This is the intro from the futurity program rules
www.weimclubamerica.org/about/rules_pdf/FuturityRules.pdfShow and Field Futurity Program
The Futurity Program is a breeder’s classic for Weimaraners, comparable to the Kentucky
Derby for breeders of top running horses. In 1954, the Weimaraner Club of America inaugurated the Futurity Program. This program has proven to be one of the most important ever undertaken by the Weimaraner fraternity. No other program has done, or can do, as much to advance the cause of the breed both on the Bench and in the Field.
The purpose of the program is to insure the future excellence of the Weimaraner. Much time
and effort has been expended in the past toward the development of the breed as we know it today.
The Futurity Program is the means for the continuation of this development and improvement.
The Futurity is also a challenge, or a gamble on the future. The breeder has picked a certain
Bitch to be bred to a certain Stud. It is his opinion that this breeding will produce offspring of the desired conformation and ability that will win in competition over the offspring of other breedings that are enrolled in the Futurity Program. To back up his faith in his judgment, he pays moneys into a fund that will be divided among the winners of the Futurity. These moneys are correctly termed “Forfeits” as the breeder agrees to forfeit the money if his opinion of his breeding did not prove to be correct.
Proper conformation for a hunting dog is the basis for the Weimaraner Standard. This standard describes the perfect Weimaraner. While we cannot hope to achieve perfection, the standard sets a goal for the conscientious breeder to strive toward. The conscientious Weimaraner breeder chooses, as a potential brood bitch, a female that most nearly approaches the standard. She will, in many instances, be from proven stock, and hopefully, she has been proven herself, by competition on the bench and in the field. When the breeder feels sure that his chosen bitch is an outstanding example of the breed, he begins to look for a suitable stud dog that will complement his bitch. The stud will also usually be from proven stock, and has also been proven, and has a reputation for producing high quality offspring. The use of proven bitches and studs gives the breeder little better
odds, but this should not preclude using quality bitches and studs that have not previously
produced. Many fine young Weimaraners were produced in the past from just such breedings.
Since the Weimaraner is a hunting dog, the natural instincts of nose, desire to hunt, boldness and independence, and trainability, should also be given equal consideration when planning a breeding for the Futurity.
Because of the date lines that govern the W.C.A. Show Futurity, there are three age groups at
the final date of judging. Show Futurity pups vary in age from approximately 11 months old to a maximum of 27 months. These pups are judged in three different age groups. Prior to the judging, the judge is provided with a set of the rules, which define the method of judgment. This procedure is followed so that each Futurity Class winner has an equal chance to win Best Dog in Futurity or Best Bitch in Futurity.
The W.C.A. Sectional Field Futurities are held in conjunction with the various National Classics
and Championship Field Trials. The datelines established for the Field Futurities are such
that the ages of the pups in contention range from approximately 10 months to 30 months old.
Field Futurity puppies are judged according to the AKC Derby Dog Standard of Judgment.
The goal of all Futurity Breeders and owners is, of course, to record a win in the Futurity. The
“Ultimate Goal” is to win both a Bench Futurity and a Field Futurity with the same dog. A
breeder or owner can also take great pride in a placement in any of the Futurity Sectionals. It
should be remembered that all of these pups are bred for excellence, and a placement in this type
of competition is indeed a prestigious accomplishment.
There are also financial rewards for winning or placing in the Futurities. All of the Forfeits
that have been paid, minus a percentage for expenses, are divided among owners of the winners of
the Futurities, and the breeders of the Winners.
It is in the owner’s interest, and the interest of the breed as a whole, to see that the pups remain
eligible by paying the necessary forfeits, and by seeing that the pups are given the proper
training, so that they can compete to the best of their ability.
The rules of the Futurity permit the use of a professional in training and showing these pups.
Many owners, however, choose to train and show their own pup, and the records will show that
they are often successful in both the Bench and Field events. The owner/handler who will take the
time to learn the fine points of training and campaigning his dog will certainly realize a great deal
of personal satisfaction from the accomplishment.
Most Breeders are also knowledgeable in the training and showing of the Weimaraner. They
will gladly answer your questions and assist you in your efforts to develop your puppy, the product
of their breeding. The Local Clubs are also a wealth of information and assistance. These clubs are
made up of dedicated members who have many years of experience in the raising, training and
campaigning of the Weimaraner. Every Weimaraner owner would benefit from membership in
one of the local clubs if there is one near them. The National Office of the W.C.A. is also available
to help in every possible way.
In summary, you, the owner of a Futurity nominated pup, are asked to keep the pup eligible
by paying the forfeits, to see that the pup receives the proper training, and to enter the pup in the
Futurity competition.
The History of our favorite breed is old and fascinating reading. The future of the breed is also
fascinating, and today’s Futurity pups ARE the future of the breed. As the owner of a quality
Weimaraner, do your part to assure the future of the breed by taking part in the Futurity program.
GOOD LUCK!
