I would be greatful for opinions and advice as we are very new to world of dog shows but we think it's something my wife and I would like to have a go at.
We have a 13 month old English Cocker Spaniel who I think is a fantastic example of the breed, but then I would say that!
We recently entered him into a local show 'for a bit of fun' and to see what it was all about but we were dissappointed with the outcome.
He was entered into the 'Open Gun Dog' group but came sixth out of six!
Now I know it sounds like sour grapes because he came last but that really is not the case, I'm just trying to understand what we are doing wrong.
My wife was in the ring with him and after announcing the results the judge simply said he needs to learn to walk.
The competition was made up of Retrievers of various sorts. Two were labradors who in my opinion were both over weight, one was a Golden Retriever who looked as though he had arthritis as he was really struggling to walk any more than ten yards. Another Golden Retriever looked as though he had recently had an operation a lot of his fur was missing down one side.
I think the question at the end of all this is 'Is it more important how the dog behaves in the ring or how he looks?'
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

<<<'Is it more important how the dog behaves in the ring or how he looks?>>

There should be a good combination of both factors -
It is useless to have a wonderful looking dog who does not show himself to his best ability by misbehaving, walking badly or standing wrong. On the other hand it is no use having a dog behaving wonderfully if he has serious faults
:)

You need to take him to ringcraft classes, and ask for help on trining him for the ring.  Does your breeder show, they would be the ideal people to advise you.  We usually start our pups off a lot earlier than a year old, but I wouldnt say you dont have a chance of being able to train your cocker, however, a novice dog and novice handler starting off together need help.  Also, go to some more shows (preferable Ch shows if you can find one in your area) and see excellent specimens of your breed.  you will also have a better idea of how your boy measures up to the breed if you clan find some Open Shows for him with cocker Classes.  Why not join the forum and we may be able to point you in the direction of a ringcraft and shows close to you.

bye
Gwen

Is it not importaint how the coat is prepared to, think if your wife had no idea what she was doing when she went into the ring the judge with the best will in the world would not have been able to assess him. As Gwen says take him to ringcraft and learn how to present him and contact your breeder to see it they can help both with the showing and the presentation. If they are into showing they will also give you an assesment of how good they thing the dog is.

Is it not important how the coat is prepared to, think if your wife had no idea what she was doing when she went into the ring the judge with the best will in the world would not have been able to assess him. As Gwen says take him to ringcraft and learn how to present him and contact your breeder to see it they can help both with the showing and the presentation. If they are into showing they will also give you an assessment of how good they think the dog is.

Hi guest we also are new to showing. We are showing a Rough Collie she is 10 months.Ringcraft class was started when the puppy was 12 weeks.  We have stayed within the breed club shows & have found the members of the clubs & the people who show at the shows most helpful & always ready to offer advice on any matters we are concerned about. Also our breeders have been on hand at all times if we want to know anything. The members of this forum are a mine of information & help too.

Jean

Hi Guest

If it was a companion dog show these vary considerably - when my one of my girls was a pup there happened to be three of us showing at consecutive shows over four weeks - we each got one first, one second one third (judging was very comparative) on the fourth week none of us got anything and our pups had not changed that much just the judge was looking for different things.  Judging Companion shows is very difficult as it often tends to be novice judges who don't have experience with a variety of breeds so don't take the result to heart.

However, if you want to learn about showing then find a "Ringcraft" club in your area - the Kennel Club would send you a list or ask in your local vet or pet show as they may know of one.

If I remember correctly then Cockers should have a driving action that covers the covers the ground and they should be "merry". No doubt someone who knows more about Cockers than I do (not difficult) will be around soon.