What is a Litter Day?

The Litter Day is one of the larger events put on by the NHC twice a year. On a Litter Day young Dutch Shepherd Dogs from about 12 to 18 months old are judged together with their litter mates and the sire and dam
For the Breeding Advice Committee and for breeders it is important to know what judges think about the breeding combination. This plays a role in deciding the breeding policies. Owners get a good impression of what a breed judge thinks about their dog, compared to the breed standard.
And of course it is a special experience for breeder and owners to see the whole “dog family” together. How did the pups grow up, do they resemble each other, is that one quirk they have from their father or their mother? Those answers you find at a Litter Day!

You will get an invitation when your dog’s litter will be judged.
Visitors are welcome at this day and so are dogs that aren’t entered. You can find the date of the next Litter Day under the heading “Agenda” on the NHC web site and in the club magazine.

On the Litter Day there will be information stands from:
- the NHC, for information about membership, pup information, club articles etc.
- the NHC Training groups (“Kringgroepen”), for training your Dutch Shepherd
- dog behaviour therapists, for questions about behaviour and raising your dog

Usually during the lunch break there will be a demonstration. Sometimes just to watch, sometimes a “work shop” where you and your dog can participate. More on this will be in the announcement of the next Litter Day.

What happens on a Litter Day? Here is a description with tips for participants:

You go to the Litter Day......

...... and bring ...... :

- the litter confirming your participation
- safety pin for your number card
- plastic bags to clean up accidents
- water bowl and blanket for the dog (if you have one, a bench)
- kibble or other treats, to be able to reward the dog for good behaviour
- chair for yourself (in the hall or riding school there are usually no or very few chairs.

- Some patience! The programme is divided in a morning and an afternoon session. This means that no one has to be there from early in the morning until ate in the afternoon. But within the session it is entirely possible you have to wait a few hours before it’s your turn. For the real dog lover there is still plenty to see during that time. And of course you’re welcome to stay the entire day if you want to.

You arrive at the Litter Day......

You present yourself at the table at the entrance.
You will be given a programme book, a card with your participant number and a small gift.

Please keep the card with your number pinned to your clothing while you are present. Then we can see who is who, which is an easy way to get acquainted and to make sure you’re in the right place at the right time. Staff and board members of the NHC can be recognised by their NHC badge. Feel free to approach them with any questions you may have.

The catalogue shows the dogs in order of their participant number. If you find this, you will find the litter number that your dog falls under.
In the front there is a list of all litter that will be judged. Here you will be able to find what time and in which ring you are expected by using the litter number.

What can you do until it’s your turn? If it was up to your dog, it would probably be playing with all the new friends and having a party. But not every dog is in the mood for that during a day such as this, so even if your dog means well, please don’t allow him unlimited access to others, but make sure that the dog and the owner are alright with it. This will prevent dogs snapping at each other. Dogs that are on their blanket, in their bench or tied up are to be left alone.
Perhaps your dog thinks this is the best time to find out who the bravest dog in the hall/field is. Usually this starts with staring at the other dog (“want to make something of it eh?”). Pulling the dog back does not work, you need to make sure that the looking is interrupted. Make sure the dog turns and looks at something else. If that works, s/he is of course a very good dog!
Should you require advise about handling your dog, you are always welcome at the behaviour stand.

Of course you walked your dog before the proceedings. But in such a new environment with so much happening the dog will probably have to go again sooner than when s/he’s at home. So don’t spend hours on end in the hall, but take your dog out a few more times than usual.

It’s our turn!

A collage of pictures from various Litter Days, to give you an idea of the judging:

The judge introducing himself to the dog......

.....has a good feel of what’s under the coat......

...... and will want to take a good look at the teeth. The view from the front will show if the teeth meet nicely, and from the side will show if all molars that should be there are there. The mouth remains closed, only the lip is lifted.
It’s not difficult but most dogs take a bit of getting used to this, so please practice this beforehand at home.

"Please do a lap of the ring now" The intention is for the dog to trot. Don’t walk too slow so the dog has to dribble, and don’t run too fast. A steady slow trot is the best.

The judge has seen the dog and will now dictate the report to the writer. We stand still with the dog in full view of the judge so that he can have another look at the dog while dictating.

This continues until all dogs of the litter have been judged. At a dog show or club match this would result in the winner being chosen, but on a Litter Day there is no competition element:

Discussing the litter. The judge will give his general impression of the litter and if he has seen any particular strong or weak points. People that are interested in hearing about this litter are welcome to listen in

The owners of the pups will receive a copy of the report of their own dog to take home. All reports, including the judge’s overall impression of the litter are published on the NHC website afterwards.

For many participants the Litter Day is their first introduction to the phenomenon of dog shows and judging dogs. This means that everyone understands if you or your dog aren’t familiar with how things work. Hopefully this will have given you an impression of how a Litter Day works. For any questions you can always write the organising committee at:

Photographs by:Mrs Klinkenberg, Pieter Stove and Inge Pero