My sheltie is now 17 months old.  We do a bit of showing and I also take her to obedience classes - at which she shines, being quick and bright.  At showing though we have not had much success.  Today I took her to a small show and she came 3rd out of 4 dogs - in the pastoral group.  In the class there was a border collie, two briards and my sheltie.  I thought the border collie showed well but was not that good looking and also one of the briards showed well.  The other briard was very excitable and nearly took his owner's arm off in his exuberance!!!  Now my little girl  is very pretty and I must say I would have thought she would have done better than she did.  She was the best behaved of the four dogs throughout.  However my daughter said to me that I was walking much too slow and it looked like I was out for an amble.  Both the briards were shown at a running pace which did look good  - apart from the rather aggressive one who came last! I have come to showing late in life but have had little success so far.  I know my girl is not ever  going to set the showing world on fire but I feel we should be doing better than we have done so far.

When it comes to success in the show ring how much would you say is down to showing technique as opposed to looks?  My girl is well bred and I do intend to breed her when she is old enough with the help and advice of her lovely breeder but I am feeling a bit demoralised with my lack of success.

Snowflake

Showing dogs in conformation classes is not a case of chosing the most obedient -  but if an exceptional dog won't stand and be assessed it may be overlooked by some judges.

The trick is to have the best or nearly best dog which shows the best.
You may need someone expert in your breed to school you in the best presentation techniques for your breed, grooming handling etc. They could also assess your sheltie and give you a critique of it's quality and help you accentuate her good points (an invaluable help for when you're looking for the right mate for her too). Your bitch's breeder perhaps or the owner of her father? There are many people out there who would be willing to help you I'm sure.

I would not take much notice of where you place in a mixed breed class, as it really is apples and Oranges.

Most dogs are shown trotting so you need to see at what speed you have her at a nice brisk trot.

I'm with Brainless -usually AVNSC and similar classes with more than one breed in tells you nothing. I have a bitch on two CCs (and 13 BOBs so far) yet in AVNSC classes she's usually unplaced! Go for shows with breed classes so its like for like. :) Most open shows do have Sheltie classes as it isn't a rare breed, so it shouldn't be too hard to find some.

Thanks All.

Now tonight I am feeling brighter and more confident as we had our Xmas Ringcraft Match tonight.  The judge was Terry Nethercott who I saw at the Newbury Show in the summer.  In the class tonight my Isla (the sheltie) was placed a respectable third out of 9 dogs so was quite pleased with myself and her of course!  Funny really as I looked  at the other dogs in the class and they were all pretty stunning so I thought - huh - don't stand a chance.  So relaxed and just went for it - didn't feel nervous like I usually do - and was amazed to be placed.  Even beat the old chap who has a lovely tri coloured sheltie.  The Italian Greyhound won - always does - but I was well pleased and it is good for the confidence!

Snowflake

well done! your lack of nerves may have been picked up by your dog making you both work better