Show dog questions :)
- Thread starter MyIrishWolfie
- Start date
i dont show, but i work for a large show kennel
some cons are... MONEY! time... lots and lots of work, training...
pros.. well, if you enjoy it! just the enjoyemnt of it. and some dogs really love to go to shows. i know our dogs at work LOVE going to shows.
you can start showing when they are adults. no problem!
i defianally am going to show my next dog, not sure of the breed yet. since i know the breed so well and love them, maybe collies
some cons are... MONEY! time... lots and lots of work, training...
pros.. well, if you enjoy it! just the enjoyemnt of it. and some dogs really love to go to shows. i know our dogs at work LOVE going to shows.
you can start showing when they are adults. no problem!
i defianally am going to show my next dog, not sure of the breed yet. since i know the breed so well and love them, maybe collies
Well I am going to show in the future....when I am out of College(not that I am in college yet but in about 8 years I will be out and done with it!)
I want my next dog to be a Golden...so that is the one I want to show!
And yes I am going to start when the Golden is a pup....I going to get the pup from a breeder that shows her dogs.....and hoping that she will be able to help me and teach me about showing this breed!
I want my next dog to be a Golden...so that is the one I want to show!
And yes I am going to start when the Golden is a pup....I going to get the pup from a breeder that shows her dogs.....and hoping that she will be able to help me and teach me about showing this breed!
T
I started in 4-H when I was only 8 years old. I began training my dogs, and in less than a year I was showing in 4-H shows, and very soon after that I was a 9 year old competing against adults in the "big shows". I've been training, showing, and competing ever since.
But, just now am I getting more involved in Conformation and jr showmanship. Agility and obedience will always be my first love, but there are some things I like about prancing my dog around a ring(even if it isn't too intellectually challenging for dogs).
My conf./jrs dog is Marq. I got him on a co-ownership last January as a 5 year old male.
If I ever got another dog from a breeder, it would be showable. But, for now, my plans are to just rescue, rehab, adn train dogs in agility.
But, just now am I getting more involved in Conformation and jr showmanship. Agility and obedience will always be my first love, but there are some things I like about prancing my dog around a ring(even if it isn't too intellectually challenging for dogs
).My conf./jrs dog is Marq. I got him on a co-ownership last January as a 5 year old male.
If I ever got another dog from a breeder, it would be showable. But, for now, my plans are to just rescue, rehab, adn train dogs in agility.
I have been "in" dog shows ALL my life.. literally.. my parents bred/showed/trained Shelties for as long as I could remember...
When I was little I never had a baby play pen.. I was ALWAYS stuck in the puppy pen lol
Anyways, I started showing Riot as soon as it was possible for him to be shown. When he was only 5 months old I had him in Sanction matches (first show he took everything but Best in Show!!!) Then when he turned 6 months (legal CKC show age) he was entered in the "real deal" shows.. he went through a very awkward stage, so never really placed "well" but it was the experience for him and I that I wanted.
Showing can be VERy expensive though.
Traveling costs, show entry fees($25-27/day of the show), hotel costs, grooming supply costs, show appearl costs, show equipment for your dog.
So - if you have the money - its SUCH a fabulous sport. SOO much fun!
Other cons about it would be the politics involved with it. Usually if you get a "beginner" judge they put up professional handlers or the "easy" breeds like Shelties in a group instead of picking apart each dog and assessing them.
I defiantely suggest taking handling classes - if you dont you'll be completely lost in the ring! Handling classes prepare you for proper footwork, proper stacking work for both your dog AND you as well as the proper way to hold leads and handle your dog.
Riot was a very difficult dog to show when we started. I had to work with him consistantly at certain things. Now - hes just fabulous and truely enjoys ring time. He looks PROUD when hes in the ring now! hehe Puffs up his chest, holds his tail evenly, gaits out infront of me(the way he should). He just looks fabulous
Yes, you CAN show your dog when its older. I believe the cut off age is 8yrs old though, anything pass then and they are considered a "vetern" and can only be shown in specialty shows.
I know a Belgian Terv who has JUST finished her title and she is turning 3yrs old. I know of a Sheltie who is just starting his show career at 5 yrs old.
Its also all in how the dog develops and its personality as well as how you handle it in the ring.
There are always going to be certain judges IN the ring as well and you learn about who likes what in a dog.
Ex. would be a "movement judge, an "expression judge", a structure judge etc etc.
So, you should also get your dog assessed by a profesional to see IF in fact that dog IS show quality.
