominic Koon: The National Specialty is promoted predominantly on social media and through Constant Contact to the membership.
Debbie Hollan & Dominic Koon: The City of Owensboro, Kentucky, was a friendly advocate for the National Specialty show, providing hospitality that was far beyond the norm. Most local restaurants were within walking distance or a short, free trolley ride away. Exhibitors had plenty of walking areas along the beautiful riverfront and park areas. The Owensboro Convention Center offered ample room for rings, a ballroom for Top 20 competition, and catered events.
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