Limited shows are an excellent training ground for young dogs. Not a case of shows for "not such good dogs". You often get some very exciting youngsters just starting their careers. There also very handy because wins at Ltd shows don't count towards entry at Open/Ch. Shows. Societies can't afford to have a judge for each breed, but it's useful to get an all rounders view sometimes. Even after paying to join the society, they are still a cheap day or evening out. It's a pity they are not as well supported these days, but more people can afford to travel & like the chance of instant success at Ch./open shows!

If it is an evening show then you only need to give the judge a coffee and a biscuit, or if you can afford a sandwich so it should not cost too much to have breed judges at least for some of the breeds. C list judges are very keen, well most are and will not expect too much and some will even pay for the rosettes. Forgot to say the entry fee is also sometimes less than an Open Show.

It's common courtesy to offer to pay for petrol & you can't keep getting "local" judges. There are usually only a couple of breed classes with not very big entries, so there's not much experience to be gained & not much incentive for people to give up their time & money. I'm talking about general limited shows, obviously.

l have to say I have never had the courtesy of being offered petrol expenses by either Open or Limited shows, must use the wrong soap.

That's why I said courtesy - didn't say everyone did it! ;)I've never accepted expenses from oen shows, tho' I have been offered it. :)

That's why I said courtesy - didn't say everyone did it! ;)I've never accepted expenses from open shows, tho' I have been offered it. :)

Went to a limit show a couple of weeks ago. It was well organised, with an interesting spread of classes, some Breed some just group, only 1 judge, but he got through the dogs thoroughlly and efficiently. It was a useful day out for our youngsters, who all enjoyed themselves. They had an entry of just under 100 dogs (I think) and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Heard none of the usual ringside gripes. Atmosphere more like at a companion show than an OPen show, but without the novelties. Quite a few relatively succesful Open show dogs attended. The breed club held it because they have lost there 2nd Open Show. The venue was much smaller so much cheaper than the Open show venue. Perhaps they will become more popular again with the loss of the 2nd open show to a lot of clubs?
Bye
Gwen