Denmark

reported by Hans Uhlenfeldt

Though it only has a population of about 5 million citizens, Denmark has a big dog population.
The organized "dog-scene" have the "Dansk Kennel Klub" as the main player and holds an average of six internationals and two national shows per year. Dogs from neighboring countries enter the international shows with more than 2500 to 3000 dogs entered in the FCI groups over two days. Until 1999, the breed clubs could influence the choice of judges if the breed Club arranged a Speciality the opposite day. This cut the judges costs in half, but it isn't possible anymore. Exhibitors will find mostly All-round judges now. That is not to say that they are less qualified, but it is likely their preferences will range and exhibitors will see more variance in the judging. This change in policy intends to reduce costs but meanwhile entry fees were raised.

Most breeds have a singular breed club in Denmark. The Cocker Club arranges a number of speciality shows with special breed judges invited. Currently the Club has around 250 members. The average show entry numbers are around 30 cockers.

Irene Malmberg is the Club Secretary and is a list member of the Champions discussion list. Irene organizes the Club's central puppy information database that is sent to interested puppy buyers. This data includes breeders with litters, together with the Sire & Dam and the sex and colours of the puppies. The same puppy list can also be viewed at the Club's web-site.

Breeding in Denmark

If you want to breed a litter in Denmark, the dog must be shown at least one time and get the note "saerdeles god". Then the dog must be "eye-cleared" every year. These eye-exams results are published in the Club-Magazine. Hip x-rays are not required in Denmark, and there is no minimum breeding age recommendations.

Specific wins at championship shows are also needed for qualifying for Crufts and for obtaining a Stud Book number (something which gives the dog life-long Crufts elegibility, and makes it eligible to be included in the Kennel Club's yearly Stud Book). It is not necessary to have a stud book number in order for a dog to be used at stud, however. It is more a prestige thing, and acts as a permanent record of a show dog. A stud book number can also be obtained by gaining the title of Junior Warrant but this does not count towards becoming a Champion, and few people really bother with these. In 1996 the Danes passed a "No" dock law and breeders cannot show a docked dog if it was whelped July 96 no matter where it was born.

Shows and Danish Titles

The conditions for the Show fanciers to earn championships are pretty tough in Denmark. To become a Danish champion the dog must be awarded a minimum of 3 CC's. The third or last CC the dog earns must be after they are 18 month old. At least three of the CC's must be achieved under three different judges.
Apart from the Champion title, a dog can be awarded the "Day" title Copenhagen winner. This is awarded as the main Event in the Capital that is held at the end of September.
Danes do not separate varieties. All colours, black, ascob, parti's are in one class. There is only one Danish CC for the dogs, and one for the bitches.
Cockers are normally shown outside at the International shows. This means sometimes it is one wet affair. Rain or shine, the cockers go in the ring.

The class breakdown is as follows:

Puppy class	4 - 6 month, just for fun and training, no CC's
Puppies	6 - 9 month, just for fun and training, no CC's
Youth class	9 - 18 month, CC can be given
Intermediat	15 - 24 month, CC can be given
Open class	15 - and older, CC can be given
Champion class	they do not compete for the CC, but only B.O.B
Veteran class	7 years and older
Showing in Denmark is especially rewarding. The pace and the usual good weather makes for a nice atmosphere. Very low key so people can enjoy their dogs and working with them.

Clubs and Politics

A catalogue of ribbons in various color and with various importance is used in Denmark. A significant difference compared to US shows is that in Denmark an "excellent" ( 1 prize ) is awarded with a red ribbon and the "very good" ( 2nd prize ) is awarded with a blue ribbon.

The Club's most notable Internal Competition was the time the dog and bitch of the year '99 was won by littermates. They were: Dog - Galaksi feels like Heaven, and Bitch - Galaksi Senza una Donna. These top two Cockers are sired by Am. Ch. Empire's Brooklyn Dodger and out of a bitch who's grandsire is Am. Ch. Derano's Avalanche.

Judges

After a somehow turbulent period, the present Board of Directors provides the club with a calmness. This peaceful attitude reflects a concern and fostering of new members and show debutants. It is more than winning prizes.