Q & A

What are the services provided by Brian Livingston LLC?

The handling, training, grooming, conditioning, and boarding of show dogs in AKC conformation events by Brian Livingston, assistants, and associates.

How does a dog become a Champion?

Dogs in competition at conformation shows are competing for points toward their AKC championships. It takes fifteen points, including two majors (wins of three, four or five points) awarded by at least three different judges, to become an American Kennel Club "Champion of Record."

The number of championship points awarded at a show depends on the number of males ("dogs") and females ("bitches") of the breed actually in competition. The larger the entry, the greater the number of points a male or a female can win. The maximum number of points awarded to a dog at any show is 5 points.

What is a Grand Champion?

A dog must be (1) a Champion of Record or (2) have been transferred to BOB competition based upon the owners’ records of their having completed the requirements for a CH title to be eligible for Grand Championship (GCH) competition.

The American Kennel Club requires a dog to obtain a total of 25 points with three major wins (a major win is worth three points or higher) to become a Grand Champion. The majors must be won under three different judges and at least one other judge must award some of the remaining points – so you need to win under at least four different judges. Also at least one Champion of Record must be defeated at three of these shows

Do you campaign Specials?

Yes, we have campaigned multiple top winning and record breaking Specials over the years.

What is conditioning?

Exercise and proper nutrition are critical for success. Every dog is exercised daily and fed accordingly to size and need. Dogs are brushed daily and appropriate products are added to the coat for health and moisture. If banding or wrapping is required, it is done daily or as needed. Ears, teeth, and nails, are done weekly or as needed. Dogs are bathed according to breed specifications.

What food do you feed?

We exclusively use ProPlan products. If a dog is on a special diet, it is provided to us by the owner with detailed instructions.

Where do dogs live while with Brian?

We are located on 15 fenced acres in Aubrey Texas, north of Dallas. They reside in individual dog runs with multiple outdoors fenced areas for exercise. Several live in the houses of Brian and the assistants. All dogs are rotated to ensure that each gets house time.

What happens if my dog becomes ill?

If veterinary care is deemed to be appropriate, at the sole discretion of Brian Livingston, such care shall be sought immediately and all charges will be the responsibility of the owner. Further, it is agreed that Brian Livingston is expressly granted permission to consent to any procedures, whether medical or surgical, that are deemed necessary for the health and well being of the dog.

What does the owner need to provide at drop off?

Owners need to provide records of current vaccinations for each dog. This should include any and all conditions and requirements of the dog. A deposit of $500. And a signed Services Agreement, a signed Rate Form and completed Intake Form that can be downloaded from the website.

What about heartworm and flea prevention?

All prophylactic treatments such as heartworm preventative and flea and tick preventative shall be furnished by the owner. If prophylactic treatments are not furnished by the owner, then permission is granted for Brian Livingston to procure same and owner agrees to reimburse Brian Livingston LLC when presented with an invoice.

How are travel expenses determined?

Expenses are prorated amongst the total number of dogs traveling with Brian Livingston.

How is priority established if there is a ring conflict?

Class dogs will be shown for winners by Brian Livingston according to the client’s priority with the handler. Specials, and dogs that are contracted to travel with him, will take preference over class dogs and ring side pick-ups. If a combination of class dogs and/or specials is required to be in the ring at the same time, it is agreed that Brian Livingston will handle the dog with the highest priority and other qualified individuals as necessary will handle the remaining dogs.