National Specialty FAQ* sheet

(Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: This is my first National Specialty and I am wondering what to expect?

A:  Well, you are going to see more Akitas than you ever thought you would see.  Be prepared to have a lot of fun and meet all sorts of Akita people.  The National is a weeklong Akitafest and many people make lasting friendships at the National.  Expect to have the days filled with the show and the evenings with various activities.

Q:  Well, is there anything in particular that I should bring?  How much does it cost to attend the show?

A:  Most people would say to bring plenty of cash, there are all sorts of Akita items to entice one.  The show is free, we do sell Reserved Seats.   

Q:  So, I am going to be needing a lot of cash, right?

A:  Yes and no.  There are lots of things that you can order ahead of time, so that they are waiting for you when you get to the National.  For example, on our website, you can click the link to Keepsakes and see the descriptions of all the great items that feature the National Specialty logo.  If you send in a pre-order then your items will be waiting for you to be picked up at the Welcome Party on Tuesday night or anytime during the day at the Ways & Means table.  You can also order your banquet tickets, seats and catalogs ahead of time.

Q:  How about the Auction, I need a lot of cash for that, right?

A:  If you want, we will gladly take cash that night.  But, we also take checks and credit card charges from ACA members.

Q:  Speaking of the Auction, I have a couple of things that might be nice to someone, but I don’t know, I am not sure if they are valuable enough to donate.

A:  Any items that you wish to donate (large or small, doggie or non-doggie) are appreciated.  For information on donating, click on the link for Auctions.

Q:  You said that there was a lot to do at night, such as what?

A:  Yes and the first thing that we are having is a Welcome Party.  There will be plenty of food, free of charge and a DJ with dancing.  We will also have a cash bar for everyone to be able to get the beverage of their choice.  Dress is casual and there is no need to pre-book, come when you can.  

On Saturday night, we will have the Annual Banquet, proper dress attire is required.  

Q: This sounds more fun than I thought it was going to be.  What about grooming, what do we do about that?

A:  We are hoping that a vendor who has grooming supplies will sign a contract and be there all week long, at this point, I don't know for certain, but will very soon.  As soon as we find out who we will have for vendors, an announcement will be made on all Akita lists.

See Reserved Grooming for information.

Q. Are there classes for Veterans?

A.  There are two competitions available for the Veterans. The first is the Veteran Sweepstakes and the second is Non-Regular Veterans Classes.

Q. What is VETERAN SWEEPSTAKES?

A. The class divisions are 7-8 , 8-9, 9-10, 10-11 and 11 and older (years). 
These class divisions are the same for dogs as well as bitches. Neutered and spayed Akitas are eligible to enter the Veteran Sweepstakes classes.
Veteran Sweepstakes entries DO NOT have to be entered in a regular class.
The winners of the various classes DO NOT move into Best of Breed competition on Saturday. 
The entry fee for Veteran Sweepstakes is $20.00, regardless of what else the dog or bitch may be entered in. 
Veteran Sweepstakes entries DO NOT have to be finished AKC champions.

Q. What is the NON-REGULAR VETERAN CLASSES?

A. There are two classes for each sex and those classes are 7-10 and 10 and older.
The winners of the FOUR CLASSES non-regular Veteran competition DO move into the Best of Breed competition on Saturday.  
NEUTERED AND SPAYED AKITAS ARE ALLOWED TO ENTER. So, the answer as to whether a neutered or spayed Akita can win Best of Breed at our National is yes. 
On Saturday, after Best of Breed judging, the Best of Breed Judge will judge all four of the Veteran Class winners (assuming that none of them goes BOB or BOS) and will pick a Best Veteran (can be a dog or bitch) and a Best of Opposite Sex to Best Veteran, just as we have done in the past. 
As far as which Veteran wins Best Veteran Dog, that would be the male that goes either Best Veteran or Best of Opposite Sex to Best Veteran by virtue of having defeated the other male Veteran. The important thing to remember when entering the Veteran Class this year is to make sure you enter the right age group. We will make sure that all Veteran class winners are aware as to when they need to bring their dogs back into the ring on Saturday. The dogs entered in the non-regular Veteran classes DO NOT have to be entered in another class. The entry fee for non-regular Veteran class is $25.00. Veteran Dogs or Bitches DO NOT have to be finished AKC Champions.

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