When I was little I never had a baby play pen.. I was ALWAYS stuck in the puppy pen lol
Anyways, I started showing Riot as soon as it was possible for him to be shown. When he was only 5 months old I had him in Sanction matches (first show he took everything but Best in Show!!!) Then when he turned 6 months (legal CKC show age) he was entered in the "real deal" shows.. he went through a very awkward stage, so never really placed "well" but it was the experience for him and I that I wanted.
Showing can be VERy expensive though.
Traveling costs, show entry fees($25-27/day of the show), hotel costs, grooming supply costs, show appearl costs, show equipment for your dog.
So - if you have the money - its SUCH a fabulous sport. SOO much fun!
Other cons about it would be the politics involved with it. Usually if you get a "beginner" judge they put up professional handlers or the "easy" breeds like Shelties in a group instead of picking apart each dog and assessing them.
I defiantely suggest taking handling classes - if you dont you'll be completely lost in the ring! Handling classes prepare you for proper footwork, proper stacking work for both your dog AND you as well as the proper way to hold leads and handle your dog.
Riot was a very difficult dog to show when we started. I had to work with him consistantly at certain things. Now - hes just fabulous and truely enjoys ring time. He looks PROUD when hes in the ring now! hehe Puffs up his chest, holds his tail evenly, gaits out infront of me(the way he should). He just looks fabulous
Yes, you CAN show your dog when its older. I believe the cut off age is 8yrs old though, anything pass then and they are considered a "vetern" and can only be shown in specialty shows.
I know a Belgian Terv who has JUST finished her title and she is turning 3yrs old. I know of a Sheltie who is just starting his show career at 5 yrs old.
Its also all in how the dog develops and its personality as well as how you handle it in the ring.
There are always going to be certain judges IN the ring as well and you learn about who likes what in a dog.
Ex. would be a "movement judge, an "expression judge", a structure judge etc etc.
So, you should also get your dog assessed by a profesional to see IF in fact that dog IS show quality.
I got into showing a few years back when I worked at the vet clinic. One of the vets I worked with showed bullmastiffs and German Wirehaired Pointers. I became good friends with her and she kept telling me how I should get into showing. So, when I was looking to add another pug to our household I stumbled across a breeder who had a show potential bitch puppy for sale. I really wanted the puppy and always dreamed of showing dogs so I nervously made the commitment. Sadly, that puppy died shortly after her first birthday and I was never able to finish her but she was a dream in the show ring and had some fabulous accomplishments. Alice is my replacement puppy and will be finished very soon.
I love showing. I love the people. I love the show grounds. I love the energy you feel stepping in the ring first thing in the morning. I love preparing my dog for the ring and most of all, I love spending countless hours with her at handling class and training her to be the best show dog she can be.
I would say the biggest "pro" is the people. You are surrounded, for the most part, by people that are very knowledgeable about dogs and very dog crazy. It's a room full of people that live dogs. Dogs are their life and it's very inspiring. It's actually the only place I can go where people don't look at me like I have 3 eyeballs because I have 4 dogs and am obsessed. I just really enjoy it.
The biggest "con" would probably be the money. It just costs a lot, but it's worth it if you really love it.
I will from now on, probably show all my future dogs which will be dogs that I breed for the ring. Alice will be bred next spring/summer and I hope to finish the puppy I keep her litter in the bred-by class.
You can start your dog as an adult, but it's a little harder. All my dogs got used to the show scene from puppyhood and handling classes so it was just built in to their personality. They were taught to stack on a table at 10 weeks and were used to regular car rides, noise and chaos at a very young age. When I get up on a show morning to greet Alice, she knows it's a show day and goes bonkers. When we step food in that ring, it doesn't matter what is going on around her, she's totally focused on me. It's just a ton of fun.
I love showing. I love the people. I love the show grounds. I love the energy you feel stepping in the ring first thing in the morning. I love preparing my dog for the ring and most of all, I love spending countless hours with her at handling class and training her to be the best show dog she can be.
I would say the biggest "pro" is the people. You are surrounded, for the most part, by people that are very knowledgeable about dogs and very dog crazy. It's a room full of people that live dogs. Dogs are their life and it's very inspiring. It's actually the only place I can go where people don't look at me like I have 3 eyeballs because I have 4 dogs and am obsessed. I just really enjoy it.
The biggest "con" would probably be the money. It just costs a lot, but it's worth it if you really love it.
I will from now on, probably show all my future dogs which will be dogs that I breed for the ring. Alice will be bred next spring/summer and I hope to finish the puppy I keep her litter in the bred-by class.
