Hi, I have a Rough Collie that I would like to start to show.  We are both new at this and my dog is very old (8 years) to start, but we have been to companion shows.  The problem is that she has a white patch, about 1 inch on her rear side (she is a tri colour) and also one of her teeth is missing at the botton front.  I know she will probably not win anything, but I would like to show her anyway.  I am 13 and want to get some experience in the show ring - do you think I would still be okay to show her.  She does stand nicely and will let you look at her teeth and so on.

Thanks

Kirsty

Hi Kirsty,

White patch shouldn't be there, as you know, but she won't be the only one at Collie shows with a small white patch.

As for the tooth, again it is a fault, but would be taken as a part of the dog, if it was noticed.

For experience, doesn't seem any reason why you shouldn't 'give it a go', preferably at breed club shows.  Whether you'd do OK or not would depend on her quality overall.

Whereabouts are you?  I can have a look and see where your next breed club show is for you ....

Marina

Edited to add: at breed club shows, she would obviously go in the veteran class.

Theres no reason why you shouldn't be able to have ago, but what if you practise at companion shows and get a new 'show quality' puppy for serious showing.  In the mean time going round the shows talking to breeders/owners.

Rox

Why don't you have a go in the Junior Handling classes, the judgs are more interested in how you are handling than the dog and you would gain valuable experience
Good luck!

For handling you still have to enter the dog into the breed classes!  But yes handling would be a good idea, especialy if you can get to a ringcraft that specilises in junior handling as this will help.

Rox

Thanks everyone for your messages.

Marina, I live in Essex, if you do know of any shows near me I would be grateful.  Thanks everyone

Kirsty

The dog also needs to be KC registered :)

Oops, yes of course, I was assuming as Kirsty had the knowledge of her girl's faults that she'd know that, but you're right.

Kirsty, I will have a think on the breed club shows.  There aren't any particularly down your way, but there is a breed club show in Slough in June (Champ show though) and some open shows up in the Midlands - would you be able to travel?

M.

If it's KC registered then you could enter limit shows or open shows.  These are quite good fun and after Companion shows are the next step.  People won't bother too much about the missing tooth at her age.  You can enter her into veteran classes.  I don't think that you need to enter breed classes if it's a veteran or so I've been led to believe.

Good luck.

Hi everyone, thanks for the info.  Yes my dog is KC registered, and I might be able to get my dad to take me to some shows if they are not too far away.

Thanks

Kirsty

Kirsty
You can have a lot of fun in Veteran classes & you will gain a lot of experience from doing so!. Your dog isn't very old!! Rough collies are usually long lived - she's just middle aged!

Does anyone know any good shows for my dog Lassie that she can go to near essex?
Thanks for the replies.
Thanks again.
Kirsty

Try www.prodogs.co.uk
Archer

I WENT ON THERE AND IT'S QUITE GOOD LOTS OF SHOWS.THANKS FOR THE WEB ADDRESS.
KIRSTY

Hi do try the Junior Handling classes, also if you know someone who takes Dog World ask them to let you have the column by Avril specially written for juniors.  I have trained junior handlers since 1987 and will help you all I can but you are too far away to get to my classes.  Put books by Jacquie Hurley and Felix Cosme on your wish list for birthdays etc.  Essex is fairly good for Junior Handlers so look at shows offering such classes and then ask for advice.  If you enter your dog in Veteran classes she will be in competition with others over seven years old, this entry will then permit you to enter the junior handling.

Good luck, it is nice see new youngters coming into showing.

Hi thankyou HAYLEA what alovely post I love it and everyone I think if I find a good class I'm going and I'm going to take all of your advice because it's all good advice.
Kirsty

Thanks for your reply, check with your mum and if she agrees maybe you can contact me by p.m. or e-mail for help in getting started.  It is difficult for people to make long distance contact especially in these days of dubious people on the net.  If you speak to the Kennel Club Junior section they should be able to o.k. my Yorkshire Junior connections.

Thanks haylea for your time I might e mail you.thanks
Kirsty

Kirsty there are alot of junior handling trainiers in Essex, it seems to be quite big but only on one style of junior handling which is coming less and less popular (handling types seem to be a fashion), different judges like different ways of handling and to do well it is very important to be able to handle in different ways!! :(

Lucky fr me my parents have been encouraging (and my dad is a great trainer and has train for the then KCJO) I have been able to travel to different clubs with different teachers and different styles of handling and am able to adpat, My brother wasn't as interested so never got to go to all the clubs and although an excellent handler he either wins or loses as he can't differ his handling!

Handling days are becomming more and more popular for both youngsters and adults alike and I would advise that if you get any within a traveling distance then attend.

I have been handling for over 10 years now and I am still learning how to improve/be that extra bit better whist I am now teaching Juniors at our ringcraft alongside my dad!

Unfortantly you are too far from our club for training but do go to Essex shows so if you ever want to meet up at one where I'm not too busy I will be more then happy to talk to you and I will always answer any questions if I can!

Good luck with your showing and remeber it is all abit of fun!

Rox

thanks ice queen
kirsty