Our Gordon Setter Club of the Pacific Northwest includes a variety of activities for club members. The Events and Calendar page links above will show dates for these activities:

• The local Gordon Setter Specialty is our biggest event that showcases the beautiful conformation of the Gordon Setter. The official term for dog shows is conformation — as in, the act of conforming or producing conformity. While a dog show may look like a beauty pageant, it’s not. Dogs are not being compared to each other; they’re being measured by how closely they conform to the standard of their particular breed. Why? Because the closer a dog’s appearance is to the breed’s standard, the better that dog’s ability will be to produce puppies that meet the standard. It’s also the reason why mixed breeds and spayed or neutered purebreds are ineligible to compete in conformation.

  As one of the most popular AKC events, conformation events range from large all-breed shows, with over 3,000 dogs entered, to small local specialty club shows that feature only one breed. (AKC.org)

• The International Dog Shows are a great way to begin learning how to show your dog in conformation.

  The International All Breed Canine Association of America (IABCA) began more than twenty years ago with the intent of making an International Championship Title available to the American public while not exposing the dogs to the danger and inconvenience of international travel.

  International Dog Shows are held in accordance with the regulations and guidelines that have been established by IABCA. These guidelines provide for a WRITTEN CRITIQUE FOR EACH DOG ENTERED and a rating number of how well the dog conforms to the breed standards. These standards are based on the 'country of origin' for each breed, if possible.

  (IABCA.com)

• The annual Sportsmen’s Show is an event that our club displays a breed booth to provide a way to educate the public about the hunting and pointing characteristics of the Gordon Setter. Our volunteers have pictures and information about our club and we also bring a few of our lovely Gordon Setters to meet and greet the many visitors.

• The annual Seattle Scottish Highland Games Association provides space for our club to showcase our Gordons with other Celtic breed dogs in an open air covered arena at the Enumclaw , WA, Fairgrounds. The Parade of the Clans kicks off the event, and has become a highlight for over 15,000 visitors. Following the parade, the Celtic Kennel will feature a separate Parade of the Breeds, which is always a delight for both dogs and visitors.  A variety of Celtic Kennel activities will take place in the morning and afternoon, including gun dog work, obedience, rally, and scent work demonstrations. There will also be a herding demonstration, as well as opportunities to learn about and pet Celtic dog breeds at the exhibitor bench displays.

• Hunt Tests provide opportunities for our Gordons to demonstrate their hunting abilities. Pointing Breed Hunting tests are non-competitive pass/fail tests which assess each dog’s independently based attributes such as display of desire, boldness, independence, speed with a useful pattern of running across difficult or confusing scent patterns to pinpoint the location of birds. Other categories judges will score are; bird finding ability, pointing, trainability and in Senior and Master tests – Retrieving and Honoring. The teamwork between dog and handler is essential.

  Participating in pointing breed hunt tests is a great way to let dogs experience what they were bred to do and enjoy what comes naturally. (AKC.org)

• Fun Days are all about having fun with our Gordon companions and friends. We meet at a central location outdoors where dogs and people can socialize. Some of our activities have included pointing practice, rally courses, relays, and of course time for everyone to relax, eat, and enjoy conversation.

• Our club also looks forward to gathering together celebrating various holidays. These times often include a potluck and a raffle/auction to gather donations for our Rescue Fund. It’s a time to get to know new members and continue friendships that have been growing for years.

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