You can start your dog as an adult, but it's a little harder. All my dogs got used to the show scene from puppyhood and handling classes so it was just built in to their personality. They were taught to stack on a table at 10 weeks and were used to regular car rides, noise and chaos at a very young age. When I get up on a show morning to greet Alice, she knows it's a show day and goes bonkers. When we step food in that ring, it doesn't matter what is going on around her, she's totally focused on me. It's just a ton of fun.
We got our first show dog two years ago. He just started showing in August and finished in 12 shows. Papillons are a fairly late showing breed, so that might not be the best thing to go by. Beau was socialized and taken to shows when he was a pup but he wasn't shown until he was two years old. He's always been a very easily trained and outgoing dog, so that was never a problem. Harry is a little more timid, so he may be shown a bit as a pup to get used to the environment.
Pros to showing- I've met so many people and dogs through it. It also makes you really happy when your dog wins.
Cons- It's very expensive.
Beau was socialized and taken to shows when he was a pup but he wasn't shown until he was two years old. He's always been a very easily trained and outgoing dog, so that was never a problem. Harry is a little more timid, so he may be shown a bit as a pup to get used to the environment. Pros to showing- I've met so many people and dogs through it. It also makes you really happy when your dog wins.
Cons- It's very expensive.
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I got into showing/trialing dogs back in 1989, when I entered my first obedience trial with my year old shepherd. From that point on, I was pretty much hooked! I had shown horses for years and after dealing with hauling horses and all that equipment and food, showing dogs was SO DARN EASY! *LOL*
I've never really gotten into the conformation showing though. Compared to obedience, rally, agility, herding, etc. it's just so slow and boring to me. You pay your money, you go in for a very brief time and the judge picks out the dogs he likes and then you leave the ring. You have no real idea why your dog won or lost. Then outside the ring, there's all this speculation as to why .. usually blamed on the judge for liking a certain type or liking a certain handler. You just rarely see that in performance type events - you usually know why you got the score you got, and you can view the scoresheets too.
The other thing is that there's a lot of sniping and nastiness in the show scene. People are incredibly nasty and vindictive at times, and rumors abound. But there are also those people that are a alot of fun to be around, and you are certainly immersed in dogs while you're there. I enjoy camping with the other chow people, talking chows and watching the dogs. They find it fun to have me there because I have a different perspective on things .. with my background in training, we often get to talking about behavior and then they'll pull out their dogs and we'll do some behavior work.
So to me it's a mixed bag. Part of the show scene I like, part of it I don't. Khana is pointed in conformation in both AKC and CKC, but I probably won't go on and get her championship any time soon. We don't have majors in the breed here in Alaska and going out of state much is not something I can afford. But we can sure go on and do rally, obedience, agility and tracking!
Melanie and the gang in Alaska
I've never really gotten into the conformation showing though. Compared to obedience, rally, agility, herding, etc. it's just so slow and boring to me. You pay your money, you go in for a very brief time and the judge picks out the dogs he likes and then you leave the ring. You have no real idea why your dog won or lost. Then outside the ring, there's all this speculation as to why .. usually blamed on the judge for liking a certain type or liking a certain handler. You just rarely see that in performance type events - you usually know why you got the score you got, and you can view the scoresheets too.
The other thing is that there's a lot of sniping and nastiness in the show scene. People are incredibly nasty and vindictive at times, and rumors abound. But there are also those people that are a alot of fun to be around, and you are certainly immersed in dogs while you're there. I enjoy camping with the other chow people, talking chows and watching the dogs. They find it fun to have me there because I have a different perspective on things .. with my background in training, we often get to talking about behavior and then they'll pull out their dogs and we'll do some behavior work.
So to me it's a mixed bag. Part of the show scene I like, part of it I don't. Khana is pointed in conformation in both AKC and CKC, but I probably won't go on and get her championship any time soon. We don't have majors in the breed here in Alaska and going out of state much is not something I can afford. But we can sure go on and do rally, obedience, agility and tracking!
Melanie and the gang in Alaska
I have been "in" dog shows ALL my life.. literally.. my parents bred/showed/trained Shelties for as long as I could remember...
When I was little I never had a baby play pen.. I was ALWAYS stuck in the puppy pen lol
Anyways, I started showing Riot as soon as it was possible for him to be shown. When he was only 5 months old I had him in Sanction matches (first show he took everything but Best in Show!!!) Then when he turned 6 months (legal CKC show age) he was entered in the "real deal" shows.. he went through a very awkward stage, so never really placed "well" but it was the experience for him and I that I wanted.
Showing can be VERy expensive though.
