Interview with Barbara Müller, Swiss judge and member of the Organsing Committee
of the European Dog Show 2013 in Geneva
© Karl Donvil
Les juges suisses Barbara Müller et Laurent Pichard
The European Dog Show will take place next year in Geneva. Geneva is a rather expensive
place. Will this affect the show in terms of entry fee, hotels, parking, etc.?
We know that Switzerland is rather expensive but when you check our entry fees you
can find out that the rates are not higher than for other European shows. Via our
website all exhibitors may book accommodation in different categories. And please
do not forget, our showground Palexpo is 4 km away from the French border, where
it is easy to find very reasonable hotels.
More and more exhibitors travel with caravan or mobilhome, or rent a house. Denmark
has been a real example in this regard. What about the intentions of the Swiss Kennel
Club?
We are very happy to inform all exhibitors that next to the showground there is
a huge car park reserved for caravans and mobile homes. From there, it is 2 minutes
walking distance to the show ground. And apartments are for rent specially on the
French side of the border in Gex and St. Genis.
Most of the times FCI World- and European dog shows are very successful, but unfortunately
there have been surprises too in the past. Did the Swiss Kennel Club take any precautions?
The organising committee is working hard to attract as many exhibitors as possible
to come to our beautiful country. Many exhibitors have been in Switzerland before
and know that we try to do our best for dogs and owners. The judges list is international
and we hope to fulfil all expectations.
How many dogs are expected or with what number are you satisfied?
We expect 8,000 to 10,000 dogs but we are, of course, also prepared to welcome 15,000.
Has the Swiss Kennel Club taken measures against possibilities of postponing the
entry-dates, as this becomes more and more a real problem?
We try to keep the official dates.
Can we expect surprises or new ideas?
We are very glad to inform all exhibitors, that every dog receiving a CAC at the
all breed CACIB show on Thursday and a CAC at the European Show can apply for the
Swiss Champion Title, Junior Swiss Champion and also Veteran Swiss Champion title
(depending on some breed club regulations).
So instead of 4 CAC in 365 days it will be possible to go home with a new champion
after this weekend in Geneva.
Do you have other items that you'd like to share with us?
We are waiting for all of you!