Page 144 - Fairbook 2026.1.28.26.1 copy.indd

142 2026 BUTLER COUNTY
prong/pinch collar, or electronic collar while on the fair- mal hairstyles or shaves. Youth are subject to disqualifi cation
grounds. Exhibitors will be disqualifi ed if their dogs are from showing and removal from Fairgounds if their dogs are
seen wearing muzzles, prong/pinch collars, or electronic seen wearing these collars or devices.
collars. • Leads:

• Only the exhibitor’s dog, exhibitor, and show offi cials are Leads may be of fabric or leather and must be 6ft in length.
permitted in the show ring area at any time throughout Slip leads are not permitted unless in agility levels 1-5 provided
the show. they are removed before the run begins. Chain leads are not
acceptable. Showmanship leads may be of fabric or leather
• Judges’ decisions are fi nal. Exhibitors, parents, volun- and should be long enough to allow for easy handling. Dogs
teers, and other individuals are not permitted to talk with are shown on a lead that is appropriate to their size. All dogs
judges at any time during the Dog Show, except during must be kept on leash except when in the show ring perform-
Agility or Rally briefi ngs and walkthroughs. ing an off lead exercise, and must be brought into taken out of
• Any violation of these set of rules will result in a deduc- the ring on leash. Dogs must be kept on leash in the ring when
tion of points from an exhibitor’s high point achievement brought in to receive awards.
award or class score sheet. • Use of Bait:
• No handler, parent, advisor or otherwise is permitted Using bait in Showmanship and You and Your dog classes are
to sell livestock, products, services, etc at 4-H related up to the discretion of the judge. During obedience classes,
events. These events are NOT to be used to promote food, treats, or toys are not permitted in the show ring, or show
ring areas.
personal businesses or other non 4-H related organiza- • Appearance and Conduct:
tion at any show, training or other 4-H related events. Excessive grooming of the dog in the ring to gain the judge’s
N. DOG WALK PASS attention is inappropriate and should be faulted accordingly .
• A Dog Walk Pass must be presented to enter a dog onto Handlers are expected to handle their dogs without distract-
the fairgrounds during fair week, of current year. Passes ing the dogs of other competitors. A handler who crowds or
will be given to advisors to be passed out to members. disturbs other dogs should be faulted. Handlers who exhibit
O. DOG’S APPEARANCE impatience or heavy-handedness with their dogs should be
• Dye & Coloring: Dogs are not permitted to be dyed or penalized
colored in any way. If coat or nails show any evidence of • Dumbbells:
Must be made of one or more solid pieces or one of the heavy
dye or coloring, the score sheet will refl ect a major point hardwoods, or of rigid or semi rigid fi rm, nontoxic, no wooden
deduction material, similar in size, shape, color, and weight to a wooden
• It is not necessary that a 4-H dog be shown in a show dumbbell. Metal dumbbells are not permitted. Dumbbells shall
clip; however, Dogs must be clean, well brushed and not be hollowed out. It shall have no decorations or attach-
in good physical condition appropriate for the dog’s ments, but may bear an inconspicuous mark for identifi cation.
age. The coat must be free from mats and loose hairs. The size of the dumbbell shall be proportionate to the size of the
Ears must be clean, but it is not required that all hair be dog.
removed from the ear canal. The eyes must be free from P. HANDLER’S APPEARANCE
matter. Any dog whose hair surrounding the eyes, ears, • Exhibitors should be neat, clean, and well-groomed in
or beard interferes with its performance may have its appearance, their appearance should resemble as if you’re
hair tied back with elastic bands or small plain barrettes. going to a job interview. They should wear clothing that is
Ribbons or bows are not permitted. The teeth should not comfortable to handle, is appropriate for dog shows, and
have tarter buildup. Some staining on the teeth of older complements their dog. Clothing should not distract, limit
dogs is permissible. The toenails must be proper length. hinder the judge’s view or the presentation of the dog.
Hair between the pads should be trimmed to prevent Youth with long hair should tie it back to keep it from inter-
matting, as well as from collecting dirt and ice. It is not fering with handling or the judge’s view.
required that whiskers be trimmed; but if the dog’s face is ● Acceptable Clothing:
shaved, the stubble should be removed. * Includes dresses with sleeves, skirts, dress slacks, dressy shorts,
● COLLARS skorts, dressy capris or crop pants, colored dress jeans ( not for
• Acceptable collars while in the show ring for all classes showmanship), collared blouses and shirts, dress shirts, ties, polo
shirts, or similar attire. Sports jackets may be worn, but are not nec-
except showmanship: essary, especially in hot weather. When wearing a tie, secure it with
Well-fi tting plain buckle or quick release collars, martingales, a tie tack; footwear: closed-toe shoes, rubber soled shoes, fl ats and
or a slip collars of an appropriate single length of leather, fabric similar type footwear (Hint: Wear something you would normally wear
or chain with two rings, one on each end. Nothing may be to an interview). For Agility, Exhibition Classes Fun Day Only: Club
hanging from the dog’s collar. shirts, blue jeans, and shorts are acceptable. Inappropriate Clothing:
• Acceptable collars while in the show ring for Showman- * Includes clothing that is too tight or too revealing, such as short skirts,
ship: short shorts, tank tops, halter tops, spaghetti straps, low cut blouses
Nylon or very small chain link slip collars, or combination lead or shirts, shorts hanging to low on the waist, clothing with holes or
and collar, such as martingale. Nothing may be hanging from tears in the fabric, faded or torn jeans of any kind, bare midriff , bare
dog’s collar belly, bare chest or other similar types of clothing. All tops should
• Acceptable collars while outside the show ring: be worn along with collar bone (no cleavage) and straps should
Well-fi tting plain buckle or quick release collars, martingales, be at the width of a dollar bill or three fi ngers wide. Do not wear
or slip collars of an appropriate single length of leather, fabric clothing with lettering, distracting, off ensive or sexually suggestive
or chain with two rings, one on each end. Head halters, fancy wording or designs. Do not wear hats. Do not wear sandals, open
collars, and harnesses are permitted on dogs. toed shoes, high heeled shoes, clogs, or similar types of footwear.
• Dogs Must NOT wear the following anywhere on the Please avoid any jewelry or accessories that may get in the
Fairgrounds: way of handling your dog. Exhibitors dressed inappropriately
Pinch Collars, collars with prongs or spikes on inside or will have points deducted or may be excused from the show ring.
outside, electric collars, or any other special training collars, or
muzzles, glitter, paint, hair dye, or nail color, diff erent/un-nor-