Traveling costs, show entry fees($25-27/day of the show), hotel costs, grooming supply costs, show appearl costs, show equipment for your dog.
So - if you have the money - its SUCH a fabulous sport. SOO much fun!
Other cons about it would be the politics involved with it. Usually if you get a "beginner" judge they put up professional handlers or the "easy" breeds like Shelties in a group instead of picking apart each dog and assessing them.
I defiantely suggest taking handling classes - if you dont you'll be completely lost in the ring! Handling classes prepare you for proper footwork, proper stacking work for both your dog AND you as well as the proper way to hold leads and handle your dog.
Riot was a very difficult dog to show when we started. I had to work with him consistantly at certain things. Now - hes just fabulous and truely enjoys ring time. He looks PROUD when hes in the ring now! hehe Puffs up his chest, holds his tail evenly, gaits out infront of me(the way he should). He just looks fabulous
Yes, you CAN show your dog when its older. I believe the cut off age is 8yrs old though, anything pass then and they are considered a "vetern" and can only be shown in specialty shows.
I know a Belgian Terv who has JUST finished her title and she is turning 3yrs old. I know of a Sheltie who is just starting his show career at 5 yrs old.
Its also all in how the dog develops and its personality as well as how you handle it in the ring.
There are always going to be certain judges IN the ring as well and you learn about who likes what in a dog.
Ex. would be a "movement judge, an "expression judge", a structure judge etc etc.
So, you should also get your dog assessed by a profesional to see IF in fact that dog IS show quality.
When I was little I never had a baby play pen.. I was ALWAYS stuck in the puppy pen lol
Anyways, I started showing Riot as soon as it was possible for him to be shown. When he was only 5 months old I had him in Sanction matches (first show he took everything but Best in Show!!!) Then when he turned 6 months (legal CKC show age) he was entered in the "real deal" shows.. he went through a very awkward stage, so never really placed "well" but it was the experience for him and I that I wanted.
Showing can be VERy expensive though.
Traveling costs, show entry fees($25-27/day of the show), hotel costs, grooming supply costs, show appearl costs, show equipment for your dog.
So - if you have the money - its SUCH a fabulous sport. SOO much fun!
Other cons about it would be the politics involved with it. Usually if you get a "beginner" judge they put up professional handlers or the "easy" breeds like Shelties in a group instead of picking apart each dog and assessing them.
I defiantely suggest taking handling classes - if you dont you'll be completely lost in the ring! Handling classes prepare you for proper footwork, proper stacking work for both your dog AND you as well as the proper way to hold leads and handle your dog.
Riot was a very difficult dog to show when we started. I had to work with him consistantly at certain things. Now - hes just fabulous and truely enjoys ring time. He looks PROUD when hes in the ring now! hehe Puffs up his chest, holds his tail evenly, gaits out infront of me(the way he should). He just looks fabulous
Yes, you CAN show your dog when its older. I believe the cut off age is 8yrs old though, anything pass then and they are considered a "vetern" and can only be shown in specialty shows.
I know a Belgian Terv who has JUST finished her title and she is turning 3yrs old. I know of a Sheltie who is just starting his show career at 5 yrs old.
Its also all in how the dog develops and its personality as well as how you handle it in the ring.
There are always going to be certain judges IN the ring as well and you learn about who likes what in a dog.
Ex. would be a "movement judge, an "expression judge", a structure judge etc etc.
So, you should also get your dog assessed by a profesional to see IF in fact that dog IS show quality.
It's very hard to break into the AKC show ranks ..UKC much easier to show in as I understnad (dont know..have never shown UKC, only AKC and ADBA, AADR...)
My advice is to attend conformation classes through an obedience instructor or someone that specializes in your breed of dog Handling is very important.. since no one dog is perfect, these classes teach you how to show your dog to the best of its ability.
Its a cut throat world out there in the hsow ring though (AKC) But it can be alot of fun!
My advice is to attend conformation classes through an obedience instructor or someone that specializes in your breed of dog Handling is very important.. since no one dog is perfect, these classes teach you how to show your dog to the best of its ability.
Its a cut throat world out there in the hsow ring though (AKC) But it can be alot of fun!
Dogs shown in AKC conformation must be intact (not spayed or neutered) and I am not sure on the other kennel clubs, but I believe it's the same unless you are showing in veteran etc.
