Not knowing anything about dog showing,we went along to a show today,mainly to meet up with the breeder again and to see a couple of her dogs in the show,this was our first proper dog show as the only others we have been to have been 'fun' shows at fetes or summer gala's and charity events.

We do not intend to show Spice,although we have not ruled out flyball or agility in the future :D as we think she would enjoy it!

But what I am curious about is do you have to get a place in several shows throughout the year to qualify for Crufts? One lady today came 3rd in two catagories and she seemed so disappointed with her dog.I'm sure the dog was nervous because she appeared nervous in her handling of him and I think he did exceptionally well to get placed and would have been very proud if my dog did so,but she came back to her seat and muttered something about 'huh only 18 now and we need 25 to qualify',so being nosey does anyone know what she may have been referring to?

Jacqueline.

Hi Jaqueline, it sounds to me the the woman could have been referring to Junior Warrant points. A dog needs to accumulate 25 points with wins at Open and Championship shows before the dog reaches 18 months old. Only first prizes have points, 1 for an Open show win and 3 for a Championship show win. There must be 3 or more dogs present in the class for points to be awarded.

The point of winning a Junior Warrant is that it allows you to use the title J.W. after the dogs name, and it wins a Stud book number which allows a dog entry to Crufts without having to re qualify year on year.
Dawn R.

Hi
sounds like the lady was after a junior warrant or 'show champion' title...which are won by accumulating points at shows.
To qualify for crufts you have to winn certain classes depending ...e.g. 1st/2nd or 3rd in a breed class at championship shows with cc's on offer ,BIS or BPIS at an open show.etc. You can see the whole list of ways to qualify on the KC website.
Hope this helps...sure someone will come along who will explain it better
Archer

Not a show champion Archer.  A show champion is a gundog or (I think) a Border Collie who has won 3 CCs in the breed ring at a Champ show. Where your breed or mine would become a Champion the Gundogs have to prove their working ability before becoming a full champion.

The award the lady might be after (if not the junior warrant) is a show certificate of merit.

Joan
Take the rough with the smooth

Yep Joan it does apply to Border Collies also. To become a full Champion they have to pass the working test. :) Gillian