Back to 1997:
While scanning old magazines we found this marvel. Today we arrange everything with just a few clicks on our smartphone, a recently rediscovered entry form from September 1997 reminds us what the world of the American Staffordshire Terrier looked like 29 years ago. From payments in guilders to the use of the typewriter: welcome back in time.
Nostalgic prices in guilders
The first thing that stands out is the pricing. In 1997, entering most classes cost f 60.00, including the catalogue. Puppies could enter the ring for half that price, f 30.00. If you wanted your dog pictured in the catalogue, a full page cost 75 guilders. For visitors, a day of watching dogs was affordable too: admission was only 5 guilders, while children under 14 could enter free of charge.
Please fill in using a typewriter
Digitalisation was still far away in 1997. The organisation strongly urged participants to complete the form clearly, preferably in block capitals or with a typewriter. There were no automatic links to databases; you had to take out your dog's pedigree and copy every detail by hand.
Strict rules and the cropping issue
The form also reflects an important historical turning point in the dog world: the ban on ear cropping. Cropped ears were checked strictly. Dogs born in the Netherlands after 1 October 1996 were not allowed to have cropped ears if they were to take part.
Discipline on the day itself was also strict:
- Up early: the dogs had to be checked by the veterinarian between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m.
- No early departure: anyone thinking they could leave right after their own judging was out of luck, as early departure was not permitted.
- No clutter around the ring: it was forbidden to place grooming tables or crates directly around the rings.
International flair
Despite what now seems like a simple setup, the club match had an international character. Judges were specially flown in from Scandinavia: Mrs. B.L. Steffesen from Denmark judged the males, while Mrs. A. Ulltveit-Moe from Sweden judged the females. Together they selected the Best in Show.
More than just showing
Besides the big championship match in Asperen, owners could also enter courses in Elementary Obedience and Ring Training in Rosmalen. For 35 guilders as a member, you could work with your Am Staff on Sunday afternoons between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. One striking detail is that even then you already had to prove that you had liability insurance covering damage caused by pets.
A form like this beautifully shows how much times have changed. What is now digital, automatic and arranged within minutes still required paper, post, manual completion and above all great care back then. That is exactly what makes documents like these so enjoyable to revisit: they tell us not only something about our club, but also about the era in which enthusiasts presented their dogs.
The scan of the original form is available as a PDF: view the original scan here.