Seminars, Health Clinics & Judges Ed

IMPORTANT:

Any meals purchased at the event (lunches, dinners) will be subject to an additional $10-15 charge. Unfortunately we will have to pass this on to the attendee. Please purchase your tickets in advance. (Many items will not be available if not pre-purchased).

Join Us for a Canine Scent Work Seminar!

Date: Monday, April 13th at 9am

Explore the fascinating world of AKC Scent Work! Let us introduce you to the “Detective” Level of Scent Work!

Detective Search Fun Run 

  • Open to Cavaliers who competed in the trial; regardless of level.
  • Judge assistance/advice will be available during search.
  • Outdoor/indoor—typical Detective style area/hides
  • Time limit for each participant.

Observers welcomed, dependent on space.

Judge: Lisa Kretner
Event Chair: Kathy Montgomery
Cost: $20

Obedience Seminar by Michael Bode!

Date: Monday, April 13th 1pm-4pm @ the Obedience Ring

Join us for an enjoyable and informative session that will help strengthen your skills, deepen your connection with your Cavalier, and put joy back into obedience training.  This hands-on seminar designed to bring the fun back to training for both exhibitor and dog. Michael will focus on building confidence, motivation, and teamwork through:

  • Basic commands and engagement skills
  • Toy play to develop enthusiasm and drive
  • Ring entry and station setup to create calm, confident performance
  • Attention and focus exercises for success under pressure
  • Ring knowledge and strategies to improve overall performance

If time allows, Michael will also cover Open and Utility exercises. The session will include interactive question and answer opportunities throughout.

Working spots limited to 20 dogs.  Please bring a tug toy.

Cost:  $50 working spot; $25 Audit spot
Purchase tickets in ShopNow!

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Please plan to join us for a special Breeder Education Seminar!  Lunch is included.

Cost:  $35

Date: ______________________ 
Event Chair: Leslie Slusher

LUNCH CHOICES:

  • TBA
  • TBA
  • TBA

Lunches Served with Chips, Whole Fruit & Soda

The breeders welcome any advance questions or topics of discussion you wish to be covered. To submit these, send an email to Leslie Slusher or use the form below:

Speaker Bios here

Join us for a special, 3-hr combined Health & Breeders Seminar.  Presented by Dr. Jerold Bell, DVM, a prominent figure in the field of canine genetics and breeding. Dr. Bell will present a 2-part seminar lasting a total of 3 hours with lunch included.

The first part follows the Ins and Outs of Pedigree Analysis, Genetic Diversity, and Genetic Disease Control article (http://siriusdog.com/bell-pedigree-analysis-genetic-diversity), but is based on Cavalier King Charles Spaniel pedigrees and utilizes his analysis of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel computerized pedigree database, the AKC Cavalier King Charles Spaniel registration database, AKC registration and breeding statistics, and pedigree analysis of the most influential Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs and bitches.  It will discuss historical breed gene pool structure, genetic diversity in the breed, how the selection of mates and types of matings manipulates the genes of the ancestors in the pedigree, and popular sire syndrome.  A question and answer period will close this part of the seminar. 

The second part will discuss the genetic disorders affecting the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with updates from conversations with pertinent researchers. The presentation will cover the different types of genetic tests, their availability, and their proper use.  It will include breeding recommendations to manage different types of genetic disorders. A question and answer period will follow.
 
The full seminar (both parts), runs 3 hours including the breaks and Q&As.

Lunch included (gluten free option available)

Cost: $45 ($55 if purchased at show)

LUNCH CHOICES:

  • TBA
  • TBA
  • TBA

Date: Tuesday, April 14th
Event Chair: Mia Lawson

Jerold S. Bell, DVM

Speaker Bios here

NEW!!  AKC FETCH Presentation!

Imagine a day filled with excitement, laughter, and the joy of watching your dog showcase their natural retrieving skills. AKC Fetch is the perfect event for you and your furry friend to bond, compete, and have fun together. Whether your dog is a seasoned pro or just starting out, AKC Fetch offers a welcoming environment for all skill levels. Join a community of passionate dog owners, cheer on your pup as they fetch and retrieve, and create unforgettable memories.

What is AKC Fetch?

As an introduction to AKC Fetch, the Club is offering a presentation on AKC Fetch to our membership as we hope to include this new and exciting event in future shows.  If we do include this in the future, we need to meet AKC requirements for hosting and staffing.

