Oh Canada!

This year two Pacifc Northwest Briard Club members competed in the breed ring at the Lower Mainland Dog Fanciers of BC in Abbotsford Canada which is billed as Canada's Largest Dog Show. On Friday AKC-Ch Deja Vu Back Seat Driver RN, PT JHD-s "Nash" (left) went Winners Dog against Ne Orageux Assiniboine Admirer "Rio" (right) and then took Breed over the Special CKC-CH. Aladax's Sorcerer CDX AGNCH "Dante" (center) showing to Dany Canino. On Saturday Nash repeated his performance showing to Christina Hubbell.

To all who missed this show, it is always a lot of fun. The Canadian Briard Club hosts a Booster, PNWBC member Helen Moulden always comes up with wonderful prizes and reserves a grooming space so there is lots of "back-stage" camaraderie.

PNWBC Goes To California!

Slideshow coming soon.

PNWBC Honors Passing of Two Members

In an on-line vote, the Pacific Northwest Briard Club decided to honor the passing of two members. A donation has been made to the Briard Medical Trust in the names of Briarders Michelle Clevenger and Ray Ronell.

New C-course Opportunites in Western Washington!

On Sunday I had the opportunity to observe two seasoned handlers work their German Shepherds in the boundary/tending style, while working out the details for a new AKC regulation C-course. Briards are used in boundary/tending situations, and are quick learners of this technique. In France, patrolling is part of the farm dog's training if the dog will be working the narrow graze strips between crops. This was a trait selected by French shepherds, thus the ease of Briards to learn this maneuver. The AKC C-Course reflects a tending shepherd’s day and, as such, is the preferred course for many Briarders wishing to compete in herding trials. Until now, however, the opportunity to train and trial in the boundary/tending style, has been limited.

On the C-course, sheep must be allowed to graze peacefully, contained within specified unfenced areas, and safely guided on the roads between those areas. The dog patrols to guard against sheep trespassing onto the adjoining field, while the sheep graze and are moved along roads. The shepherd and dog are responsible for the safety and good health of the sheep, in addition to protection of all adjoining lands from the sheep. Only through a harmonious effort among the shepherd, the flock and the dog can optimal success be attained in this type of grazing flock management.

Only sheep are used on Course C. Although the minimum number of sheep allowed are 20, larger flocks give the best opportunity for success. The handler walks with the flock to lead or guide them along the roads and into graze areas. The Judge and Secretary also walk the course at a discreet distance from the handler, dog and stock. Spectators are not allowed on the course during the competition. Course C covers a minimum distance of 440 linear yards and a maximum distance of 880 linear yards, depending on the level of competition. The entry-level, or started course contains "exit from the pen", "narrow road", "bridge", "pause/traffic", "wide graze" and "pen".

The All Breed Herding Club of Western Washington is considering offering a C-course herding workshop next spring, geared for folks just getting started and the entry level competitor. The workshop would be held at PackLeader Farm in Gig Harbor Washington. If you would be interested in such a workshop, please email Gabrielle with the dates in March or April that would be best for you.

Chercher Primary Color, CGC, TDIEVA

June 4, 1999 - July 13, 2008

Missed by the hundreds of friends he made, during his more than 350 therapy dog visits.

~ Parson~

Born into my hands and died in my arms, I love and miss you. ~~~Barbara K. Lee