Welcome to the wide, wild world of UKC Dal shows. If you've never shown a Dal before, but think you might like to, UKC shows are a great place to start. If you've been showing in AKC events, take a deeeeeeep breath and relax. UKC events are a whole lotta fun and much more laid back! UKC events are geared towards the owner/handler. Professional handlers are not allowed to show any Dals other than their own. The focus of UKC shows is more on the Dal than on the show. Rankings are done only by how many Dal of your own breed you've beaten, not on group or BIS counts.

So, how to get started? If your pup came from a UKC litter and has already been registered, you're ready to go. If you haven't sent in the registration application - do it! Then all you need to do is to decide which events you want to do with your Dal - conformation, agility, obedience, weight pull, retrieving? There's a lot to choose from. One of the great things about UKC events is that they'll allow just about any breed to play, even if it is not an event was originally intended for your breed. Glenys Keith's Norton (U-CDX U-AChX U-WP U-GrCh AKC Ch Glendale's Biker Boy Norton CDX OAP NAJP NA NAJ NAC NJC) was the first Dalmatian to ever earn a UKC Weight Pull title. Boy weren't those American Pit Bull Terriers surprised!?

If your Dal came from an AKC litter, it is very easy to cross register them in UKC. If you're fast approaching a UKC event (like in less than 3 weeks), you can get a Temporary Listing Number to use to identify your Dal until a formal UKC registration has been completed. Temporary Listing Numbers are good for 60 days. You can get one by calling UKC (269-343-9020) with a credit card number and some basic information from your Dal's AKC papers. Or you can apply for a TL on-line at Temporary Listings.

To keep any points or "legs" that your Dal earns while competing under a TL, you must apply for UKC registration. If you do not do so within the 60 days following the issuing of the TL, you run the risk of losing them. You can pay an additional fee above and beyond the registration fee to regain those points or "legs" but it is so easy to apply that there is no excuse for having to do this. To register and AKC Dal with UKC, you'll need to complete the UKC registration form and return it with a photocopy of your Dal's AKC registration certificate. You will need to fill in your Dal's pedigree on the application form, but it is not necessary to send a certified pedigree.

OK! Now You're UKC Registered, Now What?
To find UKC events in your area, visit the UKC website. You'll find a complete listing of all the UKC events there including conformation, agility, obedience, weight pull, terrier races, total Dal (conformation & obedience at the same show), Dal sport (protection work), merit club (all-breed stakes based on titled offspring) and total junior (junior handlers participating in multiple events with their Dals). You can search by event, by state or by date.

Don't find Dals listed in the breeds included in an event? NO PROBLEM! One of the other nice things about UKC events is that they can be modified as the need arises. If there is a show near you that does not list Dals as one of the breeds being judged, contact the event secretary. Very often, they'll add you to their list. If no one in your area has been showing Dals in UKC events, they may not realize there is an interest. But once you do start going, be prepared for lots of interest and questions about your spotted friend.

Just Found An Event THIS Weekend?
Again, very often NO PROBLEM! Many UKC events allow day of entry (with a slightly higher entry fee). UKC shows are generally smaller and self-superintended and so have greater flexibility. However you do want to be sure that you have a TL or UKC registration number before the day of the event.