Get Ready for DCA 2026 – Fun, Excitement, and a Few Surprises in Store!DCA 2026 officially gets underway on April 8th with the National Field Trial, hosted by the Badger Dachshund Club in Hortonville, Wisconsin with Shawn Nies as Field Trial Chair.TUESDAY, APRIL 7The field trial grounds will be available by noon. The Fox River Beagle Club has heard every suggestion we’ve made to have the grounds ready for our field trials and is working hard to make us feel welcome and ready to host the National Field Trial. As an additional activity, Sandra Dunand will offer CGC and Trick Dog testing at the grounds from noon to 5pm.WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY, APRIL 8 - 9The National field trial starts bright and early on Wednesday morning with the National Anthem followed by Roll Call. Breakfast and Lunch will be available for a fee. The Open Dogs and Field Champion Dogs will run on Wednesday. Following completion of the judging for the day, there will be a Three Dachshunds Root Beer Float and BBQ on April 8, 2026, to welcome everyone to the Fox River Beagle Club.Open Bitch and Field Champion Bitch classes will run on Thursday, followed by Best Open, Best Field Champion and Absolute runs. The Performance Awards Dinner will be after completion of the National Field Trial on April 9, 2026, in the Fox River Clubhouse.FRIDAY, SATURDAY, & SUNDAY,APRIL 10 - 12Badger Dachshund Club will host two field trials over three days from April 10-12, 2026. Following judging on April 10, 2026, there will be an educational presentation titled “Tick Tok” by Deneice Van Hook DVM who will provide updates on tick-borne diseases. Badger DC is planning to host a raffle during the field trial so come prepared with your baskets and plan to find some fabulous treasures. Contact Bernadette Wagner for more information.MONDAY, APRIL 13Everyone will take this day to break camp in Hortonville, WI and move a few hours south to the Northern Illinois Brace Club in Roscoe, IL for the DCA Earthdog tests.TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY APRIL 14 -15The DCA National Earth Dog test will be held on April 14th and an additional DCA test on April 15th. Shawn Nies will serve as Chair of both events.After a few weeks off, the rest of the 2026 Nationals move to the Purina Event Center. Nationals Chair Bev Barringer-Ruggeri and her show committee promise a fun and exciting week of events and activities.SUNDAY, MAY 10First up is the National Scent Work trial located at Purina in the Event Center and Welcome Center led by Chair, Lora Megli. We will offer two trials, all levels of containers, buried and interior. Dachshunds will have priority for two weeks before the trial opens to all breeds.MONDAY, MAY 11Monday is move-in day at Purina and the start of the National Agility Trials, with Shawn Nies taking on her third Nationals Event Chair assignment this year– thank you Shawn! DCA will once again host two dachshund-only agility trials. Raffles for workers and non-qualifiers wrap up a full day of agility. Later that day, the DCA Top 30 competition, chaired again by Debby Krieg gets underway with preliminary judging in the afternoon, followed by finals judging and the 2026 Welcome Party Monday evening. Be sure to preorder an event program with all of this year’s competitor which includes a ballot to vote for the People’s Choice Award. We also have a special treat in store as the Top 30 celebrates our breed’s rich history.TUESDAY, MAY 12Tuesday morning kicks off at 7 am with the opening of the Welcome Desk, where you can pick up preorders or purchase show catalogs and dinner tickets, and collect your Welcome Bag which includes a fun activity you can enjoy throughout the week. Vendors are also open for business Tuesday morning, so be sure to stop by to see their offerings.The first DCA Host Specialty Show takes place along with the first set of DCA Obedience and Rally Trials. At the conclusion of Tuesday’s judging, a team of DCA Member Professional Handlers will offer a handling clinic open to both adults and junior handlers. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up tips to put to good use for the rest of the week. Pre-registration is requested. WEDNESDAY, MAY 13The day kicks off with the second DCA Host Specialty Show along with the second set of DCA Obedience and Rally Trials. The DCA Raffle and Ways & Means opens at 9 am. With the success of last year’s baskets, Raffle Chair, by Bev Barringer-RuggeriDACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 102