I think it's great you are interested in showing. It can be a very rewarding and fun hobby. If you are looking to pick a show pup, make sure you are buying from an established show breeder. You want your puppy's parents to be experienced in the show ring along with the breeder. You also want a breeder that can help you pick the best show prospect puppy. Read up on the standard for the breed as well, so you know what to look for etc. Certain breeds have strict guidelines and disqualifications. Good luck with your new pup
I think it's great you are interested in showing. It can be a very rewarding and fun hobby. If you are looking to pick a show pup, make sure you are buying from an established show breeder. You want your puppy's parents to be experienced in the show ring along with the breeder. You also want a breeder that can help you pick the best show prospect puppy. Read up on the standard for the breed as well, so you know what to look for etc. Certain breeds have strict guidelines and disqualifications. Good luck with your new pup
Not that long ago, I wanted a dog - a Rottie. I knew that there were a lot of backyard Rottie breeders, and given the size and nature of Rottie's, I wanted a "well bred" one, one that the breeder knew the lines and would have a knowledge of the temperaments they produced. Then my husband said NO ROTTIE! I don't often take no for an answer, but when he explained to me why he did not want a Rottie, I started to look for another breed. My husband has a deep fear of black and tan, Rottie/Dobie marked dogs, and he did not think that he would be comfortable living with one. It was kinda important to me that my husband be comfortable with my dog, since we did have to live together....
So, I started searching.... and searching. I found an AKC breed book and leafed through each and every page, but kept coming back to the Belgian Tervuren. I had an image in my head of the perfect dog - a GSD/Collie cross - an image from my childhood. When I found the Tervuren, I found that "image" that had been in my head since childhood, and was astounded that it was a breed all of it's own, and no, it did not come from a GSD/Collie background, but was uniquely it's own.
I couldn't find a breeder close by, so I turned to the internet and found a breeder two provinces away that was having a litter that would be ready to go right around the time we would be ready for a dog (we were in the process of moving - needed to wait until we were in the new home). I told the breeder that I wanted a boy (I LIKE my boys!), that I wanted a PET, that maybe I would show for fun, if I liked it (I had never been to a show). She sent me her pick male. His first show was at six months of age. By the age of three he was the Number 2 Belgian in Canada for two consecutive years. Needless to say, I am hooked on showing.
Can dogs start as adults? Yes, they can. There are many people who don't show their dogs until they hit three or four - full maturity.
I own several Belgians now, all have been or will be shown. I love it!
There are some very "catty" people in the dog show world. There are people that will be nice to your face, then slam you and your dogs when your back is turned. Heck, there are people that won't even wait for your back to be turned. But then, there are GREAT people in the show world too. People who cheer you on, people that you look for at each and every show because the only time you see them is at shows. There are people who really and truly want to help "newbies", taking the time to explain things to them, to help them groom their dog.
I like going to shows - it's a weekend away from the "real world". It's a weekend that I just spend with my dogs, and with people who love to just spend time with their dogs. We're all a little crazy, I think, but then, that's okay - we have weekends where we all get to be a little crazy together! :lol-sign:
So, I started searching.... and searching. I found an AKC breed book and leafed through each and every page, but kept coming back to the Belgian Tervuren. I had an image in my head of the perfect dog - a GSD/Collie cross - an image from my childhood. When I found the Tervuren, I found that "image" that had been in my head since childhood, and was astounded that it was a breed all of it's own, and no, it did not come from a GSD/Collie background, but was uniquely it's own.
I couldn't find a breeder close by, so I turned to the internet and found a breeder two provinces away that was having a litter that would be ready to go right around the time we would be ready for a dog (we were in the process of moving - needed to wait until we were in the new home). I told the breeder that I wanted a boy (I LIKE my boys!), that I wanted a PET, that maybe I would show for fun, if I liked it (I had never been to a show). She sent me her pick male. His first show was at six months of age. By the age of three he was the Number 2 Belgian in Canada for two consecutive years. Needless to say, I am hooked on showing.
Can dogs start as adults? Yes, they can. There are many people who don't show their dogs until they hit three or four - full maturity.
I own several Belgians now, all have been or will be shown. I love it!
There are some very "catty" people in the dog show world. There are people that will be nice to your face, then slam you and your dogs when your back is turned. Heck, there are people that won't even wait for your back to be turned. But then, there are GREAT people in the show world too. People who cheer you on, people that you look for at each and every show because the only time you see them is at shows. There are people who really and truly want to help "newbies", taking the time to explain things to them, to help them groom their dog.
I like going to shows - it's a weekend away from the "real world". It's a weekend that I just spend with my dogs, and with people who love to just spend time with their dogs. We're all a little crazy, I think, but then, that's okay - we have weekends where we all get to be a little crazy together! :lol-sign: