I saw today that one of the Crufts best in show lineup dogs were entered in an open show.

It won best of breed and the group too.

What do you think?

What do you think?
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About what in particular?

It's an Open show, which means open to all.

If people object to competition of that calibre they should stick to Limit shows and companion shows.

Many of us who have long lived and late maturing breeds will continue to show our dogs to 10 years plus. 

Many people only have a couple of dogs at a time and don't have a new one in the wings, or can afford the cost of more than a few championship shows..

>What do you think?

That other judges also thought it was a top quality dog.

Open shows are just that: open to all. All dogs are there to be beaten.

Hm, that's what I thought.

Still not sure what it is we are to discuss.

I often get told that I should stay away from open shows with my dogs, " not fair to others" is the strange reason.

If I turned up with a RCC winning puppy for example, I'd be very unpopular indeed.
The new judges are busy building up their numbers at Open level only seeing "also rans" :-(

Yes, I used to get comments when I turned up with my single CC winner, who at that time was my only show dog. But how do the new judges learn what a top quality dog is if they never see one at an open show. Perhaps if someone was taking the breed record holder to dozens of Open shows, it would be a little different.....

I think it a little unfair to say that only quality exhibits have CC's or RCC's, I've seen many a dog fail to get far because who owns it and also seen some utter rubbish become Ch's...

So really surely it's down to the judge to decide what is quality on the day and that doesn't mean if a dog which has received top honours isn't entered this judge won't get to see a quality dog.. Come on guys!!

I can't decide whether showing a dog which is a ch or has its shcm at an open show is ok to do at every local show or not, tbh numbers need to increase as it is, breeds want to keep classes so really no one should complain about any top winning dog entered..

Personally if we are talking if it is fair or not then I can't see a problem, the show is open and anyone can enter. In some cases if it were not for the entry of dogs that had won at championship level there would not be enough entries to continue the breeds classes.

I do feel a little embarrassed taking my CH boy but its all I have really to show now after kiks accident, so unless I stop going i have to take him. (Unless i get a wheelchair class) :-)

>I think it a little unfair to say that only quality exhibits have CC's or RCC's, I've seen many a dog fail to get far because who owns it and also seen some utter rubbish become Ch's...

In YOUR opinion of course.
I'm sure if you walked around the ringside you'd find enough people who would say every champion was rubbish.

Surely it's good for novice exhibitors at open shows to be able to see and compete against top winning dogs in their breed?

Otherwise they may never know how good/bad their own dog is - or why.   I was encouraged to start entering champ shows after beating a few champs at open shows and being told by the owners that my dog was Ch show worthy.

Then there's presentation, which is really important in some breeds.    I've met many top winning breeders/exhibitors at open shows who took the time to show me how to better present my dogs - and I'm very grateful to them.

It's also good for novice judges to get hands on with Champion dogs.   Otherwise how are they to gain the knowledge and experience to know the difference?   Often the difference can't be seen just by looking from a distance, but it can be discerned from closer examination.  

I suppose it depends on why you're at the open show.   If it's because you enjoy a good day out and a bit of competition, then you won't mind champion dogs being there.   
:-)

Don't forget, the owners of the Champion/Crufts finalist is taking a risk entering - they could be beaten by a complete unknown :-)     
I've seen it done      :-)

I do feel a little embarrassed taking my CH boy

Why should you feel embarrassed - it is an Open Show - open to all who wish to compete.

What is the pleasure in going to a show, when all the best dogs have been withheld, most of the pleasure of going to a show is to chat and enjoy looking and petting other peoples beautiful dogs - as to the competition what is the point in getting placed in a class with no competition, to my mind none what so ever, much more exciting to beat a dog that has done a lot of winning, that tells you something about your dog.