Lexa Richmond is organizing an ‘All Baskets Raffle’ for 2026. Clubs and individuals can join in on the fun by designing and donating a basket, with a maximum of 50 baskets in total. Contact Lexa ([email protected]) if you would like to donate. Ways & Means Chair Monika Martin promises great shopping with DCA logo merchandise and dachshund themed items. Wednesday is a great day to pick up your pre-paid DCA 2026 merchandise too!Be sure to stop by the DCA Health Fair, featuring information booths and demos throughout the day. THURSDAY, MAY 14Thursday begins at 8 am with morning hospitality at the host hotel, followed by the DCA Annual Meeting in the Merremac Room at 9 am. The rest of the day’s activities move back to Purina Farms for the official start of the National Specialty with Puppy Sweepstakes and the National Rally Trial, which includes a class for Novice Rally Pairs. The DCA Raffle and Ways & Means tables will be open through the end of Puppy Sweepstakes.Thursday afternoon also offers several educational opportunities. This year’s Juniors Seminar will focus on popular performance events. Experts in Agility, Rally, Trick Dog, and Scent Work will provide an interactive introduction to each sport. The annual Judges Education Seminar and Hands-On workshop will be presented by Ken Levison, and this year’s Breeder Education Seminar will feature guest speaker Dr. Marty Greer who will discuss the care of neonates and common infertility issues in dogs.FRIDAY, MAY 15Friday brings the National Specialty regular classes, the Smooth Variety competition and the National Obedience Trial. DCA Judge Education will offer ringside mentoring, and DCA Raffle and Ways & Means will be open all day.The day wraps up with the DCA Annual Dinner at the host hotel. This year’s meal will feature a Dinner Buffet to give attendees a broader selection of food options, followed by the annual Top 10 awards that celebrate the top dogs of 2025 across all events. SATURDAY, MAY 16Saturday starts off with Wirehair Variety competition, followed by Junior Showmanship, Parade of Veterans and Longhair Variety competition. Once the three Variety winners are chosen, it’s time for Best of Breed judging and remaining Intervariety competitions before heading home with memories of a great week spent with great friends and great dogs.We encourage everyone to attend at least one of this year’s Nationals events and celebrate our wonderful, multi-purpose breed!Exhibitor HospitalityThe DCA Triathlon is an important part of every DCA. If you plan to participate in this year’s competition, contact DCA Triathlon Chair, Connie Fisher at [email protected]. If you’re new to the Triathlon and want to know more, go to the DCA Website:https://www.dachshundclubofamerica.org/triathlon/The All In One Form is your one stop shop to: Pre-order reserved grooming, catalogs, dinners and DCA merchandisealong with donations to hospitality and trophies. You may also pre-register for all evening hospitality and education events on the form, or on the pre-registration link on the DCA Website:https://www.dachshundclubofamerica.org/dca-2026-2/Morning hospitalityat the host hotel Tuesday through SaturdayIce Cream Social on Wednesday afternoon at PurinaAfternoon snacks at Purina Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoonsby Bev Barringer-RuggeriDACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 103
Date/Event JudgesTuesday, April 14Dachshund Club of America National Earth Dog TestLocation: Northern Illinois Beagle Club, Roscoe, IL• IQ: Susan Thurlow• Novice: Anne Rosenberg• Junior: Carolyn Lewis• Senior: Michelle Kutzler• Master: Cheri FaustWednesday, April 15Dachshund Club of America Earth Dog TestLocation: Northern Illinois Beagle Club, Roscoe, ILIQ: Michelle KutzlerNovice: Cheri FaustJunior: Anne RosenbergSenior: Carolyn LewisMaster: Susan ThurlowDCA 2026 Performance Events Earth Dog TestsDate/Event JudgesWednesday, April 8 and Thursday, April 9Dachshund Club of America National Field TrialLocation: Fox River Beagle Club, Hortonville, WI• Open Dogs: Sherry Ruggieri and Chrissy Post• Open Bitches: Ashley Dumas and Chrissy Post• FC Dogs: Ashley Dumas and Laura Knoll• FC Bitches: Laura Knoll and Sherry RuggieriFriday, April 10 through Sunday, April 12Badger Dachshund Club Host Field TrialsLocation: Fox River Beagle Club, Hortonville, WITrial #1• Open Dogs: Heidi Meyers and Sherry Ruggieri• Open Bitches: Ashley Dumas and Lori Isaacson• FC Dogs: Laura Knoll and Wendy Nugent• FC Bitches: Becky McLusky and Chrissy PostTrial #2• Open Dogs: Heidi Meyers and Wendy Nugent• Open Bitches: Sherry Ruggieri and Becky McLusky• FC Dogs: Laura Knoll and Chrissy Post• FC Bitches: Ashley Dumas and Lori IsaacsonField TrialsDACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 104
