Trophies – The Good, The Bad, and the “Huh?”

By: Cheslie Pickett

A great trophy is the icing on the cake after a coveted win – no matter how big or small of a victory it is. However, a random or strange trophy can leave the exhibitor asking “Huh?” at the trophy chairman’s choice for a trophy.  After conferring with breeder owner handlers and professional handlers about their favorite type of trophy, many of the same ideas kept arising. Exhibitors’ initial reactions are quite telling as to what is a popular and well liked trophy and what, unfortunately, is not. To follow are a few of exhibitor’s preferred categories of trophies, as well as some specific ideas to accompany them.

An overwhelming majority of those questioned about the topic of trophies mentioned a preference for receiving cash prizes. Of course, many say that cash is the best gift and obviously one can spend it however they please. Other ideas besides cash with monetary value that are well received with exhibitors are gas gift cards, vendor dollars, a certificate for a free win photo, and a donation in one’s name to a charity. Cash and gift cards are highly portable and easy to travel with, not taking any space in a suitcase or dog show vehicle. These are not the most personal trophies, yet so favored among breeders and handlers that there is no doubt a winner will walk away beaming when they open the envelope with their “trophy”!

A personal preference and a large category that seems to be favored among exhibitors are useable items. The possibilities are endless for trophies that an owner or handler will actually use! Some of the most mentioned items included director’s chairs, towels, leads, dog toys, coolers, and crate mats. For a larger award, items such as grooming tables, crates and tack boxes are favored among exhibitors. Many of these items are perfect for embroidering or detailing to denote a specific win or a kennel club name. Electronics, such as an iPod, or iPad, for larger awards were mentioned among exhibitors.

A category all of it’s own includes unique and creative trophies, which often come to hold a special meaning to the recipient. Many times these items could be something breed specific or location specific. One handler gave me a very creative and special example of a Best in Show trophy that they hold dear, which was given by a club in Nashville, Tennessee – a guitar to be hand painted by an artist of the Best in Show winning dog. Although not particularly unique. silver, or other items that are personalized with the show and win were mentioned by some. These types of trophies are easily displayed.

Items that did not seem popular among exhibitors were the chotskies that are given more often than not for all levels of awards. Also, never mentioned among those questioned were medallions or medals. Obviously, used or re-donated items that have been received with an award can sometimes be quite meaningless. Although, surely winners are appreciative of each trophy to accompany a win, the previous ideas seem to be even more than greatly appreciated among exhibitors.

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Posted by chesliepickett on Jul 3 2013. Filed under Blog Post. You can follow any responses to this entry through the
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