I've got an Irish Setter pup, and although have got three staffs that have never thought about showing, for some reason I want to get into showing with my little one (her grandfather was Caspians Intrepid which I'm told is a good line!) - where do I start?  How do I get into it?  Is it best just to do fun shows first?  I don't know what I would need to do, what she and I would need to learn, etc - what are the judges looking for?  Some dogs like staffies all have unique markings, but most setters look very similar (unless it's my untrained eye!).  Also do they look at things that I have no control over such as teeth and eyes and height/weight or is it how they behave in the ring or how they look?
Sorry these sound like very dense questions but don't really know where to start and any books on showing don't really seem to be telling me much about it!

Hi, the best place to start is by taking your pup to ringcraft classes. This is where your taught how to stand the dog, move it etc.
They will have schedules in which you can pick up and apply for shows once the pup is 6 months old.

Does the breeder show, or if they are too far away i suggest you ask the breeder for someone more local with good knowledge to see what prospects you may have with you little one.

They look at the whole dog, not just from the outside, but they look at teeth, temperament, how the dog is built and how closely it meets the breed standard. I would pull this up and have a look, even pull out setter books to see if she looks close to it.

I know someone near me who will have a fair idea, but not sure where you live.

Good luck with it all.

If you need help with finding a ringcraft class just ask and put down the area you are so we can find out for you.

Its very addictive and i only started this year.
To be honest even if my boy doesn't make it, i enjoy it as does he and thats all that matters in my eyes.

OK, firstly I would speak to your pups breeder and see if they are of any use.
Next, find yourself a ringcraft class and let them know you are new to showing. Hopefully someone will guide you through all the new things you will need to know.
Thirdly, I am 100% sure there are some lovely people on CD that show Setters and they will be a wealth of information.
And lastly, get yourself along to as many shows as you can possibly fit in. You will learn so much just watching... and if you can get to speak to some experiences handlers even better!
I am also new to showing and was totally overwhelmed and kinda still am. Just take things at your own pace, learn all you can from the people around you put in some serious training with your pup to makes sure you can get him to behave as required...
Good luck!! :-D

> Caspians Intrepid

BIS, Crufts 1999, and his sire was BIS at Crufts 1993

Definitely ask the breeder for advice, especially as Setters will require some trimming for the show ring and anything like that is much easier to learn by being shown how to do it, rather than having it explained in writing. :) I'm sure the breeder will be delighted to hear you want to show, and you may even be able to meet up at a show and get a few last minute extra tips etc.

>> Caspians Intrepid

BIS, Crufts 1999, and his sire was BIS at Crufts 1993

both very well used found in a high percentage of Irish Setters pedigree ;)

Hi, ive got Irish Setters and I show.  Can I be nosey and ask who bred yours ? (PM me if you like) where abouts do you live, I might be able to guide you towards some local shows.

> what are the judges looking for?  Some dogs like staffies all have unique markings, but most setters look very similar (unless it's my untrained eye!).  Also do they look at things that I have no control over such as teeth and eyes and height/weight or is it how they behave in the ring or how they look?
>

Here http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/100 is the breed standard for the Irish setter (I assume that is what you have as you say they all look alike).  This is what the judge will be comparing your pup to in looks and temperament.

Hi Nicky, I'm another Irish Setter owner and exhibitor, so if I can help at all I'd be happy to.

I agree that going along to a few local shows and watching the exhibitors, then finding a ringcraft class are both good ideas. By watching experienced exhibitors, you'll get an idea of how to handle, what sort of leads and brushes we use, and a general impressing of how it all works. I'd also be interested in who your breeder is. If they show themselves, that's a good help to you too.

Dawn R.

Yes, I've got a different breed and even I've heard of Caspian's Inteprid! Give it a go - find a ringcraft class, try some companion shows and open shows, talk to your breeder for trimming advice, and have fun! :-)

PS warning it's very addictive! :-D