Hi,
I would love to visit some shows and maybe attempt to "show" my Staffy puppy ( if he enjoys it that is ) . Can anybody give me any advice as I am a complete novice to this . He has an excellent pedigree with lots of champions in there ( I know this does not mean you also have a super show dog - But i would like to visit the show world and make up my mind .) How old does a pup have to be , requirements etc . If he doesnt like all the fuss then obviously that will be the end but i would like any advice whatsoever you can give ???
Lel

The puppy must be 6 calendar months old to compete at a dog show, but they get the hang of how to behave by being taken to show training classes. The Kennel Club can tell you where your nearest classes are. Good Luck for the future, Dawn R.

Why don't you go along to your next local show to watch what is going on and to speak to other staffie exhibitors. Dog World newspaper which comes out every Friday has all the details of forthcoming shows, you might have to order it from your newsagent but I know Asda sells it. Speak to your boy's breeder about where to start, even if they don't show themselves they will probably be able to point you in the right direction.

Hope this helps :-)

Clair
xxxx

Hello! I am a novice in breed showing as well, have done more in the way of obedience. Local ringcraft classes are a good place to get an idea of how to gait and stand your dog, and fun shows for practice are exemption shows (dogs don't need to be registered, but there will be pedigree classes, as well as fun classes) - in our area exemption shows run from about the start of May till Sept. Then there are Open Shows all year round for registered pedigree dogs - you might find details of your local shows on www.prodogs.co.uk - there will be secretary details so that you can get an entry form. When you go to a show you can watch other dogs go through their turn, so that will give you a good idea of what you will be doing when your class is called. Good luck!
Hilda

Hi lel
Think this is your nearest breed club give them a ring and there will tell you about show trainning when and were ect and help get you and pup ready for you first show.
MERSEYSIDE STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER CLUB
(Secretary: Mr Robert Blackley - Tel: 0151-287-6822)
in the mean time try this to get some more info on showing and staffs,
http://www.staffords.co.uk/index2.htm
good luck sandy.

Hi i am also a novice i am going to watch a few shoes before i dare to put my cav in one. We have been going to show classes but he dosent always stand, this is what im worried about. I am going to watch the cavs in shows to see how they behave.
jill

Everyone has to start somewhere and although you might not do your puppy any favours if you get it all wrong the first time, the judge will understand and you will also have a much better idea the next time. Go along to a show without your dog and watch your breed. Other breeds are sometimes shown slightly differently so don't confuse the issue by taking too much notice of the other breeds.

Best wishes, John

Lel, just go for it. At home practise getting him to stand still, most important get him used to other people looking/touching him, as the judge will do. Do not worry about showing yourself up, its fun in minor puppy/puppy classes, thats what it should be all about. Alynn & Deeside SBT is a good local and friendly show. I travelled from Runcorn to Swansea for my first show! Dont poo on your own doorstep? It went brilliantly, if I remember, 2 firsts and a second!! I was so stressed out I for the life of me remember very little about it, she never did enjoy being shown so we faded into the background and pretend she could have gone all the way!!! How is he bred?

He is from Derbyshire and has Brystaff Simply the Best and Spirestaff Jimmy Jazz as grand daddys.
Do you mind if I ask who you are ( due to other thread ?)
Lel

Best of luck and have a smashing time