For people who show their dogs...?

Question

If you don't mind telling - How did you get into the hobby of showing dogs? I was thinking I might like to show dogs someday, but for now I'm just trying to get as much information as I can on the whole aspect. I like the idea of puppies and breeding dogs, but I wouldn't want to do it unless I was doing it the right way. What was it like when you first started out? What's the most enjoyable part of it?

Oh, and what breed(s) do you show?

Thanks.

Wow, your answers have been great so far! All very helpful. I need to wait until my life is more stable before I pick out a dog of my own and really start getting into the world of dog shows, but it's always been something that fascinates me. I've been reading up on different breeds and showing and breeding for the past year, and it really appeals to me.

Answer 1

I got into showing dogs through my local dog training club -- I took my first "papered" Siberian puppy there for Puppy Kindergarten, and the instructor (who also showed dogs) eventually suggested we go to a fun match (practice show) to see if we liked it.

I was already involved in running sled dogs, and had met people who showed, so I was curious.

I was as dorky as any novice, but the lady judging at the fun match was very patient! We heard about a "real" dog show coming up, and went to watch the Siberians, talked to one of the people showing, and it kind of went from there.

It wasn't easy, as I didn't have a real mentor at the beginning -- the woman we met wasn't doing a lot of showing or breeding at the time, and I actually got my first show dog from a friend of hers who lived out of state. So we kind of bumbled along.

I did Jr. Showmanship, as well, and just sort of kept talking to people and trying to learn.

I will tell you now that you have to have a thick skin, and can't be too overly sensitive about your dog...rejection is part of the deal, and when people b itch about "politics" and "snobs" it's generally because they can't take criticism about their "baby".

What's the most enjoyable part?

1. Being in the ring with my dog, and watching the dog perform stellarly. Being a team. Knowing that you rocked the ring, even if the judge didn't think so on that day. :)

2. Learning something new about dogs/bloodlines/structure at just about every show you attend.

3. Maybe most important: The friends you make! Hanging out at the show and talking dogs, going to dinner and talking dogs, staying up until 2 am, telling stories and laughing and talking dogs.

I currently show Siberian Huskies and Standard Longhaired Dachshunds. I have also shown Akitas and Alaskan Malamutes.

ADD: I started showing in 1990 -- actually, I think it was 1989 -- and didn't breed my first "show" litter until late in 1993. So "baby steps" is right. Your best bet is to find a good mentor, who breeds quality dogs with the traits you like, and learn everything you can!

Answer 2

I actually read a book about an afghan hound, decided to go to a show to see them live and was awestruck. I remember at my first show having my breath taken away watching them float around the ring and then, when I went to talk to some of the owners/breeders, I was in heaven when I actually got to touch them. The breed was hugely popular when I started so there were plenty of people to get advice from.

Well, from there I got my first puppy and started showing. My 1st afghan soon became 3 afghans, moved to an acreage, and before I knew what happened, several years had gone by, my afghans now numbered 5 and I had my first litter.

Showing either gets into your blood and becomes a lifestyle or you're in the wrong place.

The most enjoyable thing for me was when a puppy I had bred took the points! Another huge thrill was winning under two of the country's foundation breeders. Having breeder judges appreciate my dogs was an unbelievable thrill.

If you want to show in the future, you need to find a breed you're totally committed to and passionate about. You've got to live with that dog all those days you're not in the ring having fun!

Answer 3

I have a one year old Rhodesian Ridgeback. I started him in conformation class when he was 5 months old, and we had our first show when he was 6 months old.
I do not recommend showing your own puppy to start. It has been a challenge, and i forsee a time when we are going to need a professional handler. It is easy to ruin your first dog. The ring is a competitive place and you have to know how to deal with it.
Politics and who knows who all play a part of the giant game.
It is expensive and lots of work. Both in the ring and out and all for a couple of minutes of limelight in which a dog is going cooporate or make a fool of you.
I do it, because i love it. There is a thrill about showing off my dog and seeing what crazy thing he is going to pull this time. (in the first show we did, he actually rolled on his back... the judge was amused at the puppy, but we excused ourselves from the ring to not distract the other puppies.)
Also, you can make life long friendships there. I have met some wonderful people who have a love of the breed in common with me, though we all have different reasons for showing our dogs.

I am hoping to get into breeding eventually, but baby steps are important.

I highly recommend reading lots of information. Pat Hastings' book "Tricks to the Trade" is very good. You can get it off her website. Also, another book is ' Winner's Edge".

Start going to shows in your area, and talk to people after they are done showing. Explain that you are interested in the breed, and ask a few questions. Excuse yourself if they seem hurried, as some show more than one dog.

Best of luck.

Answer 4

Most of us start out with that "first" dog or puppy of a breed we love. It snowballs from there!!
I started with a pet quality Newf, got an obedience title, junior and senior water titles, and did therpay work. We loved that dog and the breed so much that with the next one, we wanted to show. Then it just go on!! You sometimes find it is hard to get a puppy with the qualities that you like and find out that breeding your own is even better. So there you go!!! Soon, you are spending all your money on dogs shows, equipment, working stuff and you have become a "dog person"!!!
Many of us knew LITTLE our first time in the ring. I took some classes, but was still clueless....but I knew a lot about dogs and showing....I had just never done it before. So, you get in the ring and learn!!!

Personally, I do not LOVE showing. I LOVE working events. It is currently hard for me to show myself since I have kids, dogs and a husband that works crazy shifts. SO, we pay a handler.

