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So you want to show?

You may have been interested in Dog Shows for some time and wondered what's involved. You may have been persuaded to show your puppy by its breeder. Whatever the reason I hope that the following notes will help you.

Before you start you will have to make sure that your dog is Kennel Club registered. The breeder of your dog should have given you the registration document.

The best person to approach about showing your dog is the breeder. Usually, but not always, the breeder is already involved in the Dog Show scene. When the dog is about 5 or 6 months ask for the breeder's opinion on your puppy. If the puppy is of general show quality then by all means take up this wonderful hobby. But be prepared, you will need help and assistance from lots of people and you will have to be prepared to take advice and learn. Many breeders are happy to help and pass on their knowledge.

Nowadays there is a lot of information on the www. Try a search for your breed and see what you get. There are many breed links and show links listed on this site. The two "doggie" papers are Dog World and Our Dogs, these may be ordered through your newsagent. In the back of these newspapers you will find a section on dog shows and local canine societies. The best place to get your introduction to showing is with your local canine society. The societies generally hold training classes for the show ring. These training classes are not to be confused with the obedience type of training classes. The latter will train your dog to sit, fetch etc and you don't need this for the show ring. Ring the nearest Secretary and ask where and when your local training class is. Local societies also stage "Match Meetings". These are informal events where all breeds of dog compete and go into the ring two by two, a sort of knock out competition until there is only the winner left. Puppies (6 to 12 months) compete against one another and then the adults (12 months and over). You can enter on the night for these sorts of events which are a fun way to gain help and experience.

There are different ways of showing different breeds of dog, for example a Yorkshire Terrier is shown stood on a "box" but a Cairn Terrier is shown in its natural position, not stacked in any way. You will have to learn the appropriate way to handle your dog. The place to learn about this and presenting your dog for the show ring is with a Breed Club. Again you need to contact the Secretary of your local Breed Club and ask if they have any shows or events (see our breed links section).

The first type of "proper" dog show to try is an Open or Limited show. These are usually held locally and have breed classes and an Any Variety Section. You will see them advertised in the dog papers and entries have to be made, usually about a month in advance, entries cannot be taken on the day (see our show dates). Take advice from the breeder or the show secretary about which class to enter. If you are lucky you may win a little prize money or a rosette.

Build up your expertise here and you may wish to enter your dog in a Championship Show (see our calendar). These are not so local and the entry fee is more expensive. They are usually benched, i.e. your dog has to be in its bench for the duration of the show (with breaks for exercising of course). It is unusual for there to be any prize money or rosettes on offer at these shows. The reason why exhibitors attend Championship Shows is because generally only these shows count towards their dog becoming a Champion. Where Challenge Certificates are on offer for the breed, the dog that is awarded Best Dog or Best Bitch wins a Challenge Certificate. When it has won 3 of these awards under 3 different judges the dog (subject to Kennel Club confirmation) is a Champion.

My advice to you is to look, listen and ask advice. When you have gained experience you will form a rewarding partnership with your dog and enjoy taking going into the show ring. Don't worry if you don't win or even get placed. Other exhibitors may have been showing and breeding for many, many years, they know exactly how to get the best out of their dog, how to trim it, move it etc. This will all come in time.

As time goes by you will win and this feeling is quite addictive. Before you know it you will be planning everything else around your dog shows, you will be travelling up and down the country, no expense spared. Showing is not an inexpensive hobby. There are entry fees, petrol, sometimes overnight accommodation but on the plus side you will meet many new friends and have a good social life.

Sooner or later you will want to breed your own dogs for showing; be a judge yourself; even get involved in the administration side of dog shows. If you really get interested in the "dog game", it can take over your life, so be warned!!

Linda Firth

(Linda started showing with her parents at the age of 14 in 1964, she (& husband) are both Championship Show judges, their daughter 16 years is now starting on her judging career. They have now owned 6 Champions, the family is also heavily involved in the administration of a Breed Club)