For those who have attended an AKC event...?

Question

I hope to check out some events next year , and was wondering what its like from those who have been to events (of any kind).
Whether you showed or were just there to watch.
What did you do while you were there?
Does it usually cost for one to go and watch?
Do you get much time to talk with people who are showing their dogs?
Is it common for somebody to just attend or is it mostly just people there to show?
Anything that one really needs to know before attending an event?

Answer 1

Normally I'm getting ready to show my dogs, showing my dogs, watching my friends compete, chatting with friends, answering questions from strangers, checking out the vendors for new toys, treats, etc.

You can normally attend an outdoor show for free or maybe a small fee for parking. Indoor shows normally charge non-exhibitors a fee at most shows it is under $10 but at shows like Westminster it is much much more. I would strongly suggest that you get a catalog so you know which breeds are in what ring and what time. You can also take notes in your catalog about the dogs you liked people you talked to,etc. They are normally under $10 and are well worth it.

Don't walk up to an exhibitor when they are grooming or are about to go in the ring and expect them to chat with you they are busy getting ready to compete with their dog. If you do talk to them then simply ask with you could talk with them when they are done in the ring. If the answer is yes step back and wait, if no then try someone else to talk to. The best time to catch someone is after they are done showing or are just wandering around the grounds killing time, then unless they have to get to another ring such as in the case of a handler they are normally more than willing to spend time talking about their dogs, the breed and dogs in general. I when I go to a show I normally have one of my Laekenois with me and literally spend a couple of hours at every show answering questions. By the end of a multi-day circuit I'm sometimes hoarse from answering questions all day and I've often joked that I need to make an indexed recording of the answers to common questions so I could just push play.

At most shows there are a fair number of folks there just watching and learning. Shows are a great place to get that unusual toy for your dog.

Probably the biggest thing is don't touch or feed the dogs without asking permission this is especially important if you have children with you but applies to adults also. Some dogs don't like being grabbed at, others would love to play with you but their owners just spent 3 hrs grooming and will not be at all amused if you get chocolate ice cream on the Bichon as they are heading to the ring. No joke once when I was showing a friends Bichon I had a young child covered in chocolate ice cream coming running up to me wanting to play with the doggie. I just pick up the dog and held him over my head so the kid could grab him but that isn't so easy to do with a big breed like an Old English.

Try not to distract the dogs while they are working. Clapping is totally acceptable outside the conformation but you don't want to make a lot of noise around the obedience and agility rings until after the dogs is done or better get when the qualifiers are called back in for the ribbons.

Pictures are fine but flashes aren't because they can distract the dog and handler.

Almost forgot shows start early. At most judging starts by 8 am so if you are there at the beginning of the day you will miss many of the breeds.

If it is an outdoor show and you have a light weight folding chair pack that if unless you don't mind sitting in the ground or standing on your feet all day. At indoor shows they normally aren't allowed.

Pretty much common sense will get you by. If you can read a couple of books or ask questions here so you know what is going on you will enjoy yourself and learn much more.

Answer 2

Going to AKC events, whether it be agility trials, obedience trials, dog shows, or any other event can be a great time and great learning experience. I have shown dogs for over 20 years, and dont' regret any of it.

At a show, you'll want to make sure to walk around, see everything there is to see. Most shows have multiple rings going all at the same time, with different breeds or different levels of obedience going on. Take it all in, and be sure to also browse through any selling booths that may be on the grounds - you never know what you can find.

As for cost, it depends on the show. Some shows charge admission, some charge admission plus parking, some charge parking but no admission, and some don't charge at all. It depends on what the sponsoring club has to pay for the space and if they need to charge to make expenses.

As for talking to the folks showing, again, it depends on the person. Most handlers will be very focused prior to showing, and may or may not have the time to talk with someone. After they are done, they may be able to spend some time with you. Ask first if they have the time to talk and definitely don't pet the dog unless you ask. Dogs that are going in the breed ring spend a lot of time grooming and getting ready, and handlers are not open to folks petting them if they have not shown yet.

The majority of folks at a show are showing their dogs, however, visitors are a welcome site. The bigger shows like Westminster and the International Kennel Club have a lot of visitors, while smaller, local shows are typically handlers and registered dogs.

