UKC® Coonhound Bench Show Rules
Revised May 1, 2008

*1. Only UKC registered dogs may compete in a UKC Licensed Bench Show. All UKC licensed Coonhound Bench Shows must be open to all of the seven coonhound breeds.

2. UKC Licensed shows MUST appear in the “Upcoming UKC Licensed Events” listing in COONHOUND BLOODLINES in order for the event to be approved and Championship points awarded. Events must be listed in the issue published the month before the event is held.

3. The local club management has the right to refuse entry to any dog or handler. However, no handler shall be barred on basis of religion, race, color, national origin, age or sex.

4. No Bench Show entries are to be taken after the advertised deadline for any reason. The show shall start as soon as possible after the advertised deadline.

5. The Registration Certificate (purple or yellow) or the UKC Easy Entry™ card must be presented to the entry takers to enter a dog in a UKC Licensed Bench Show. Clubs found to be accepting Bench Show entries without the Registration Certificate or UKC Easy Entry™ Card will be placed on probation. If repeated violations occur, the club will lose the right to hold UKC licensed events.

6. No copies of a Registration Certificate, Pedigree, Championship Degree or UKC Easy Entry™ Card will be accepted.

7. Dogs which, according to the owner’s records, have completed the requirements for a UKC Show Champion or Grand Show Champion may be entered in the next level of competition even though they have not been officially notified of their new title by United Kennel Club. See section entitled “Event Information” for details.

8. Unless previously approved by UKC, only one UKC Licensed Bench Show Judge shall judge a UKC Licensed Bench Show. A panel of Judges cannot be used. Judges shall have read and be familiar with “UKC Bench Show Procedures”. The Judge will follow the rules and regulations covering the show, and sign the official UKC report for show winners and award Championship points. Judge must sign report immediately following show.

9. The Judge’s decision is final. The Judge shall give reasons after each class. Any exhibitor may question the Judge concerning their decision after the completion of the class in which the exhibitor’s dog is entered. Such questions shall be presented in a sportsmanlike manner.

10. A UKC recognized Bench Show Champion or Grand Champion may not compete in open competition once they have received their Championship or Grand Championship Degree. Champions may compete in the Champion of Champions class only. Grand Champions may compete in the Grand Champions class only.

11. Receipts shall be issued for winners of Class, Breed, Best Male and Best Female of both the Registered and the Champion of Champions portions of the show. These receipts are for the owner’s personal records and do not replace the official report.

12. The Judge shall have the right to disqualify any owner or handler for misconduct, or any dog for growling, snapping or fighting. If a dog is disqualified for growling, snapping or fighting, it must be reported and sent along with the Bench Show Report to UKC Detailed policy may be found in the
section “Scratched for Fighting”.

13. Any person intimidating, threatening or injuring a Bench Show participant, Judge, club officer or UKC representative will be barred for no less than one (1) year up to life from any UKC licensed event. Details on this particular rule can be found in the section on “Misconduct and Discipline”.

14. Any person found administering or having administered unprescribed drugs to any dog will be barred indefinitely from registering dogs and participating in UKC events. Club or association may require blood testing of any dog by a licensed veterinarian.

15. Absolutely no alcoholic beverages, firearms or unprescribed drugs will be allowed on the grounds or while participating in the show or in the buildings the day of a UKC licensed event.

16. A Judge has the right to request that a handler or spectator be removed from the show site for unsportsmanlike behavior.

17. Handlers are responsible for their conduct and personal appearance.

18. If a dog is shown in the wrong class, no Championship points will be awarded. It is the responsibility of the owner to see that their dog has been entered and shown in the correct class.

19. Dogs must be benched. The bench on which the dogs shall be shown must be two (2) feet high and eighteen (18) inches wide with the top covered with indoor/outdoor carpeting or some similar non-slip surface. Individual benches of a minimum length of 44 inches are recommended. If the benches do not meet these standards, the Judge shall still allow the show to be held, but should instruct the club to cor- rect the problem and notify UKC that the benches do not meet the standards.

20. A Bench Show Report shall be filled out and signed by the two club officers and the Bench Show Judge. A total of three different signatures are required. One copy shall be retained by the club for one year, one copy by the Judge and one copy sent to UKC The host club and Judge are esponsible for the report being accurate, neat and properly filled out, showing the complete names of the dogs, correct UKC registration numbers, names of owners and handlers and their addresses. The United Kennel Club, Inc., accepts the report of each show as an accurate and true report of the Bench Show.

21. The club sponsoring the show will forward with the report the fee of $1.50 per dog entered in the Bench Show. Reports must be submitted to UKC within ten (10) days of the event or a penalty charge of $20.00 will be made. An additional charge of $20.00 per month will be made for reports that are 30 days past due.

22. The following is NOT allowed:

a. Dyeing or in any manner changing a dog’s hair color.

b. Altering of nose, eye or lip pigment color.

c. Surgery to cover a genetic or structural fault, such as ears, eyes, muscular or skeletal.

d. Grooming, grooming tools, spray bottles or wiping cloths are not allowed in the ring.

NOTE: If the show is held outside on an extremely hot day, a handler may spray water in the dog’s mouth to cool the dog down. This can only be done if the Judge approves prior to the dogs entering the show ring.