Hi

We are due to be getting our pup in a few weeks and although we were only going to get her as a pet I am feeling more and more drawn towards showing (blame this forum!). So I have read about ringcraft lessons and the different types of show etc but I have never even been to a dog show unless you count 5 mins watching at the Royal Welsh show before having to catch up with friends. So what would be good to go watch first? I am guessing something breed specific to get a feel for what goes on and what to look for - am I right?

Also this may seem a really stupid question but is it ok to take non competing dogs to these shows or is it strictly only the dogs involved that go? Yes I really am that much of a newbie! Most of my dogs have been crosses and although Hubby had pedigrees he has never shown dogs or taken an interest in it.

Thanks in advance

Kath x

Hi Kath :)
At most shows, only dogs that are actually competing are allowed into the venue, unless you have entered your puppy "not for competition" (You will need a schedule for the show to do this and some shows allow pups from 4 months but usually it's from 6 months). But for socialising and practice, companion dog shows can be fun and any dog can go along.
Have you mentioned to your breeder that you might be interested in showing? It could effect which puppy she would recommend that you have.
What breed is it that you are getting? Someone here might be able to suggest a show for you to visit before you get your pup.

Have pm'd
btw I asked the same question about non competing dogs you are one up on me .I thought I could just take my dog along to watch phew good job i found out before I took her I didnt make that mistake , however I am sure I will make plenty of others and ask daft questions too

I had no idea either, I still clearly remember the first show I took my puppy to, his breeder had asked me to bring him along at 5 months because she wanted to see how he was developing and she carefully failed to tell me I wasn't allowed to take an unentered underage puppy to the breed club show because she knew I would obey and rules and not take him. So I duly turned up looking totally lost and was asked by kindly people if it was my first show, and of course blabbed out that no he wasn't entered and wasn't even 6 months yet and I was just looking for my friend - oops!! One or two people were a bit sniffy but the majority understood that I hadn't realised it wasn't allowed. :-)

I would suggest a breed club show if there is one in the near future.  Often there are more people around who are willing/able to chat about the breed and showing.

As already suggested, I would also mention it to your pup's breeder.

You'd get away with taking them to an open show.  Never a Champ show; Blackpool being the excetion,lol.  Don't ask.  It would be good for the dog to get used to lots of other dogs about and the noise before they start.  You could always double check with the show sec.

I too was invited to a breed specific show by one of the club administrators and then had folk coming to me telling me not to let on if anyone should ask, I wasn't very amused, I'd gone along for the experience for him and me and felt on edge and only stayed a couple of hours.

Kesmai

Do speak with your breeder if you wish to show.  I didn't realise, before I started talking to breeders and researching my breed, just how much difference there can be between pups in the same litter and how wide a gulf there can be between pet bred litters and those bred with showing or working in mind.  That's not to say that it's always possible to predict show quality in a puppy but many of those with experience of their breed will have a lot of success in doing just that!

Visiting shows is a great idea and you'll find there are plenty to visit at his time of year.  If you can let us know where you are then I'm sure someone will be able to tell you where/when your nearest shows are, or which shows usually have a good entry for your breed.

One exception to the unentered dogs rule is sometimes the Agricultural Shows.  They don't all allow visiting dogs but many still do, and once you are on site you can visit most areas except the food and livestock tents.  Although I'd be wary of taking a young puppy (even after vaccinations) as they are often too busy and too noisy even for the most confident youngsters.  Again, let us know where you are (and what dates might be good) and we can look for you :)