AKC Fetch is an official AKC event where dogs are tested on their ability to fetch and retrieve objects. The event is open to all breeds and is a fantastic opportunity for dogs to demonstrate their natural retrieving instincts. The program includes various levels of difficulty, ensuring that both novice and experienced dogs can participate and enjoy the challenge. AKC Fetch videos can be found here: https://www.akc.org/fetch/videos.

If you are interested in serving on the Fetch Committee or serving as the Fetch Committee Chair, or just entering your dog into Fetch competition, please contact us at fetch@ackcsc.org to let us know. We want to hear from you!

Date: Tuesday, April 15th (afternoon)
Chair: Mark Baillie

ACKCSC Annual Meeting (for ACKCSC members only)

Plan to attend the Annual Meeting of the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club. Election results announced, committee reports, and annual report. Your input and participation help keep us a strong and vibrant club. Lunch to be provided by the ACKCSC for those who attend.

LUNCH CHOICES:

  • TBA
  • TBA
  • TBA

Lunches Served with Chips, Whole Fruit & Soda

Date: Thursday, April 16th at the lunchtime break 

Eligibility: ACKCSC members in good standing.
No pre-registration required. A signup will be required for the member lunch.
Event Chair: Mary Hanus

Heart and eye screenings will be offered.  Preference will be given to dogs pre-registered.

If you have not pre-registered, we will do our best to accommodate you if there are spaces available at an additional charge.  Same-day appointments can be scheduled the morning of the Clinic at the Clinic Registration Desk if space is available.

Pre-registered pricing (registered prior to Thursday, April 9th):
Eye Exams $50  (late registrations $60)
Heart Ascultations $60 (late registrations $70)
Echocardiograms (includes ascultation) $375 (late registrations $395)
(Add-on Echos at the Clinic: $340)

Date: Tuesday, April 14
Time: 9:00 – 4:00 (Tentative)

Ophthalmologist:  TBA

Cardiologist:  Dr. Emily Seuss

General Health Screening and OFA certification:  TBA

Basic OFA:
♥ Auscultation only with basic OFA form and certification: $50
♥ Auscultation with a basic OFA form and a Echocardiogram: $375

If an animal is experiencing clinical signs of:

– coughing
– difficulty breathing
– exercise intolerance
                …..Please seek emergency medical attention at a Veterinary Hospital.

Date: April 14, 2026
Event Chair:  Suzanne Robinson
Pre-Registration Encouraged 

 

Judges Education – 2026 National Specialty

A Breed Seminar and two opportunities for Ringside Mentoring will be offered during Nationals Week for individuals seeking AKC approval to judge Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, as well as for those wishing to deepen their understanding of the breed.


For more information on the ACKCSC Judges Education Program, please visit:
www.ackcsc.org/index.php/education/judges-education

Breed Seminar – Wednesday, April 15, 2026

The ACKCSC Approved Breed Seminar fulfills one (1) required component toward AKC Judges Education. This comprehensive session covers the history of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, form and function, and an in‑depth analysis of the official Breed Standard.

The seminar includes:

  • A 90‑minute presentation with additional time for Q&A
  • A PowerPoint presentation led by long‑time breeders and licensed judges Leslie Slusher and Rachel Venier
  • A 30‑minute hands‑on workshop featuring at least six (6) Cavaliers for examination
  • Examples of all four breed colors whenever possible
  • Ringside Mentoring immediately following the seminar and workshop
  • Seminar materials: photocopy of the PPT, Annotated Standard, Trifold, Judges Quick Reference, and a copy of our Illustrated Breed Guide
  • Light food and beverages

This seminar is an excellent resource for prospective judges and anyone seeking a deeper, breed‑accurate understanding of Cavaliers.

Event Details

  • Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
  • Time: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
  • Cost: $25 (includes all seminar materials)
  • Event Chair: Danna Robinson‑Saathoff

 

Judges Education – Ringside Mentoring

Ringside observation opportunities will be offered on Wednesday (Bitches) and Thursday (Best of Breed). A reserved ringside section is provided exclusively for aspiring judges to ensure an excellent view of table examinations, movement, and overall ring procedure.

Participants will observe judging alongside Approved Breed Mentors, who are available to answer questions and offer insight into breed priorities, ring strategy, and the nuances of Cavalier type and presentation.

Ringside Mentoring Details

  • Dates:
    • Wednesday, April 15, 2026 (immediately following the seminar)
    • Thursday, April 16, 2026 (Best of Breed)
  • Eligibility:
    Licensed and Provisional Judges, individuals pursuing AKC provisional status, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed.
  • Cost: $1

Event Details

  • Date: Wednesday, April 15-16, 2026
  • Event Chair: Danna Robinson‑Saathoff
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