BHCA Futurity & Maturity Stakes

The purpose of the BHCA's Futurity Stakes is to recognize and reward BHCA Member Breeders for their efforts in the breeding of better Basset Hounds through carefully planned breeding and the evaluation of puppies.  The Futurity has been supported by the BHCA since 1989, is open to all breeders or co-breeders of record who are members, in good standing of the BHCA.   Contrary to popular belief it is not “just another Sweepstakes”.  It is a yearly opportunity for Breeders to showcase their best puppies.

Although the nomination process is much different and lengthier than participating in any other AKC Conformation event, it is not difficult. The BHCA Futurity Stakes Rules are available here on the BHCA website.  These rules outline the nomination process, fees and any other pertinent information about participation in the Futurity, as well as all needed forms which are involved with the complete nominating process.

The purpose of the Maturity Stakes, which began in 2005, is to validate the expectations of the BHCA Member Basset Hound Breeders from the previous 24 months of futurity nominations and entries.  The Maturity Stakes is intended to encourage the breeding of the best possible "Basset Hound" and to reward breeders for their efforts.  Recognition is also given to the owners in whose hands lay the responsibility of developing the inherited potentialities.

The Maturity Stakes is open to all member breeders, co-breeders, co-owners or owners at the time the dogs and bitches that have previously completed their enrollment in the Futurity, according to the Futurity Stakes Rules and are listed in the Futurity Catalog or Futurity section of the catalog under Futurity.

Maturity enrollment forms are also on the website, from the conclusion of the Nationals event until July 1st of the current Futurity year.   After which time the enrollment for the event is closed.

It is important that those of you who have previously participated in the Futurity or Maturity check out the website or contact a member of the Futurity/Maturity Committee, as changes may have been made to the events for any given Futurity/Maturity year.  These changes are posted by April 1st of the Futurity/Maturity year and are in effect for the year in which they are posted.  In addition to the rules all forms are updated prior to the March 31st deadline for each Futurity year.

The F/M secretary, chair & committee members are always willing to assist new participants through the enrollment process.

Contact Gene McDonald, Futurity/Maturity Secretary at bhcafm@aol.com if you have any questions.  He is happy to assist you with any questions you may have.

See the Past Winners of Futurity and Maturity

Visit this page and see some of the past winners of the Futurity and Maturity Stakes over the years.  Some photos are not yet available.  If you have any of these photos, please email them to sue.frischmann@gmail.com.

I Want to Learn More about Futurity & Maturity

Below are the rules as well as other important information regarding the BHCA Futurity and Maturity Stakes are available.  If you are a Member Breeder, please consider participating!

Required Futurity Forms

It is important to follow the rules and time frames regarding the Nominations and Entries for the Futurity Stakes.  You might find it helpful to make notes on your personal calendar to make sure that you don't miss important deadlines.  If you have questions, be sure to contact the Futurity & Maturity Stakes Secretary at bhcafm@aol.com.

Remember, even though you may have nominated your litter and or individual dogs correctly, you still must enter them in their correct class for the Futurity Event held at the Nationals.

Note:  When using the fillable forms, use Save As to save a copy of the completed form on your computer.  Mail the saved form to the Futurity & Maturity Stakes Secretary.

2024 Futurity

Required Maturity Forms

It is important to follow the rules and time frames regarding the Nominations and Entries for Maturity.    You might find it helpful to make notes on your personal calendar to make sure that you don't miss important deadlines for the Maturity Stakes.  If you have questions, be sure to contact the Futurity & Maturity Stakes Secretary at bhcafm@aol.com.

Remember, even though you may have nominated your dog (s) correctly for Maturity, you still must enter them in their correct class for the Maturity Event held at the Nationals.

Futurity and Maturity Rules

Beginning in 2024, revised rules will be in effect for the Futurity and Maturity Stakes. Below are links both to the current rules in effect through 2023, and to the revised rules in effect starting in 2024.