Hi just an observation, but I visited my first show on Saturday and was amazed at the lack of security. I was very surprised that I and my family could just wander in, not charged any enterance fee. What concerned my husband most was the lack of space that most of the dogs had on the benches. Is it normal to be so cramped, I'm sure one or two dogs must have been trampled on. Having said all that we throughly enjoyed the day, and spoke to various breeders about the breed that we are hoping to own soon. It certainly opend my eyes though to another world.

Hi,
I didn't go to that particular show, but the benching size will be the same as other shows. There are specified sizes for the various breeds partitions (naturally the larger breeds get more room than smaller ones), and each entered dog will be allocated one to itself.
:)

I do agree that it was cramped , me and the lady next door had to take the partitions out so the our newfs could lie down , otherwise they would have to sit for the entire time we were there

Peanuts

I suspect that it may not have complied with the KC regs for a show, the benching rows were so close you could not sit in front of your bench and it was difficult to get the dog off the bench without it interfering with the dog on the bench opposite, and we were having to take our dogs outside to groom them, it was even difficult to get into the ring because of cages parked there.

In fairness to Manchester, I think the entry went way beyond their wildest dreams and I note that next year it will be over 4 days. But can't help wondering if an open show would be allowed to continue if the field officer had called in to inspect, thank goodness there was no emergency as to leave the hall for most people would have been difficult.

Hi guest
I posted on this subject on the 'showing' board.No it is not usual..it was exceptionally cramped but I believe manchester got many more entries than expected.
I hope it will be better next year being over 4 days.
At most shows there are limited entrances to the show where those with passes show them on the way in and out and tickets are sold to the general public.To exit the show with a dog you are supposed to show a pass..one for each dog.
Please don't let manchester put you off....most shows are much better organised and much more pleasurable.
Archer

I hated Manchester this year. Extra hour and a half to get there, and back and terribly overcrowded. I might not be back next year. The only saving grace was that somebody very knowledgable in my breed said my puppy is exquisite.That made my day.
Dawn R.