FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Since many fanciers have not previously participated in the Classic, we will attempt to answer some of the more common questions here. As questions are received, the answers will be added.
Does my entry have to be Nippo registered?
NO! We do not require that an entry be registered with Nippo. Our mission is to educate U.S Shiba breeders and to preserve the Nippo standard. We encourage all those with eligible dogs to register with Nippo; however, Nippo, Akiho, KKA, AKC, Canada Kennel Club, UKC, Japan Kennel Club, or other common registries are accepted. If you have a question about registration, please contact us.
Do I have to be a member of Nippo or the Colonial Shiba Club to participate?
NO. We encourage membership in Nippo and can assist those who wish to join, but membership is not required.
A note about Akitas: The mission of the Colonial Club is to educate and encourage breeders to preserve and maintain the breed to the Nippo standard. This means that we welcome Akita with registered in applicable registries as Japanese Akita and Akita registered as Akita. More broadly, we do not prohibit AKC Akita though we doubt that exhibitors would enter dogs that do not conform to the Nippo ideal.
Is my puppy competing in sweeps eligible for the NIPPO/USA Heritage Award? Only dogs entered in regular classes are eligible to compete for the NIPPO/USA Heritage Award.
Ages for Classes
A dog is to be entered in the class based on the dog's age on the day of the show. For example, Yoken begins on the 4th month birthday ends on the day before the dog's 7th month birthday. Assuming Classic has puppies on Friday, a dog could be entered in Yoken on Friday as it is less than 7 months old on Friday, and that same dog could be entered in Waka I on Saturday if that dog was 7 months old on that specific day.
Measurement/Placement
If the Judge measures a dog to be a tiny bit oversize may that dog still compete?
There is always a possibility of inaccurate measurement as dogs are not statues but alive. So, if the difference is tiny, the judge may keep judging. However, if it is a good amount, the exhibitor will be told during the individual judging that the dog will not be considered for Yuryo (excellent evaluation) and most probably not in consideration for a placement (1st-4th place) at the afternoon (group) session. The exhibitor can participate in the group judging, and the dog may get Tokuryo (good evaluation) What this means is, out-of-standard dog may be awarded a placement, but it will rarely be higher than 5th in the Classic. Since Nippo will rank all dogs in the class, there will be a placement, but it would not be a placement which carried Nippo/USA points, or which made the dog eligible to enter the Nippo Grand National.
Evaluations
Can I ask the judge about my dog?
The judge will be available to provide feedback to those who have entered after the event, regardless of placement. In the regular classes, the judge completes a form for his personal reference and which is turned into Nippo. All exhibitors who wish to be critiqued receive verbal feedback. Exhibitors do not receive written evaluations.
May one dog show in a regular class AND "For Evaluation Only"?
Yes. However an entry in regular class includes the opportunity for evaluation, based on the form that the judge has completed. "For Evaluation Only" is less complete, and is a informal brief appraisal of the dog. Generally evaluation only has been used for a dog which the exhibitor knows has some fault (such as teeth or size), but which they may wish to consider for a breeding program.
Do I need a Japanese style collar/leash?
NO. A rolled leather collar with a flat or round leash is acceptable. Generally leashes are more substantial than those used in AKC, and should be long enough for the handler to stand about 2 feet behind the dog.
Does this event accept spayed/neutered dogs? No
My puppy does not yet have a registration number, can I enter?
Yes. Put 9999 in the place for registration number. Colonial will assign a temporary number just for our records.