Date/Event JudgesSunday, May 10• DCA Scent Work Trials– Purina Event Center• Purina RV Camping check-in – 3:00 PM• Ginger Huxley• Erin Seely• Brenda SteelyMonday, May 11• National and DCA Host Agility Trials - Purina Event Center • Reserved Grooming Move In - Purina Event Center – 9:00 AM• Welcome Reception – Purina Event Center – 5:30 PM• DCA Top 30 Competition – Purina Event Center – 6:00 PM• Agility: Steve TochtropTuesday, May 12• DCA Host Show #1 - Purina Event Center• DCA Host Obedience and Rally Trials - Purina Event Center• DCA Handling Clinic – Purina Event Center – One hour after Intervariety judging• DCA Board Meeting – Host Hotel• Longs: Ken Hagmueller• Smooths: Randy Garren• Wires: Ronda Bermke• Juniors: Randy Garren• Obedience/Rally: Leslye PinnellWednesday, May 13• DCA Host Show #2 - Purina Event Center• DCA Host Obedience and Rally Trials - Purina Event Center• DCA Health Fair – Purina Event Center – all day• DCA Ice Cream Social - Purina Event Center – 3:30 PM• Longs: Richard Powell• Smooths: Lexa Richmond• Wires: Walter ‘Wally’ Jones• Juniors: Walter ‘Wally’ Jones• Obedience/Rally: Leslye PinnellThursday, May 14• DCA Annual Meeting – Host Hotel – 9:00 AM• DCA National Sweepstakes- Purina Event Center • DCA National Rally Trial - Purina Event Center• DCA Judges Ed – Purina Founders Room – 2:00 PM• DCA Juniors Seminar – Purina Event Center – immediately after Sweeps and Rally Trial• DCA Breeder Ed Seminar – Purina Founders Room – 4:00 PM• Longs: Heather Ackby• Smooths: Kristin Cihos-Williams• Wires: Sheila Parish• Rally: Leslye PinnellFriday, May 15• DCA Regular Classes- Purina Event Center • DCA One Variety – Purina Event Center• DCA National Obedience Trial - Purina Event Center • DCA Annual Dinner – Host Hotel – 6:30 PM• Longs: Maggie Peat• Smooths: John Wade• Wires: Christine Erickson• Juniors: Maggie Peat• Obedience: Leslye PinnellSaturday, May 16• DCA Junior Showmanship- Purina Event Center • DCA Parade of Veterans - Purina Event Center• DCA Remaining Varieties & Intervariety- Purina Event Center DCA 2026 Conformation and Companion Events Host Hotel - Holiday Inn Six Flags - Eureka, MO(15 minutes from Event Center)• $132.95 plus tax nightly room rate. $100 deposit required and applied to first night of reservation• Two room limit per reservation• $35 non-refundable dog show fee• Reservations by phone only: 800-782-8108 or 636-938-6661 (ask for Toni and mention DCA to secure room rate)DACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 105
The Dachshund Club of America, Inc. Newsletter PoliciesDEADLINE SCHEDULESSpring:Final ads/articlesdue January 10Autumn:Final ads/articlesdue July 10SUBSCRIPTION RATESMembers: Sent via domestic bulk mail rates at no cost to members. Bulk mail not received will not be replaced at club expense. Members may opt to receive issues via first class mail by sending $15 with annual dues renewal.First class delivery guaranteed.Members have the responsibility to report address changes to DCA Membership Chair on a timely basis so that Newsletters are mailed to the correct addressNon-MembersFirst Class Domestic Mailing: $30/yearDomestic Bulk Mailing: $20/year (delivery not guaranteed)Canadian/Mexican Mailing; $28/yearOverseas Mailing: $38/yearLetters to the Editor: Mail to Debby Krieg, 1500 words max.DCA and the newsletter editor not liable for statements made by authors. Unsigned letters not accepted or printed Each issue of the Newsletter is published digitally through approximately one month after the print edition is mailed.The link is on theFacebook Page or DCA website home page:http://www.dachshundclubofamerica.org/ ADVERTISING RATESNon-commercial Advertising ratesavailable to DCA members onlySPACE RATE PER ISSUE(all ad