As for knowing before you attend, the only real thing to know is to leave your own dog at home. Most show sites will not allow unentered dogs on the grounds. Other than that, there are a lot of books and web sites (www.akc.org) that will show the rules and regs of what's happening in the rings. If you have specific questions, I'd be happy to answer as much as I can for you ([e-mail]).

Answer 3

you have some great questions.
I now show, but i went to several before i started to show, just to familiarize myself with the atmosphere.
In our area, the shows are free to attend, though occasionally parking is charged. Especially at outdoor shows.
Sometimes you get a chance to talk to people who are showing, but i would always keep it short and sweet. People at shows have there schedule and their rituals. Always wait till after the breed is done, and then kindly walk up with a compliment, and see how it goes from there. If they seem to be in a hurry somewhere, don't be put off, just move on. They may have another breed to show. Sometimes people only see good friends at shows and are anxious to move to the social time. Sometimes there are breed based events at breeders houses that people are trying to get to. Or they may have an anxious dog that needs to get back to the crate to calm down. You never know.
Lots of people go to watch. It is a show. It is where you go to the best stock offered in a breed.
The best advice i can give is this... patience, observe, and don't approach anyone before they enter the ring. If they are carrying a blue ribbon, then they are not done. If they are carrying a purple or purple and gold ribbon then they may be finding the photographer.
Go to infodog.com and explore. They are a great comprehensive listing of akc events. You are looking for premium lists and judges schedules once you get to an event page that you are interested in.

Have fun. Don't get close to the ring. Leave small kids at home with your dog. No distractions.

Answer 4

Did that breeder not put breeding restrcitions on her then, they usually do. Just because the parents of your dog had their health checks it doesn't mean that it won't matter if yours doesn't. What about the stud. You won't find the owner of a fully health checked dog will want their boy to be put to a b*tch that isn't registered and health checked, so you could be putting anything in there. You are also not thinking about lines. It doesn't take much for two dogs showing the same conformation faults to breed really bad pups with health problems. Have you read the post tonight where the person cannot "get rid" of her pups. This can happen and then you have to run them on for as long as necessary. It just goes down a slippery slope once you start taking it away from the registered dogs. You won't be able to put restrictions on your puppies, and so each of those females could potentially have more pups. The truth is that there are just too many pups in the world for the amount of GOOD owners. Also are you in a position to take back any pup that needs rehoming up into the future, and give 24 hr back up to each dog as my breeder still does and has done for 20 yrs. There is just so much more to it.

Answer 5

Hi Tara
Dog shows (conformation events) are a great place to see breeds you may not have heard of...or to see some you've heard of and always wondered about LOL

I handle dogs professionally for others (as well as show my own Rottweilers), so I guess you could say I LOVE shows! Depending on what area/what show you go to, it can be a little hectic..and maybe a little crowded., depending on the venue. It's fine to speak to the exhibitors, but you may want to catch them in the grooming/crating area...and ask if they have a minute to answer your questions...I love talking to the spectators and answering their questions, but not when I'm getting ready to walk in the ring :-) You may also want to visit the superintendent's table (every show has one and will be clearly marked) as they can help answer questions as well.

There are always vendors of some sort where you can buy anything from dog toys to breed specific items for yourself to grooming supplies (I am also a vendor at certain shows)...as to spectator admission, it depends on the show giving club and the venue...some do, some don't. You may also have to pay to park, again, depends on where it's located. Your best bet for finding out all of this information is to go to the AKC website and do an events search for your state and go from there...or you could email me privately and I'll try my best to help.

Attending a dog show is a great experience...seeing the different breeds, talking to exhibitors...but please don't bring a dog with you :-) It's against regulations and the venues don't support room for unentered dogs.

Anyways, go! And don't hesitate to ask questions! :-)))

Answer 6

Anyone can attend...alot of people are simply there to watch!

The pro handlers are usually not available to talk to...they are to busy running around trying to make ring times..and most will rudely push past you...
owner handlers on the other hand..are usually very friendly...enjoy sharing info on their breed...and like the interaction with their dogs..for socialization...DO NOT touch a coated dog going into the ring...or ask first..some people really get upset over that..

the fee
at some sites you pay to park... when you drive into the lot you are just charged a parking fee...not alot..$2-$5
some shows charge to walk in the door... a couple of bucks and some charge by age...

big events will obviously charge a higher fee...

they are alot of fun to watch... tons of great vendors to browse...and beautiful dogs galore

Answer 7

I have been to agility trials and conformation/obedience shows, and I was just there to watch. Sometimes it may cost you money to park, but normally, AKC events are free to spectators.

