This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, April 2015 issue.
Like any national breed (parent) club, the PBGV Club of America has many functions and plays many roles beyond the basic function of being responsible for the Breed Standard. PBGVCA organizes competitive and educational events for its members and others interested in the breed, including conformation events, hunt tests, agility, obedience and rally trials, and provides written educational materials as well as presenting expert speakers on various topics.
The PBGV is not a common breed. It has been recognized by the American Kennel Club only since 1991, and its parent club is not large, having fewer than 400 members. However, the PBGV Club is active, with members in 42 states and 6 other countries.
Some parent clubs, especially those with very popular and long-recognized breeds, have difficult membership requirements. Not so for PBGVCA, in which the majority of members are “pet people” who do not breed dogs or show them. The club encourages participation and enjoyment of the dogs in many ways. It offers various activities for members, along with a comprehensive website and a beautifully produced quarterly magazine, Saber Tails, which covers all aspects of owning and enjoying PBGVs. Saber Tails and Meet the Breeds events highlight the club’s commitment to educating members and the public about PBGVs.
The club hosts a combined national and regional specialty show each spring, where many activities are organized. The shows rotate among three regions, giving people in different areas of the country a chance to attend and participate. Of course, traditional conformation shows are included, recognizing healthy dogs that best meet the breed standard, which is important in improving the breed and maintaining its health and vitality. Companion events also showcase that PBGVs can be trained to perform well in competitive events. When suitable facilities are available near the national specialty sites, the club loves to host agility trials and hunt tests, which allow other aspects of the dogs to shine. While PBGVs may not be the archetypal agility breed, they enjoy training and competing. Hunt tests have become a popular way for PBGVs to showcase their scent-trailing skills and cooperation during hunts. Besides the national specialty, about a dozen hunt tests are held annually across the Midwest and East, allowing PBGVs to demonstrate their talents.
Another important activity of the PBGVCA is breed rescue. The club’s rescue committee has a network of members and friends nationwide who check reports of any PBGV in a shelter or needing a new home. Sometimes, due to illness or changes in family circumstances, an owner can no longer keep their dog. If the breeder cannot take the dog back, the PBGVCA rescue committee steps in, addressing any veterinary or socialization needs and finding an appropriate new home. Dogs going through breed rescue will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and matched with the individual needs of each dog. This process can be costly.
Fortunately, the PBGV Club of America is closely allied with the PBGV Health and Rescue Foundation. As a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, the Foundation raises money to support the rescue committee’s activities, as well as health matters. Thus far, the Foundation has always had resources to cover rescue expenses, including veterinary and other costs. Although the club and Foundation are separate organizations, they work together to better the breed. With the Foundation’s financial backing, the rescue committee can focus on what’s needed for the dogs without worrying about resources. Additionally, the Foundation underwrites a health speaker, often a prominent veterinary researcher, at each national specialty.