Answer 5

i show longhair weimaraners and standard poodles. If you want to get into showing first you need to choose a breed. Then you need to research the breed, eg read the standard so you have some idea when you go to look at puppies you have some idea at what you looking at. Next i would go onto your countries canine association and look at the past show records and see what kennels are winning, also look at their kennels website if they have one. Then Ring all the breeders you have chosen (the more the better) and go and see their dogs and have a chat with the owners an explain what you want. Most breeders and willing to help new people get into the breed. oh and one last good hint- go and watch your breed being shown, remember to watch how they are handling the dogs, how the dogs run, how the dogs are presented etc . . . . .. hope this helps

Answer 6

I breed and show Samoyeds and Bernese Mtn Dogs.

I got into showing after I purchased a nice Samoyed b*tch and her breeders talked me into "trying a show or two". I went to classes, learned by watching other's handle- especially Jr. Showmanship and the Group competition. Worked hard at learning how to move smoothly, as well as how to gain the attention of a dog. On the fly problem solving is key when you're showing a difficult dog.. as well as persistnce. I had people ask me to assist them with their dogs when they needed an extra handler and was available to work with their dogs in classes.

I truly enjoy grooming dogs for a show. Its fantastic one on one time for both the dog and I.

My very first show ever I was scared to death... yet I won a major under a respected longtime breeder judge.

Puppies and breeding are the hardest part of it. Its stressful to spend so much time selecting parents, hoping the combination will turn out well. Its hard knowing every time you breed you're risking your beloved b*tches life... hard on the finances (just in case something goes wrong) hard on your vacation ( since you have to save it to be with the b*tch when she whelps) hard on the family.... and then you still have to find the best homes for the pups you've so lovingly raised.

Right now I'm on a search for a male Bernese Mtn Dog to breed to... its a hard job since I need to find a boy who has strengths where she has faults and has no major faults that I can't deal with, has a great temperament and a good pedigree.

Edit: I agree with Loki... develop a thick skin. Not all judges will like your dog... not all breeders will like your dog (a judge was actually booed once when he put my dog up)... you're going home with your dog, its the same dog you came to the show with.. as long as you know what you have quality wise and you love your dog... all is well!

Answer 7

I got into showing years ago when I was encouraged to do so by the breeder of the Great Dane I had at that time...she did very well in conformation but hated the ring so I switched to obedience (natural transition since I'm also a dog trainer). I have shown & titled in obedience & rally and have recently gotten back into conformation with my Dane boy.
I really love the bond it gives with my dog. I have also met some wonderful people over the years.

Answer 8

I was dog crazy as a very little kid. My neighbors were very active in showing GSDs and started taking me to shows that were close. I started showing in juniors. By the time I was seven, they had me showing against the adults at NKC shows. They gave me an opportunity to raise a pup and show it from the beginning of its show career as well as obedience train it.

We moved, so my dad bought me my first American Pit Bull Terrier when I was 12 and I started showing him in UKC classes. I finished him out and kept him as a pet. I also found a mentor in someone who raised ADBA standard APBTs. I eventually decided that they were what I was more interested in showing and training. I waited until I moved away from home to start buying and showing more dogs.

I got into beagles and "broke" foxhounds upon meeting my first husband. It was a totally different change of pace.

The most enjoyable part is winning. (I'd be lying if I said otherwise.) The bond you develop with the dogs is very rewarding.

Answer 9

I got into showing by connecting with a mentor who showed me all the tricks of the trade. I attended handling classes (you can find these at local training facilities) and started at amateur shows and have been gradually working my way up. I only started to get into showing in the last year and I love it so far! My favorite part is the relationship between the dog and the handler... the respect, the bond... it is wonderful!!

ADD: I show Bernese Mountain Dogs and Newfoundlands.

Answer 10

Pretty much I've been showing and training dogs most of my life. I started out training my neighbors GSD, she wouldn't listen to them basically because they never spent time with her and since she spent most of her time at our house I figured she might as well have proper manners. As far as the formal show ring I started in JR High when my sister who is a fair amount older than I am need help showing her dogs. As time went on I showed more and more different dogs and different breeds for other folks that I met at the shows. In college I handled the first group placing Malinois in the US for his owners who were older and had problems handling him themselves. When they had a litter they offered me a pup and I picked out a nice male who I took to #3 in the US and won multiple Nationals with.

As far as why do it because I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the whole thing, I enjoyed getting together with other folks with the same interests, I enjoyed training and showing my own dogs and I enjoyed learning about all the other breeds. As far as breeding I enjoy the challenge of doing the research to produce pups sound all around dogs that are as good or better than there parents. I've produced conformation dogs, obedience dogs, agility dogs, herding dogs, search and rescue dogs, service dogs for the disable, narcotics dogs, as well as dogs who were titled or working in multiple fields...oh yes I also produce pets and family members which honestly all dogs should be. Good breeding requires a blend of genetic knowledge and the eye of an artist to envision what the potential parents will produce and I enjoyed the genetics of it and I enjoyed the art of it. As a breeder your goal is always the improvement of the breed. Your motto should be to do no harm. This means making sure that you only breed the best and healthiest dogs available to you.

As far as starting your first step is to find a mentor. Ideally someone in the breed you are interested in but someone from another breed can teach you the basics, probably just not the fine points of your breed. You also need to read and study on your own so you can form your own opinions. you need to attend shows and learn about them and what happens at them.

Over the years I've shown dogs in all 7 of the groups (off the top of my head poms, skips, poodles, bichons, tibbies, beagles, mastiffs, sibs, flat coated retrievers, springers, welsh terriers and probably a few others I've forgotten) but I've only raised Belgian Malinois and Belgian Laekenois.

The best part.....well winning a big competition is nice, breeding a dog who finds a lost person is nice, breeding a dog who acts as the arms and legs of a disable person is nice but honestly I think the best thing his having your puppy owners tell you how much they love their dog and how much joy it brings to their lives.

If you have any questions about Belgians feel free to email me. Might be able to help you with some others but Belgians are pretty much in my blood by this point.