1. At UBGF Qualifying Trials, National and Derby Run-offs, a hound must be a dual entry, field and conformation, by paying one entry fee. It is not mandatory for a hound to attend the conformation event or to be scored by the conformation judge.


2. At all UBGF qualifying trials, a conformation show competition for open sized and sexed entries will be conducted. Entry requirements for these classes are the same as for field entries.


3. Scoring in all conformation classes: Hounds shall be scored from 0 to 100 with the first place hound receiving the closest score to 100 and the second place hound the next highest score, etc., using the UBGF scale of points taken from the American Kennel Club Official Standard for the Beagle. All hounds, except the hound that has been disqualified, shall receive some conformation score.


4. The conformation show judge may evaluate each hound singularly while the first series of the field competition is in progress. All hounds participating in the conformation show competition should be evaluated singularly before the completion of the first series field competition. If an insufficient number of hounds are entered to conduct a first series,

and only the Winners Pack is taken to the field, then the hounds are to be evaluated by the conformation show judge after the completion of the field event.


5. The conformation show judge is to post the numbers of the higher scoring hounds to be returned for the second and final evaluation as viewed against each other. It is recommended that this final evaluation take place soon after the first series field competition is completed, however, it should never interfere with the field competition.


6. It is recommended that nine (9) high scoring hounds should be returned to the show ring for the final evaluation, unless the total class size exceeds fifty (50) hounds. This final evaluation by the conformation show judge should take no more than twenty (20) minutes to complete.


7. After the final evaluation has been completed for that class, and the highest scoring hounds are placed, no additional hounds within that class may be evaluated or scored.


8. The Conformation Show Steward will receive the hounds scoring/points from the conformation show judge and maintain this list until such time the Field Trial Secretary post the field winners and the respective field scores. (At qualifying trials, the Field Trial Chairman will act as Conformation Show Steward.) At this time, the show points, if any, will be added to the field points of the field winners only. The total points will be use for consideration for the GRAND FINAL WINNER TROPHY and GRAND FINAL RUNNER-UP TROPHY.


These points will become part of the field trial record and it is recommended that the conformation show judge sign and date his/her point sheets.


9. In the event of a tie for GRAND FINAL WINNER TROPHY or the GRAND FINAL RUNNER-UP TROPHY, the following breaker system will be used:


1. The hound with the highest field placement shall win.
2. If the field place is a tie, then the hound with the highest field points shall win.
3. If the field points are a tie, then the hound placing in the largest field class shall win.
4. If the field classes are the same size, then the hound placing in the largest show class shall win.


10. The following award will be used at all UBGF Qualifying Trials:
 

GRAND FINAL WINNER - Presented to the single hound scoring the highest combined total of both field and show points at the trial.
 

GRAND FINAL WINNER RUNNER-UP - Presented to the single hound scoring the seconded highest combined total of both field and show points at the trial.
 

CLASS AWARD FIELD & SHOW -- Trophies for first, rosettes for second through NBQ place, shall be presented. If one portion of the class is to be all trophies, then other Equal classes must share the same benefit, i.e., if the 13” field class is all trophies then the 15” field class must also be all trophies. The same applies to show classes, however, field classes can be all trophy, and show classes can be trophy for first with ribbons or certificates for second through NBQ.


11. The UBGF will have the authority to withhold certification of hounds for cause, but field and show judges will not have the authority to withhold places. Sixty (60) points will be required in the field event and sixty (60) points in the conformation event to be qualified as a CHB hound and/or eligible to complete in the National Run-off.


