Hi could anybody help me? I have a 13 week old bitch golden retriever I am toying with the idea of showing her I have never done it before and heard that shows are good fun and the dogs enjoy it, but how do I no if my girl fit's the standard and is good enough?
any advice would be much appreciated many thanks sarah

Hi Sarah

Firstly, you've got some time to wait yet, because you can't show her until she is 6 months old at any level of show.

When she is 6 months, why don't you do some open shows?  These are usually much more casual than champ shows, there are much more of them and so you won't have to travel miles.  Have a look here to see a list of open shows all over the country: www.prodogs.co.uk/open%20shows/general_open_shows_2005.htm

I wouldn't worry about if your dog is good enough or not.  At open show level you see all kinds of dogs - some really lovely, some not so great.  The only way to find out is to try it and see!

Hi Sarah
I would add that it would be a good idea to find a local ringcraft class.  Why don't you join and tell us where you are and somebody may then be able to recommend one.  Ringcraft is not only good fun and wonderful socialisation for your puppy, but there will be experienced people there who will help you learn how to show your dog and will be able to tell you if she is of 'show standard'.  I would imagine most ringcrafts are similar - the one I used to go to had monthly 'Match nights' which were judged by an outside judge.  These would have a class for underage puppies (under 6 months) so you could take part.  You can take your puppy to ringcraft at any age.
Showing is really good fun if you don't take it too seriously and there are often fun companion shows held for charity which can be a good place to start (again though for these your puppy would have to be 6 months old).
Good luck and enjoy your puppy.
Alex

Hi Sarah
The very best person to advice you here would be your pup's breeder. :)

I agree, enroll at your local ringcraft, and when she is getting on for 6 months have a word with your dog's breeder. Even if she's not a future Champion though, you can have great fun at open and companion shows with her, I'm sure! :-) Warning: it's very addictive!

Btw Alex, some ringcraft match nights are judging handling, not dogs - ours is usually on handling, and I was last place at the last one, oops!

If mine judged handling I'd have been last every time. :)  Funniest thing I saw was one woman running beautifully down the mat, turned round and ran back without realising her dog had slipped his lead and she was running along without him.  I still get tears in my eyes thinking about it (she found it hilarious too I'm glad to say).