Hi All,

Am going to watch a horticultural show in a few weeks and noticed that there is a companion show on there aswell. I've been to championship breed shows before (boxer) to watch but never a companion show. What kind of classes do they have? Was thinking I could take part and have some fun.

Aimi x

Companion shows are entered on the day. They will have pedigree and novelty classes (prettiest bitch etc)
The pedigree classes are general not specific breed ie, av open, av gundog etc.
A best in show is normally chosen out of the pedigree classes. Then the novelty classes are held.
Its a good way to start showing, more laid back and you know your raising money for a good cause.

Companion shows can be good fun to watch especially the fun classes.  The one at Arbour Vale school in Slough had a lot of people in stitches with the tennis ball & teaspoon race and the effort people made with the dog & owner most alike, i do like watching people enjoying themselves.  I always put my setter in fancy dress another class i love to both watch and take part in.  I am going to my brothers house over the weekend and they are having a little fun show on the village green so weather permitting we're taking a picnic and having a busman's holiday. 

I have only just started to go to companion shows and think they are great fun.  Although my dogs are all pedigree, they are far from 'show dogs'.  They all have faults and would be laughed out of the show ring.  However, in the novelty classes that doesn't matter and between them they have gathered quite a number of rosettes from the first three shows.    I've also found most people exceptionally friendly at these events and the atmosphere is nice and relaxed.  I am currently on the look out for future shows and if anyone knows if any in the East Anglian region in the coming few months would be very grateful for details. 

Typical companion show classes: First a few for pedigree dogs, such as Sporting, Non-sporting, puppy, open -some have more breed classes based on the breed groups. Novelty classes usually include Waggiest tail, Prettiest Bitch, Handsomest Dog (well technically speaking that SHOULD be Most handsome dog, but it seems to be a companion show thing to ge that wrong, LOL) , Best 6 legs, best condition, best crossbreed, best rescue, best veteran. Sometimes you see best trick, best junior handler, most appealing eyes, dog the judge would like to take home, dog most like its owner, scruffiest mutt, irish brace -anything goes really! :D I love it when they have fancy dress although I won't give away my fancy dress secrets! ;)

Marianne

Oh blast, just got a schedule for one through the post with a class for 'fastest biscuit eater' which I reckon my Yankee would win hands (paws?) down, but we're away that day!! Also a 'best groomed / presented' class, and even the people who think I am rubbish at handling (which I possibly am!) admit my Cav is always beautifully presented! Ah well.