Entry numbers for the 2012 Specialty are posted on the LRCP's website. WOW!

good numbers 1025 dogs with a total entry of 1483!
And heard that despite the Obedience being held in a separate location, the Obedience numbers are UP!
Can't wait to see the breakdown!

Well, that depends. Does the club have to pay rent for the remote site? Are there other expenses as well?

so for you sour grapes. the obedience rental was a wash with the tent rental. And I never said Potomac numbers were up, I said the Obedience entries were up.
Give it a rest already, and go join another club.

I would be interested in comparing the price of gas to the number of entries for the past 7 years!

Wow, entries are understandably down. Such a shame, but the economy is hurting and folks are prudent as can be.

I am sure it will be a great show and those in attendance will love it.

Just curious. How many people enter dogs and then don't bring any, just bring one vs. all, that kind of thing?

I will always enter an extra one. I plan on taking two but I enter three. Whoever still has coat the day I leave goes. I know several others that do the same. Coat is not looking good this year so I may take only one of the three entered.

How about we just stop talking about the obedience and all get ready to enjoy
a great show.

There are only like 27 dogs entered in regular obedience classes if you look on Infodog.

This thread doesn't seem like a simple conversation about the final entry numbers. It seems that many people are hoping that Potomac fails. Why? It's the one spot where we can see a huge number of dogs and breeders. The judges are almost irrelevant, the infighting is irrelevant, who's running it is irrelevant. The Labradors will be there and the people who produced them will be there. Why cut off your nose to spite your face? Come and enjoy what the show offers.

Infodog lists the total rally entry for four days as 54. Some classes are empty, most have only 2 dogs entered. Way, way down. Last year there were over 130 competing in rally.

I would guess the drop in Rally numbers has to do with the show being split. Many of the usual entries also do conformation making it difficult to do both. Obedience entries are a little different, it takes a bigger commitment on time and training to title.

I am not sure if the split is a success or not. I am showing at both venues and looking forward to it.

I can’t imagine why any exhibitor would complain at this point about the numbers for this specialty. There are many many factors that can contribute to the decline of entries (e.g., economy, people breeding less, changes in one’s life that rearranges priorities, etc.).

At the end of the day does it really matter? We still get to see a spectacular amount of quality Labradors being shown in different venues. We still get to see our friends that come from near and far. What is better than that?

As far as finances, let the club leadership and members, do their job and balance the budget! As entries decline they have found creative ways to keep this show going for each and every one of us. This occurs through the match, raffle, etc. The club members and the breeders who donated items should be thanked as well.

Let’s not forget the countless hours the LRCP club members donate to put this event on for us. I will challenge each of you to stop and say thank you to club member that you see working. I will also challenge you to stop and thank the Holiday Inn staff for the incredible amount of work they do for us; whether you stay at the hotel or not.

We should all come to this spectacular event, the Woodstock of Labradors, with a positive attitude and have some great fun! This is our time to celebrate the breed we are all so dedicated to; the Labrador Retriever.

I am looking forward to seeing you all at “Potomac.” Travel safely!!!

Cheers,
Michael

As Emerson, Lake and Palmer said,Come on and enjoy the show! YES! The Woodstock of Labradors!!
Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends
We're so glad you could attend
Come inside! Come inside!

You've got to see the show, it's a dynamo
ELP

Yes, the numbers are in and now it is up to the LRCP to determine what they want to do next year. As for the rest of us, let's just have fun! We will have a wonderful time.

Entries are dropping everywhere, not just at this show, and I rather doubt it is due to the split venue. The economy and skyrocketing gas prices are probably playing a major role in declining entries. Im sure we all just wish the LRCP club member (yes we know who you are) would just stop HER negative comments. -

.....2011 2012 change
rally 1 29 17 -17
rally 2 47 17 -30
rally 3 35 19 -16
rally 4 20 12 -8
obed 1 21 29 +8
obed 2 24 31 +7
obed 3 21 26 +5
obed 4 35 33 -2
Total 232 184 -48

So very well said Michael!!!
Can't wait to get there and see you, and everyone else. Yes! everyone, travel safe and good luck to all!

If you really want to compare numbers you need to do it apples to apples. Compare the number listed in the beginning of the catalog for year on year. the numbers on infodog from past years reflects the absentees.

2011 is from the catalog.

I am very excited to see the upcoming puppies people are bringing and the adult dogs being shown, and the veterans whom our past is proud of.I am so happy to be able to see breeder friends who I may only get to see once a year. And to enjoy the atmosphere. If anyone in a club has ever helped make their club's specialty show happen, then they can all appreciate the work that has gone into Potomac as well. All of the clubs are losing money because of the economy. I am so surprised that people have to be so negative. Please, if you don't like it, don't go. That's simple. No one is forcing you to go and complain.