that some of the breeders got so big, with so many expenses, that the bad economy has them working hard to keep their heads above water? They may not be able to AFFORD to go to an expensive show just to show support. Several larger dealers / breeders (not just of BPs) have told me it can cost them $5k, or even way more, just to pay for travel, employee, and show expenses. AND it is a lot of stress on them, AND their animals. If they can't show a profit, or if they lose money, they may not be able to afford the luxury of taking time away from their business and stressing animals to show support.

I don't know any of those breeders well enough to say that this is the case. Just throwing out possibilities because I did have one particular breeder (not one of those mentioned) tell me that he is not coming for that very reason.

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