HELLO!!!! im guessing that some of you are dog showers and i would appreciate it if you would tell me some of your experiences in dog shows. What all do u have to do to show them and do they have to learn special tricks to be involved? And do they have to ha ev "papers" to show that they are full blood? like pure bred.
2006-12-03 07:17:18 · 9 answers · asked by 4le 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
It has been a long time since I've shown... but here goes:
1. Yes, your dog needs to be papered/purebred to be shown. AKC papers are required for AKC events, UKC papers for UKC events (AKC=American Kennel Club, UKC=United Kennel Club - these are the 2 biggest organized kennel clubs in the US).
2. No tricks... your dog has to be leash trained and learn how to "stack" or stand at attention to show off it's conformation (body type). It also has to allow a stranger (the judge) to feel it's body, look at it's teeth, etc. If it growls or ducks away from the judge, it may be excused from the ring. If it growls/bites at the judge more than 2 or 3 times, it will be permanently banned from the show ring!!!
3. You as a handler need to know how to get your dog to gait (trot around the ring or up and back as the judge asks) and stack to it's best advantage, to bring the best out of your dog. Your dog needs to be groomed properly for the breed standard (if you have a "hairy" breed like Shih-tzu or Poodle - you might want to hire an expert to prep them for the ring) and kept in shape.
4. Showing takes loads of time and money. Rewards are few and far between, but if you are dedicated, you will get there - an AKC Champion.
If you are interested, all local kennel clubs have conformation classes to prepare you and your dog for the show ring.
My best story was the young (1 year old) smooth collie female I was showing for my boss and the day before the show she found a battery I didn't know was on the shelf and bit it causing an acid burn in her mouth. It didn't affect her showing other than causing her to drool. I had to have a drool towel in my pocket like a Saint Bernard or Newfoundland handler would have. She took first place anyway for 1 point :-).
Good luck
2006-12-03 07:29:55 · answer #1 · answered by dogandcatluvr 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have never shown my dogs but I do know the rules it is not about tricks depending on your breed yes you do need to be AKC registered then you can find out what are the qualifications all the way from eye color to ears fur the correct weight, the dog's stance etc. the need to be obedient and not react to other dogs and the judges need to be able to handle the dogs without being bit. there are different classes bet of breed, best of show, they have best puppy ***** class( not meaning bad) but there is a lot to showing your dog and don't think for one minute another dog owner at the shows will give you honest advice they are a whole different class of people, if you have ever been to a dog show you will see what i mean.
2006-12-03 15:45:46 · answer #2 · answered by kissybertha 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Anyone else think it's particularly ironic that GetEmGang would talk about "spewing ignorance"?
Oh yeah... the actual question. You got a great bunch of answers already. The only thing I'd add is that AKC is not the only show venue -- UKC, ARBA, and Rarities are a few other show venues which include rare breed dogs instead of or in addition to AKC-recognized breeds. Also, many venues, including Rarities and Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA), do offer a "Companion Class" or "Spay and Neuter Class" where family pets are invited to compete as well. Companion dogs are judged by the same standards as the full-fledged show dogs, but they can are not eligible for group placements or Best in Show.
The most important thing to getting involved in dog shows is to find a good breeder whom you feel comfortable with. First off, you need to convinced a breeder that as a dog show newbie, you are worthy of taking one of their good quality show dogs. Second, the ideal situation is that they will be a mentor for you as you learn. It's in your best interests to learn from their experience and in their best interest to help you earn prestige for their wonderful offspring.
In addition to dog shows, consider all of the other places you can compete with your dog regardless of breed or whether they are show quality (because if they didn't come from a breeder who breeds show dogs, it's very unlikely that they are show quality, no matter how wonderful they are). Any dog can earn titles in agility, Rally obedience, traditional obedience, flyball and other dog sports. Depending on your dog breed, you might also be able to participate in herding, lure coursing, racing, or earthdog trials.
2006-12-03 21:31:34 · answer #3 · answered by FairlyErica 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Handlers is the proper term for an individual who shows dogs. The dogs need to registered with a reputable registry (AKC & UKC), be intact (unless you're doing working events in which case an altered dog CAN be used!), and well mannered on a lead and have been taught how to stack. A reputable breeder will tell you what dog is show quality and what is not. :)
2006-12-04 03:51:34 · answer #4 · answered by ShadowWolf 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The owners of show dogs are not called 'dog showers.' And yes the dog has to have registration papers to be in a show.
They do not need to have special 'tricks', but they have to obey certain commands, whether voice or hand signals.
It is very expensive, and only some dogs can handle the rigors of dog shows.
2006-12-03 15:25:39 · answer #5 · answered by theophilus 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Most local kennel clubs and some shelters, sponsor what is called, 'Open Fun Matches' these are great fun, and they accept all dogs..They hold them in my town twice per year, right across the street from me..They judge on how well behaved, beauty contest, silliest, cutest, usually obedience trials, canine good citizenship, etc...All great fun with no pressures and rigors of purebred shows..Ask at a local pet supply shop which kennel club is in your area, and contact them to find out if they hold 'open fun matches' ..Great fun for dog and owner, and a way to show off your special dog..
2006-12-03 16:11:18 · answer #6 · answered by Chetco 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
We are not called "showers" we are called "handlers"! Yes the dogs have to be AKC registered in order to show. They can't be fixed. Their are no tricks but the dogs have to know how to heal, stay, and how to stand a certain way in the show ring according to the breed standard. This stand is called stacking. The dog also must learn to gait. Not run. When I was first starting to want to show I went to watch a live dogshow and one of the German Shepherds was in a kennel and tried to attack a Scottish Terier through the bars. It scared me at first becouse I didn't know what was going on behind me. Now I am a mutch better handler and am used to that. I show Brats Lhasa Apsos.
2006-12-03 15:42:58 · answer #7 · answered by Jess. 4 · 1⤊ 5⤋
Dog has to be registered (meaning it has a certified pedigree)---this is something you get from a seller.
Dog has to be trained to stand for examination (other exercises for obedience, rally, and agility) , have its teeth examined, paws picked up...it has to behave around other dogs, walk on a leash, and 'show'. The best dog doesn't always win...the one who 'shows best' usually does.
2006-12-03 15:50:32 · answer #8 · answered by dogshop@sbcglobal.net 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
To show your dog they have to be registered and unfixed. Some classes are judged on discipline, confermation, or agility. There are many differant types of classes. Decide what you want to do and then get the info. you need from there. I can not begin to explain what to do to show them w/o knowing what you want to show them in.
2006-12-03 15:29:34 · answer #9 · answered by Ivory_Flame 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