Dog shows, it is said are for the exhibitor, that breeders have generated the demand for a place where they can display their success by the number of awards won.

Not actually a true picture of the canine scene, but one which is very open to debate.

However, it has to be agreed that over the years going to dog shows has for many people proved to be a very enjoyable sport. Somewhere not only to enjoy being involved with your chosen breed, but a place to make and meet friends.

In years gone by most dog people learnt all they could about a breed at the ring side, talking to more experienced people and sharing information. From this serious minded exhibitors learnt to recognised quality dogs, how to show them to their best advantage and the sort of tactics fellow competitors got up to!

Today things have probably changed, albeit not a lot in as much as ambitious breeders are keen to see their kennel name to the fore as much as possible.

Things that have changed centre around the shows themselves. Events have become far more commercial, not to mention big changes made by the Kennel Club in the way Judges are trained and approved.

During the 1980’s and 1990’s there was a huge interest in showing, the number of dogs being entered was very high and shows which had previously been held on one or two days found they were unable to cope and added more time.

Attending a show can be quite expensive, not only the fee payable to the Society organising the event, but travelling and possible an overnight stay, not to mention having to make arrangements for looking after home commitments.

The original dog shows were said to be for the rich, the tide is turning again in that direction, meaning that a breed can suffer because of the down turn in exhibitors. New people to a breed can be bamboozled into believing a successful dog is of good quality because of his wins, indeed he can be, but with a limited number of exhibits a dog of lesser quality can also become a champion.

So, lets take another look at the show scene then

Before you can start to show

Naturally you have to find a suitable dog, presuming you have selected the breed that interests you, the next thing is to find a breeder.

Luckily, nowadays there is far more access to information on breeds, take a good look, by all means visit shows like Crufts. Talk to people, if possible visit a number of owners. See the dogs in the home, watch how they react and get on with people. Ask about care and grooming. Most importantly get to know about any health concerns in the breed.

More importantly though there is nothing like down to earth practical advice. A breeder who is prepared and willing to offer this is worth far more than someone who takes your money and hands over the puppy.

Having found your chosen puppy, settled him in at home, ensured that he has received all necessary jabs, socialised him as much as you can, it is time to take him to show training classes. Get him used to what will be expected of him in the show ring, train him to stand correctly, move properly and most of all, to enjoy himself. If your dog does not like showing, and naturally there are many who do not, there is little point in wasting your well earned money.

No doubt your puppy’s breeder will have given you some advice and assistance regarding shows, some new exhibitors prefer to start at more local events before entering Championship Shows. There is a great deal to be said for some form of qualification to move "up the ladder", for exhibits and judges alike, but often the classes are hard to find. Basically judges fall into two groups, those who are specialists by way of experience and those who are not. These people often judge many breeds, have highly successful careers in the show ring and are usually highly regarded.

Finally enjoy yourself!

One very important thing to remember, the dog you bring home from the show is the same as the one you took! Should he bring home an award, that is great, should he not you have, then you had a good day out with your friends!

Try, if possible, not to get involved with canine politics, at least until you have learnt more about your chosen breed and the people in it.

Show Scene

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