Measuring


1. The conformation show judge does not have the authority to, and may not, measure any hound being evaluated within any class. The conformation show judge must accept the following:


1. The AKC Official Measurement card if so presented to the Field Trial Secretary at the time of entry.
2. The Pre-measurement taken by the field judges for the class into which that the hound was entered at the field trial
3. The measurement taken by the field judges when the hounds are being measured for possible use in the Winners Pack
 

2. The following rules apply when the field judges measure out a hound that placed first through NBQ in the conformation show:
1. The owner or handler of said hound must return any trophy, ribbon or prizes to the host club.
2. Ml other previously placed hounds would then move up in order of merit Hounds that had not been placed would not move up nor would the conformation show judge place additional hounds. In such case, some placements would not be filled


Disqualifications


1. A dog or. bitch which is blind, deaf, castrated, spayed, or which has been changed in appearance by artificial means except as specified in the standard for its breed, or a male which does not have two (2) normal testicles normally located in the scrotum, may not compete at any UBGF conformation show and will be disqualified. A dog will not be considered eligible that has been changed by artificial means except for removal of dewclaws because this is a regularly approved practice.
 

2. No dog or bitch shall be eligible to compete in any show, and no dog shall receive any award at any show in the event of the natural color or shade of natural color, or natural markings of the dog or bitch has been altered or changed by the use of any substance, whether such substance has been used for cleaning purposes or for any other reason. Such cleaning substances are to be removed before the dog or bitch enters the ring.
 

3. Any hound measuring more than fifteen (15) inches shall be disqualified.

Judging Recommendations and Restrictions.


1. A hound is not eligible to be evaluated, scored, or to compete in any conformation class if an advertised or actual judge of that class or any member of his immediate family or household has owned, sold, held under lease, boarded, field or conformation trained or handled the hound in any URGE or AKC field or show sanctioned or licensed event within one year prior to the date of the conformation show event. Immediate family is defined as husband, wife, father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister.


However, a hound that is owned or handled by the show judge may be entered in the field portions of a UBGF qualifying trial. The Field Trial Committee will evaluate the hound for conformation, if it merits a score of 60 points or better, it will be given a conformation score of 60 points to qualify for the National Runoff. This hound is not eligible for Grand Final Winner or Runner Up. It should be announced at the beginning of the trial that this rule will be used.


2. The UBGF recommends that only one conformation show judge be used to evaluate all four classes offered for competition at the club’s URGE sanctioned CHB or Derby Qualifying Trial.


3. The advertised or actual conformation show judge may not be one of the field judges at the same URGE Qualifying Trial.


The UBGF Breed Standards
Discussion


URGE conformation shows are not for the purpose of choosing the prettiest hound. They are for the purpose of selecting the best conformation hound. Conformation defects not only detract from the hound’s appearance, but defects in body and running gear have a negative effect when a hound is expected to perform in the field for prolonged periods. It is the responsibility of the conformation show judge to assess the hounds for these physical attributes and capabilities.


The key words in the vocabulary of the conformation show judge are type, balance, style, soundness, and condition.


Type means breed character. A hound that is of correct type must be strong in the features considered by the Standard as characteristic of its breed.


Balance means proportion. A well-balanced hound pleases the eye by his nicely proportioned appearance.


Style is a combination of balance, presence and personality. He possesses an air of pride, which is attractive and appealing.

 

Soundness refers to lacking in faults and the ability to move correctly in accordance with the breed requirements.


Condition means a healthy hound, carrying the right amount of weight, eyes bright and coat indicating good care.


A hound possessing these qualities will be a quality specimen.


When taking on the responsibility of judging, familiarity with the Breed Standard cannot be overly emphasized. Our decisions can and do play a part in the shaping the future of the breed and this assignment cannot be taken lightly. It is recommended that the judge be familiar with following material and view the video, The American Kennel Club Presents the Beagle.


The UBGF and American Beagle Standard


Head


The skull should be fairly long, slightly domed at occiput, with the cranium broad and full.


The ears set on moderately low, long, reaching when drawn out nearly, in not quite, to the nose, fine in texture, setting close to the head, with the forward edge slightly in-turning to the cheek, rounded at the tip.


The eyes are large, set well apart, soft and hound-like, with the expression gentle and pleading, of a brown or hazel color.


The muzzle is medium length, straight and square-cut, the stop moderately defined.

 

The jaws are level, lips free from flews, nostrils large and open.


Additional information:

The length of the skull from the occiput to stop should be equal to the length of the muzzle from the stop to tip of nose.


The ears are set on moderately low on the level with the outer corner of the eye.


A dark pigment of the nose is preferred although on the lemon & white are red & white colored hounds, a lighter pigment fits the color of the hound and is equally acceptable.


An even bite is acceptable but a scissor bite is generally preferred. The bite should never be overshot or undershot.


Faults should be judged according to the degree of severity.


DEFECTS: A very flat skull, narrow across the top, excess of dome: eyes small, sharp and terrier-like, or prominent and protruding; muzzle long, snippy or cut away decidedly below the eyes, or very short. Roman nosed, or upturned, giving the dish-faced expression. Ears short, set on high with a tendency to rise above the point or origin.


Body:


The Neck & Throat: The neck rising free and light from the shoulders, strong in substance yet not loaded, of medium length. The throat should be clean and free of folds of skin; a slight wrinkle below the angle of the jaw, however, may be allowable.


Additional Information:
The length of the neck should be in balance with the length of the back (roughly 1/3 of the hound’s top line), of adequate length to allow the hound to put his nose to the ground while hunting.


      The correct neck has a slight arch from occiput to shoulder.


      Faults should be judged according to the degree of severity.


DEFECTS: A thick, short, cloddy neck carried on a line with the top of the shoulders. Throat showing dewlap and folds of skin to a degree termed “throatiness”.


Shoulders & Chest:


The shoulders should be sloping, clean muscular, not heavy or loaded, conveying the idea of freedom of action with activity and strength. The chest should be deep and broad, but not broad enough to interfere with the free play of the shoulders.


Additional Information:
     There should be plenty of room in the chest for heart and lungs.


     Shoulders that are too steep or upright result in pounding (striking the ground with too much force due to lack of flexibility).


     Faults should be judged according to the degree of severity

 


Back, Loin & Ribs:


The back should be short, muscular and strong. The loin broad and slightly arched and the ribs well sprung, giving abundance of lung room.


Additional Information:

 

     Should be built four-square, meaning the proportion of body length as measured from top of the shoulder blade to the back of the base of the tail should appear equal to the height as measured from the top of the shoulder blade to the ground.


     The back should be level.


     Faults should be judged according to the degree of severity.


Forelegs & Feet:


The forelegs should be straight, with plenty of bone in proportion to the size of the hound. Pasterns should be short and straight. The feet should be close, round and firm. Pads full and hard.


Additional Information:


     Out-at-elbows and shoulders that are tied-in are two common problems, both are serious defects.

 

     Faults should be judged according to the degree of severity


DEFECTS: Out-at-elbows, knees knuckled over forward on bent backward, forelegs crooked or Dachshund-like, feet long, open, or spreading.


Hips, Thighs, Hind Legs & Feet:


The hips and thighs should be strong and well muscled, giving a abundance of propelling power. Stifles should be strong and well let down. Hocks should be firm, symmetrical and moderately bent. Feet should be close and firm.


Additional Information:

 

     When the hound is set-up for evaluation, the rear pasterns should be perpendicular to the ground.


     To insure adequate thrust, there should be a short distance from the hock joint to the ground.


     Loose hocks are a common fault’


     Faults should be judged according to the degree of severity.


DEFECTS: Cow hocks or straight hocks. Lack of muscle and propelling power. Open Feet.


Coat:

 

The coat should be close hard coat of medium length. Additional Information:

 
     A full, healthy coat indicates good condition.


DEFECTS: A short thin coat or a coat of soft quality.


Tail:


The tail should be set moderately high, carried gaily but not turned over the back, with a slight curve, short as compared with the size of the hound, with brush.


Additional Information:


     Should reflect a happy, outgoing nature.


     Faults should be judged according to the degree of severity.


DEFECTS: A long tail, teapot curve or inclined forward from the root, rat tail with absence of brush and a docked tail.


Color:


The color should be any true hound color.


Additional Information:


     Common hound colors are td-colored, open-marked, lemon & white, red & white, blue ticked, black ticked, blue, black & tan, liver & white and fawn.


Markings should not carry any weight when judging the beagle.


We all have color preferences but we never carry them in the ring.


General Appearance:


The Beagle should have the appearance of a miniature Foxhound, solid and big for his inches, with the wear-and-tear look of the hound that can last in the chase and follow his quarry to the death.

 

Varieties


There shall be two varieties:


     Thirteen inch for hounds not exceeding 13” inches in height.


     Fifteen inch for hounds over 13” but not exceeding 15” inches in height


The UBGF and AKC Scale of Points


Head - 25 points
    Skull 5 points
    Ears 10 points
    Eyes 5 points
    Muzzle 5 points


Body-35 points
    Neck 5 points
    Chest & Shoulders 15 points
    Back, Loin & Ribs 15 points


Running Gear - 30 points
    Forelegs 10 points
    Hips, Thighs & Hind legs 10 points
    Feet 10 points
 

Others - 10 points
    Coat 5 points
    Tail 5 points


Total 100 points.


Movement


Discussion


The UBGF Breed Standard makes no mention of movement but the Beagle’s function demands an efficient mover, with efficient movement being straight, fluid and powerful. The beagle cannot perform without the physical resources to do the job that nature intended. Defects in body and running gear will have a negative effect in a hound that is expected to hunt the rabbit and hare with agility and endurance.


Field trials are one of the testing grounds of the breeders’ ability to produce hounds with the ability to do the job it was created for. In the ring, the judge is seeking the animal’s structure that is closest to the ideal as called for in the breed standard.


Gait, the way in which a hound moves, reveals much about its structure and soundness. Correct movement takes place when the front and back legs move on the same plane. From a frontal viewpoint, the front legs will conceal the hind legs. Roth front and hind legs should provide straight columns of support and anything that interferes with these straight columns of support is considered a fault. Most hounds are of average quality in the ground covering abilities. It is quite common to see hounds with a correct frontal assembly have a defective rear assembly, or vice versa. Therefore, it is necessary to separately assess both front and rear movement and if faults exist, judge these problem areas according to the degree of the fault.


It is recommended that a judge be familiar with the following material and view the video, Gait, Observing Dogs in Motion, as presented by the American Kennel Club.


Some Faults of the Frontal Assembly


Overreaching occurs when the rear legs extend so far as to pass the front legs. The hound is compensating to prevent its hind legs from striking the front legs and it is swinging its rear legs into a different plane from the forelegs.


Crabbing is a more severe form or overreaching. The hound is swinging its hindquarters into a different line of travel from the front legs. The hound is compensating for poor extension in the front combined with too much drive from behind and this problem is sometime the result of a body that is too short and a stiff back.


Shoulders that are tied in cause the feet to fall wide as a result of a faulty elbow and results in a tucked-in appearance at the shoulders.


Loose shoulders result in a rolling motion at the elbows caused by poor structure and/or poor conditioning.


Straight or steep shoulders exist when the shoulders are not properly laid back causing a restricted movement in the front assembly which must be compensated for unless the hound is equally steep in the rear. Straight shoulders combined with excess drive from behind will result in severe pounding. The front feet are hitting the ground too hard, causing the hound to tire easily.


Hackneying is extra high action in the front to avoid the rear legs striking the front feet. Steep shoulders are often the cause of this fault.

 

Paddling results from the hound flicking its feet upward to avoid the rear legs and the pads will be visible with each step. This is the result of too much drive from the rear.


Toeing-in is an inward slant of the paw, breaking the single column of support.


Winging is the swinging of the front feet outward and turning the pastern inward to avoid the rear feet.


Weak pasterns result when the wrist or pastern joint gives too much, causing a strain on joints and ligaments.


East-West front is a condition that causes the front feet to turn outward and results in directional problems, causing a strain to joints and ligaments.


Knuckling is the tilting forward at the wrist pastern joint.


Out-at-the-elbows is a serious fault caused by the shoulder assembly being placed too far forward so that it is curved somewhat around the rib cage. The elbow is then often forced outward when the hound is moving. Careful attention should be given when evaluating a hound for this fault as a hound may stand true but move in this faulty manner. (It is suggested that when judging the forelegs, raise the hound slightly off the ground, allowing the paws to drop naturally into position. Seeing a hound not posed can reveal shoulder and forelegs alignment.)


Judging Procedures and Methods


1. Scoring in all conformation classes: Hounds shall be scored from 0 to 100 using the UBGF conformation scale of points taken from the American Kennel Club Official Standard for the Beagle. The first place hound shall receive the score closest to 100 and the second place hound the next highest score, etc. Scored hounds in show classes need not be placed n the field, but all hounds shall receive some score except if the hound has been disqualified.


2. Hounds may be evaluated singularly by the conformation show judge, while first series field competition is in progress. All hounds participating in the conformation show competition should be evaluated singularly prior to the completion of the first series field competition. If an insufficient number of hounds are entered to conduct a first series, and only the Winners Pack is taken to the field, then the hounds are to be evaluated by the conformation show judge after the competition of the field event.


3. The conformation show judge is to post the numbers of the higher scoring hounds to be returned for the second and final evaluation as viewed against each other. It is recommended that this final evaluation take place soon after the first series field competition is completed, however, it should never interfere with the field competition.


4. It is recommended that nine (9) high scoring hounds should be returned to the show ring for the final evaluation, unless the total class size exceeds fifty (50) hounds. This final evaluation by the conformation show judge should take no more than twenty (20) minutes to complete.

 

5. In The Ring


Nothing positive can be accomplished in the show ring unless the show judge has integrity; and honestly. Honesty means merely that he or she certifies, that under all circumstances and regardless of all consequences, every decision he or she makes is right and just.


While the primary objective is good judging and correct assessment, it is important to remember that this exhibition is for the public. An orderly ring and an unobstructed view of ring activity is necessary.


There is no excuse for rudeness or a condescending manner. Courtesy is a pre-requisite for a conformation show judge.


Each conformation show judge quickly develops his/her own method of ring procedure with a primary concern being that time and consideration is equally given to each hound;


Instructions should be clearly given so that the conformation show judge is able to make a correct assessment.


It is suggested that, for the final examination, the conformation show judge order the hounds to move in a large circle around the ring with the hound between the judge and the handler. This allows the judge to evaluate style and balance, ring presence, soundness, and overall appearance of each hound.


The judge needs only to touch lightly, assessing features with speed and competency. Rough handling serves no purpose.


It is suggested that the hound be approached from the front and the back of the hand extended in a relaxed manner. This will give the hound the opportunity to appraise you.


Start with the head, viewing it from above, the in profile and then from the front - assessing balance, etc. Then move to the eyes, ears, muzzle, neck, shoulders, etc.


It is becoming more common place for the handler, rather than the judge, to open the hound’s mouth as the judge’s fingers could possibly spread infection form hound to hound.


It is suggested that when judging the forelegs, raise the hounds slightly off the ground, allowing the paws to drop naturally into position. Seeing a hound not posed can reveal true shoulder and foreleg alignment.


It is suggested that the judge stand back and view each posed hound to ascertain balance, angulations and overall appearance.


It is suggested the individual gaiting consist of moving the hound away from the judge and then back to the judge, at a moderate pace (trot) and on a loose lead, giving the playful or spooky hound a second chance to settle in if time permits.

 

Set up is again required for the fine point comparisons, last minute assessment and final decision.


Usually the higher pointed hounds are placed in a row in the ring’s center with the judge excusing the remainder of the class.


When the hounds are placed, announce the placement clearly so there is no misunderstanding among the handlers and gallery.


6. After the final evaluation has been completed for that class, and the highest scoring hounds are placed, no additional hounds within that class may be evaluated or scored.

 

UBGF Two Couple Pack Rules

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