prices include 1 picture)Full Color with One PhotoFull Page - $200.00Half Page - $100.00 Extra Photo - $25.00 eachOne Color with One PhotoFull Page: - $100 Half Page: - $70 Extra Photo: - $10 eachPerformance Brags: Includes color photo and basic text: $65Kennel Cards: $25 annually (two issues)DCA MEMBER MEMORIALS FULL PAGE - 1/2 PRICEFree Basic Ad Design: digital proofs sent to advertisers prior to publication for one-time corrections or changes. Advertisers must respond within 1 week of receipt of ad proof. Co-owners not DCA members listed by name onlyCOMMERCIAL ADVERTISING ONLYContact Editor for pricing and [email protected] must accompany adPREFERRED PLACEMENTSpring Cover: rotating candid based on special section - performance, producers, etc.Autumn Cover: candid of National BOB Specialty winnerInside Front Cover andBack Cover:Spring - First come, first serve ($250).New Triple CH or Seven-way title holders move to lead story in special section.Autumn: National Breed/Variety winners, Field Trial Absolute Winner, National Obedience HIT Winner, Best Junior Handler get preferred placements.Purina: Inside front cover unless taken. If taken, place on pages 1-5 or on left page next to inside back coverAdvertising Payments Credit Cards, Checks or Money Orders must accompany ads sent by regular mail. Mail to Debby Krieg, waiving signature on all express and certified mailPayPal payment made via ‘Members Only’ page of DCA website. PayPal receipt must accompany advertising copy via email sent to Debby Krieg Debby Krieg: 26550 Yearsley Road Raymond, OH 43067-9732 [email protected] membership applications and any change of address contact:Georjan BridgerDCA Membership ChairpersonP.O. Box 21352Salem OR [email protected] CLUB OF AMERICA SPRING 2026 106
DID YOU KNOW?We also receive support through the Purina Parent Club Partnership Program, which provides funding to DCA based on Purina Pro Plan dog food receipt submissions by Pro Club members. Pro Club members submit receipts from participating Purina dog foods and accumulate points as part of the Pro Club Program. In addition to earning rewards for the submitting individual, Purina donates an additional 10% of the annual earnings and splits it between the DCA and the AKC Canine Health Foundation. One half is issued directly to the Canine Health Foundation to support research grants, and the other half is issued to DCA for use in the support of canine health research, education and/or rescue efforts.Formed in 2000, the DCA Health and Welfare Trust is a charitable organization, whose goal is to provide education and assist in select research programs concerning the health and welfare of Dachshunds. The research assistance is not restricted to projects that directly include Dachshunds but can be expanded to other canine research programs that affect our breed. While it is a separate entity from the Dachshund Club of America (DCA) it is supported by DCA. Every year potential research projects conducted by well-known organizations such as the AKC Canine Health Foundation and the Morris Animal Foundation, are evaluated by the Trustees to determine where to invest the Trust’s dollars to help our breed. Over the last several years Health and Welfare Trust funds have been used to fund research in Intervertebral Disk Disease and Hemangiosarcoma and will support education efforts through this year’s Breeder Education Seminar during the National Specialty week at Purina Farms. The Health and Welfare Trust is funded primarily through contributions from individuals and groups as well as an annual contribution from DCA. Here are a few suggestions on when you should consider donating to the DCA Health and Welfare Trust:1. Donate to acknowledge a friend’s accomplishment in the ring or field. 2. Donate to honor the memory of a family member, friend or special dog.3. Request a donation in lieu of payment when re-homing a dog.4. Donate a portion of every puppy sale.You contributions provide needed resources for funding health and welfare projects to benefit our wonderful breed. DONATE ONLINE: https://www.dachshundclubofamerica.org/dca-health-and-welfare-trust-fund/DONATE BY CHECK: make payable to ‘DCA Health and Welfare Trust Fund’ and mail to:Carl Holder, TreasurerDCA Health and Welfare Trust1130 Redoak Dr. Lumberton, TX 77657Support the DCA Health & Welfare Trust