Hi all - great and informative site!
Are all dog shows open to spectators? I'm seriously considering getting a rough collie and would ideally like it to have show potential. There is a show in February at Slough - I just wondered if anyone could go to just spectate.

Thanks

Anybody can go and spectate and its the ideal place to see what you like and don't like and get to pick the brains of breeders!!

Go for it.

But be warned it's highly addictive!! :-D

Thanks for your replies!

I would also like to add that I'm definitely not one of the new 'Lassie come home' school of thought - bit miffed actually that the new film has been released! (I'm a huge Lassie fan - but not of the repercussions!) I've had 2 Rough Collies as pets one for 12 years and one for 16 1/2 years. I just feel now that my family have grown up I have more time for me and my little pleasures :)  

Hi
if you want to show I would suggest you go to some championship shows.You will see many more collies there and will be able to see who is producing the kind of dog you would like.Open shows are great but dogs of lesser quality can still get placed due to lack of numbers..thats not saying that all dogs at open shows are of poor quality .
Buy a catalogue and watch the dogs in the ring...look at their breeding which will be shown in the catalogue and maybe you will find that you like a dog from a certain line or stud dog etc. Then approach owners and express an interest(preferably not while they are waiting to go into the ring) ....beware many exhibitors will talk you're hind legs off if you show an interest in their dogs.
Be upfront and honest..tell them you want a show dog and then be prepared to wait.You are better off buying from someone with a good show/breeding record as they are more likely to be able to pick you out a good pup.Buy from someone who is willing to offer help and advice...tell them you will need to ask questions in the future and would appreciate help.
Good luck...we ahve a couple of Collie people on here...Val for one.I'm sure they will be able to point you in the direction of a good breeder.
Archer

Thanks for all the info - I do have a million questions to ask! And it seems I've definitely found the right site - thanks again! I was thinking of going to Slough on the 26th Feb to the London and Provincial collie club open show at Langley Community Hall, will this be a large or small show? I'm in Hampshire and haven't got a clue about shows or showing (I know there is a lot to learn!) are there many championships shows my end of the country? I understand about waiting for the right puppy and I'm in no hurry. I haven't decided yet whether I want a bitch or a dog (I've owned both) I just know I'm really excited ! LOL. Thanks again - I'll be back with more question...

Hi Sandra
I have no idea about Slough in particular but most shows around this time of year are on the smaller end of the scale as they will be held indoors.At a rough estimate open show entries usual range from about 200-400 entries...champ shows 10'000-12'000 over 3/4 days.You would probably see maybe half a dozen if your lucky of your chosen breed but maybe 100+ at a champ show where roughs are scheduled.
Have a look on [link]http://www.prodogs.co.uk[/link] ...they have a list of all champ and open shows. Would it be possible for you to have a day out at Crufts? You will see the best of collies there and also be able to visit discover dogs and talk to the enthusiasts on the collie stall.
Any more questions...ask away.
If you look on the Rough collie Champdogs page you will find a list of clubs.
Archer

Hi Archer
Thanks for all your help, Prodogs was good and gave me a couple of ideas. I'm looking forward to going to Crufts - my first ever! I'm sure I'll be back to pick your brains :)

Sandra

You're more than welcome!
Archer

Well if you don't mind the wait there's the Southern Counties Ch show which
is held at Newbury Showground in June.
There's Windsor Champ show held at Windsor at beginning of July.
There's Richmond Ch show which is held in Sept, used to be at Ascot Race Course
but at the moment somewhere in Surrey I beleive.

Crufts is on in March, but it tends to be really busy. But a nice show to visit and great
if you like shopping....

>> There's Richmond Ch show which is held in Sept, used to be at Ascot Race Course but at the moment somewhere in Surrey I beleive.

It's been held at Losely Park nr Guildford for the last couple of years :)

No tickets for Roughs any more at Southern Counties, Kirstine, unfortunately so a very limited Collie entry I expect.

M.

Awww that's a shame :(
Bath is the same for us, no CC's there for Boxers.

Hi Sandra, welcome to Champdogs!

I am on the L&P committee, so will be at Slough on 26th Feb. It's a breed club open show, so although it's not a big champ show there will be plenty of Collies of good quality for you to look at.

It's a very friendly show, easy to find, lots of parking etc. and good refreshments. Do come along and meet some people and sit and have a look at the dogs, see what appeals to you.

Hope to see you there ...

Marina

Hi Marina and thanks for the welcome :)

I've already decided to go to Slough, I think it will be good starting point for me. I am going to Crufts as well but perhaps Slough will be a little less daunting for a complete novice! It's also only about an hour away from me and if I go ahead with my plans I guess travelling distances is something I'll have to get used to!

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Sandra

Yes anyone can go to spectate.
There is a all-breed open show at Montem Leisure Centre on Sunday 5th Feb.
Judging starts at 9.30am Rough Collies are second in the ring
in Ring 1/2. Not sure how many Border Collies that are likely to be there
as these are first in the ring. we are 4th in the same ring (I have Boxers)
All dog shows are open to spectators some you have to pay to enter (mostly Championship
shows).
I believe there will also be a breed show in Slough. Best ask Marina of Brihow Rough Collies
for this info as she will know.

We were at slough last sunday with our BC we were in the ring by 10.00am (BC were 3rd in their ring!) sadly a very poor turn out, a few dogs arrived too late. Good for us - my bitch won JB, PG and BOB! so make sure you get their early so's not to miss the collie classes.

Yes had heard that some people had missed their classes.

I'm normally always early to get a good parking spot :D

Not sure of the entry at Slough.........

Bit disappointed to be indoors I prefer being outside with the Boxers.
The hall tends to be very noisy especially when they have squash being played upstairs.
Heard that the floor is very slippery at the moment - they must have polished it recently.
Hope Slough have decent mats, can't remember what it was like last year.

we were outside, good for dogs b****y cold for judges and us. Mats were ok, not brilliant. Layout of mats for BIS was very poor, granted lots of dogs (30+) but my BC had to move infront of judge with no mats, needless to say she crabbed badly with her tail stuck up to try to keep her balance. I'm not saying she would have won, but would have been nice to have a level playing field, so to speak!.

Hi - thanks for your replies. I think I will give slough a miss this time and go to Crufts (had planned to anyway). I had no idea how addictive this site would be! Oh the hours I've spent reading... LOL.

Sandra x