To those who show....?

Question

We recently purhased our first show quality puppy and being the dog lover that I am, I would like to get started in the world of show. We got him from a wonderful breeder, who offered to help and stand behind us every step of the way, if this was the path we decided to take with our new pup. I'm well aware of the commitment that lies ahead but with the love I have for my breed, I believe its worth it. My question is, to those who chose this path....how and what made you decide to do so? What are the pros? Cons? Do you have any regrets? I would love to hear the stories and opinions of others....thanks :)

He's an American Staffordshire Terrier

Answer 1

I wanted to show dogs since I was aobut 5 years old. My parents had NO desire to see that happen. LOL I'm afraid I really don't remember why I wanted to, or how I even discovered dog shows in the days of no internet, no cable TV, and totally UN-dog-people parents.

It is fantastic that you ahve a supportive breeder. That is a very positive start. The pros, in my opinion, are the increased bond you'll have with your dog, the new people you'll befriend, the joy of learning new, exciting things, and the feeling of accomplishment you'll experience with each win. Even losses teach you more, so I don't consider losses any tragedy.

Cons? Costs!!! I know that is always the hardest hurdle to overcome sometimes. Then there are the "steppeople". It seems people have steps, or stages to their growth in their breed.

There's the newbies. They KNOW they don't know everything, and are eager to learn. They read, and study, and question. They soak up knowledge like a sponge! Each new experience delights them, and they are in it purely to enjoy their dogs.

Then there's step twos. This is an "optional" step. You can avoid it. Not everyone goes through this stage, but there are enough. Two-er's *think* they know enough. They spout off their opinion unthinkingly aobut the quality of other's dogs, and the way some people handle, and they grab up unsuspecting newbies to be their groupies. They are often blasting the dog of a longtime, knowledgeable breeder/judge ringside...right next to that dog's owner or breeder, who is listening to the conversation, and trust me, remembering what you said so when you are showing under her/him, you can be sure your dog won't be placing that day. Usually two-ers never get any further than that in the breed. A few will eventually realize that there is ALWAYS more to learn, and will manage to admit their failings, and work their way up to the step 3's.

The step three's are the ones who have been in the breed for a number of years, have has successes and failures, and learned from them all. They are the ones who will have earned the respect of others in their breed, and are admired by peers. They also are the ones who are constantly educating themselves further, and know that there's more to learn everyday. They are the ones who will take the time for a newbie, help out a friend who is having a problem, and will let you learn from the mistakes they made so you don't have to repeat them. Those are the treasures of your breed, so go seek them out.

No matter what, enjoy showing, and do your best to let what's good for the breed be your guide in all your dog show related dealings.

Answer 2

I am assuming you are referring to conformation showing (as opposed to obedience trials).

Conformation shows are great ways to ensure the quality of your particular breed of dog. I have shown both my poodles and my Boston terriers in breed, and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. As for why I started, I actually started showing in obedience, just to give me and my poodle some time together. After my first couple of trials, I was totally hooked and was looking for other venues to show in. Although my first male was not show quality, we would show in obedience trials and when we were done there, we'd go over and watch the conformation rings. That's when I knew I wanted a show dog. I wanted to help the breed and also to from others about the breed and handling.

As for the pros and cons - you don't mention the breed you have, so these are rather generic comments.
Cons: If you have a long coated dog, it can take a very long time to prep the dog for the show. It takes daily brushing to keep a full show coat ready, and the day before and the day of the show is spent grooming and final prep of the dog.
It can be costly - the average entry fee is about $30 in the midwest. This does not include the cost of food, hotel, transportation, etc. to and from the show.
Some breeds can be very "political", i.e., the best dog with an average handler may or may not win if there is an average dog with a professional handler.
Pros: It is a great way to work with your dog, and better the breed.
It sounds like you went through a reputable breeder (thank you!), so if you do intend to breed the dog, a champion is a definite "must". The dog needs to be in the show ring and seen by others.

As for regrets, I have none. I love showing, and although obedience is my passion, I also enjoy the conformation ring and getting to know other breeders and handlers.

Answer 3

Well, I first started going to shows because I wanted to know what made the dogs champions. You can read the AKC standard all you want, but until you actually get your hands on a good show dog it won't click.

I liked the shows so much and had so much fun that I decided I wanted to give it a try. I love it. I have a husband and four children and six dogs. Most of my time seems to be about doing stuff for others. Showing dogs is something I love and I do for me and my dogs. It's something that is mine and not about my family and I think everyone needs something like that.

The biggest pro I find with dog shows is the quality time you and your dog get together. All the prepping and pracitce forms a bond. Also there is the feeling of pride when you win and knowing all your and your dogs work paid off.

With cons I would have to say I agree with Great Dane Lover, the politics is hell, but if you're like me and can ignore the mean people and roll your eyes at the stuffy people who are rude because you are new then you'll be ok. Also, I live in the middle of BFE Wyoming and I have to drive far for shows, so I have to plan way ahead of time.

Answer 4

I started couple years ago because I promised my breeder that I will show my show quality puppy when I first bought her. I would never think that I will regret of showing dogs. My breeder/mentor is an excellent mentory and very knowledgeable. It's fun to hang out with some dog people who do the same thing as you do. Shows are our catch up time with each other. The cons are you have to give up some personal time on the weekends to go to shows. I see more pros than cons. It's a lot of work and commitment, but rewarding.

Answer 5

Best advice I can offer ...
Rely (heavily) on your breeder as a mentor. Take classes on handling - unless of course you go with a professional handler. Learn your breed standard back and forth. Be honest with yourself, identify your dog's strengths and weaknesses against the breed standard. Take many pictures (video if possible). Use them to learn your dog's strengths and weaknesses in the ring. Learn how to accentuate your dog's strengths and minimize his weaknesses. Learn to groom your dog to the breed standard.
Do not expect early results. Many judges don't put up puppies and younger dogs. Your puppy will change a lot as he grows older.
You must train your dog to show properly. This could take some time (it might not - each dog is different). Be ready to wake up, load the car and hit the road at the break of dawn. Sometimes the better shows require a bit of traveling and you get assigned early ring times. Learn who the better judges in your breed are. Learn which shows will offer the better competition. Learn which people offer the best advice, and which people are full of crap. Learn the politics in your breed (I could write a book on that one).
Sometimes the judges do a very poor job of judging, and the best dogs come up short. Sometimes the best dogs show awful, but they win anyway. Sometimes the worst dog wins. Take it all in stride, and remember ... at the end of the day, no matter how he did, your dog won't know the difference. He's still your dog, your buddy, your family.

Answer 6

I started because I had a quality dog,enjoyed being with other dog people,loved watching dog shows both in person and on tv, I was interested in possibly breeding in the future.
Pros: its a great way to do something with your dog & earn awards, it's a great way to meet other people interested in your same breed,I think it's a lot of fun
Cons: can be very political, can meet some not so nice people, takes a lot of time and commitment

I don't have one single regret...I love it.

I show Great Danes in conformation, obedience & rally. I have made some wonderful friends not only in my own breed but from other breeds during my years showing.