Bring folding chairs, and rain gear/appropriate clothing, and sunscreen. There will be space for you to watch, but if you want to sit, you usually have to provide that for yourself. If it is a summer thing, you'll want to bring sunscreen, as there is usually little shade.

You do get time to talk with people about their dogs, but you should be respectful. When an owner/handler is grooming their dog or getting ready to go into the ring, they usually don't have time to talk. And do not pet or approach their dog without asking for permission. What you can do is just stand politely nearby. If the person seems stressed, busy, or ignores you, this is not a good time to talk. If the person smiles at you, remark what a beautiful dog he/she has. That will get them talking if they have the time. There usually is time to talk to handlers, at least after they have shown their dog.

And you will be able to talk to other spectators who may know LOTS about dogs. Lots of people go to dog shows purely to watch, and you can learn a lot from them.

The AKC website or infodog.com will give you a list of upcoming shows.

Answer 8

Most recently, I have taken my dogs to conformation events. If you're showing, your time is spent preparing your dog to go into the ring, or actually being in the ring. If you have a breed that needs extensive grooming, time will be spent doing that plus perhaps some exercise. Once you're done showing, and you've secured your dogs, there's usually time to talk to other exhibitors, watch other breeds, cruise the merchandise booths, or do other things.

A lot of shows do not charge admission. At some, there will be a fee for spectators, but it's usually not a great deal at local and regional shows. I'm sure it's more if you go to one of the really big shows, such as Westminster, but I don't know what they charge. At any show, there will always be spectators. At smaller shows, spectators can often sit right at ringside, so you get a really good view of the dogs.

Most people are fairly willing to answer questions, unless they are getting ready to go into the ring, or have a dog in the ring with a handler. That's not a good time to try to engage them in conversation.

You might want to buy a show catalog, which lists all the dogs competing in that show by breed and group. You can record placements in it, and it can be fun to compare your selections with those of the judges.

Each breed is first judged separately. First, there will be a number of classes for dogs that have not finished their championships. These classes are set up in different ways. For example, there are puppy classes based on age - 6-9 months, 9 -12 mos. and 12 - 18 mos. Then there are others, such as Open, Novice, Bred By Exhibitor, and American Bred. For each class offered, there will be one for dogs, and another for b*tches. Class winners compete against each other for the points, and to see which dogs will compete in the best of breed competition, where they are pitted against any champions of record who are entered. The best of breed winner from each breed goes on to compete against the other dogs in its group. The winners of the groups compete for best in show. For a one-day show, judging of individual dogs usually begins around 8:00, and best of breeding judging will happen in mid afternoon.

Information about upcoming shows can be found on the websites of show superintendents. There are several, such as Onofrio Dog Shows, or Jim Rau Dog Shows. If you do a web search on dog show superintendent, you'll find their URLs.

Find one near you, and go take a look. You may enjoy it.

Answer 9

I've been to few.

Some charge but many don't. The ones I went to didn't. Unless you are going to Westminster or something, the fee is nominal.

I just went to watch. One time I went with my sister who was picking up a puppy from her breeder later that day. The breeder was showing and we went to watch her dogs, some of whom were related to the puppy.

There's a lot of time between events, so you usually get a chance to approach people and talk to them about their dogs. When they are busy grooming or getting ready to go in the ring is usually not the time though.

It seemed like lots of people just went to watch. Some people entered in other events went to watch other events, perhaps that had people and dogs that they knew were entered. Lots of people milling around and lots of vendors to check out. There is often not enough seating so you spend a lot of time standing. Doesn't hurt to bring folding chairs to camp out in unless you know there will be plenty of seating.

It also doesn't hurt to pack a lunch. Food is limited and lousy.

Answer 10

I grew up around AKC events... I think there is a nominal fee to pay to get in.
Please talk to the handlers, most are very interested in talking about their dogs, if you encounter someone that is not friendly just move on.
Always ask if you can pet the dogs before touching them, the dogs with the "poofey doos" just look at them and tell them how pretty they are... dogs know what you are saying, especially the pretty word.
And, expect to step in dog doo on the way to your car, it is just a given.
There are always people there just looking, you will find the vender's there even more interesting.