The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Pets & Working Animals => Dogs => Topic started by: Bionic on August 24, 2012, 09:20:39 am
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I had Archie (min poodle) groomed last Monday and the woman asked if I show him because she said he is a 'very handsome dog'.
I have never had any intention of showing him but since she has mentioned it I am wondering if I should enter him into the small local show this Monday. He is a year old on 3rd Sept so would still be eligible for the puppy class.
If I do enter him what will they be expecting from me and him?
Sally
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Is it a companion dog show? If so, why not, it will be fun. The steward will bring you into the ring, where you line up. Make sure Archie is standing nicely. Some people will "stack" their dogs which is just making sure they are stood correctly. I wouldn't push it too much at this stage. Just make it fun
The judge will then get each handler to bring their dog in front of them to go over them. They check teeth, run their hqnds over and my touch his crown jewels lol. They will then stand back and ask you to move him. It's usually in a triangle but just watch what the others do before you, if you are not first. You stop in front of the judge, she will have a last look and call foe the next handler. You will then join the back of the line.
When the judge has gone over all dogs, you want Archie standing and the judge will look at them all again and call out the winners. If you are one of them, you stand where they are pointing.
It could of course, be slightly different. Just remember to listen to what the judge or steward tells you.
Good luck.
Helen
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Yes Helen, it is a companion dog show. The breeder I bought him from said he 'stood well' the best of the litter, even at that early age.
Thanks for the info. Just hoping I don't chicken out
Sally
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Train him a bit at home if you can.
Get him to "stand" and get OH and any visitors to run their hands over him and look at his teeth. Practise trotting in a triangle and straight line with him.
If you have fun, they do hold Ring Craft Classes in various places.
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I would find out where your nearest ring craft classes are held and take him there once a week. These classes are especially geared up for teaching pups and owners what's what in the ring, whether it be companion shows or open shows.
As long as you don't take it too seriously showing dogs is a lovely hobby. By and large you will meet some lovely folk, make a lot of new friends and have a good day out. You will, of course, meet some awful people as in all walks of life. These are best ignored ;)
If you google Canine Societies in your area you will come up with details of their classes. Good luck with Archie :fc: :dog:
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You won't chicken out!! You will be fine :)
I would wait until after you have had a go before researching ringcraft classes as you may not enjoy it. I have found companion dog shows just as competitive and serious as the bigger shows so you will get a real feel for it.
Helen
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Go for it! If you and Archie enjoy it, it will be great fun!
Pic please, after Monday :thumbsup:
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Enjoy it!
And yes, please, we want a pic while he's still well-groomed! ;) ;D
As to taking his showing career any further... I think you had him neutered? Which would, I think, mean he couldn't be shown in breed classes - but someone who knows more than me (basically anyone who has ever done any proper breed showing at all, I've done none! Only companion / novelty / agility / obedience stuff) will be along soon to put us right. :)
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Oooops ..... yes ..... think so.
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If he isnt "enitre" then he could never do Open or Champ shows, but I'm sure Fun Shows (Companion Shows) wouldn't mind a jot - good luck and enjoy!
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Sally, well done for remembering he was neutered but I am not sure what you mean by a breed class.
The pedigree classes are
Any variety puppy 6-12 months old
Any variety sporting dogs
Any variety non-sporting dogs
Any variety open
I was thinking of entering him into the pedigree puppy class. Will that still be ok as he has been neutered?
There are also novelty classes for which I am sure any mutt is acceptable but he could enter most handsome dog or waggiest tail.
Sally
There
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bumblebear came back just as I was posting and I think that answers my question.
thanks all
Sally
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bumblebear came back just as I was posting and I think that answers my question.
I bloomin' well hope so! It'd be a fine thing if the 'powers that be' debarred neutered dogs from entering non-breeding stock shows while on the other hand, encouraging us all to neuter non-breeding dogs, eh! :D
So, yes, I would think you would be fine in a general fun pedigree puppy class; also waggiest tail, most appealing eyes, dog the judge would most like to take home, etc, etc! One of my fave classes was 'Best 6-legs' - where the judge got to choose the best combination of handler-and-dog. Then hubby won with our black bitzer bitch; I remain convinced it was his rugby-player's legs shown off in his summer shorts that did the deed! ;)
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Luckily there isn't a 6 best legs competition because I don't think we would win with either me or OH :roflanim:
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Luckily there isn't a 6 best legs competition because I don't think we would win with either me or OH :roflanim:
Doh! :dunce: I never thought... Well, they'd have to allow 4 of the legs to be wheels, huh? Else it'd be discrimination!
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I have a feeling that if there are pedigree classes the show will be held under KC rules and the judge doing the pedigree classes will be a KC up and coming judge who will adhere to breed standards which include, in males " two obviously normal and healthy testicles" There is no rule that says a neutered dog can't compete in open or champ. shows but the purpose of shows is to promote the breeding of healthy standard dogs and if a dog can't breed then he can't contribute to this.
Saying this, companionship shows are great fun. Teach Archie a few tricks, poodles are great at this and it will keep him interested and entertained and he could win, as well as the handsomest dog(a class now frowned upon by the RSPCA, presumably so that dog's feelings aren't hurt) the best trick.
Or have you thought of agility for when he's a bit older, his breed is really good at this and it will keep you fit as well.
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Sylvia,
You are correct it is being held under KC rules so maybe I won't show him in the pedigree puppy class after all.
He could still enter the most handsome dog and if he doesn't win I don't think his feelings will be hurt ;D
We can't do agility because although he is very agile I'm not. :(
thanks for the info
Sally
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the handsomest dog(a class now frowned upon by the RSPCA, presumably so that dog's feelings aren't hurt)
Shouldn't someone now just put this poor, sick organisation out of its misery?
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With the Paralympics being on now, is no-one doing Para-Agility? :D With the right course design, it could work - and would be great fun for spectators too!
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Neutered dogs or bitches are not banned from being shown at any KC licensed event. However, they will take a lower place to a dog that is entire, although with bitches you can't tell. The reason fro that is that shows are or were a showplace for breeding stock and if they are neutered they obviously can't be bred from.
If the dog has been neutered or you are contemplating doing so, you can apply to the KC for 'permission to show' It is usually given and you don't always have to give them a reason for the dog being neutered.
I can bet if you win a rosette you'll be hooked - that's how we started with our first Cocker and look at me now! :-[
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Show him in the pedigree classes. You never know and it will be a good experience.
Helen
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I believe that a few years ago there was mention of neuter classes in open and Champ shows, though this, obviously came to nothing.
Bionic, the agility classes start very gently, it may do you as well as your dog the world of good :) :) :dog:
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You should go for it Sally
My OH and I put 2 of our cockers (working not show type) in a local county show last year and we did quite well. We did all the bonniest bitch, dog the judge would most like to take home etc and it was such fun and great 'crack' with the others in the class and one of the pups, Meggie took best local dog!. OH put Meggie in some classes again this year and we got 2 firsts, best local dog and best dog in show :excited: The classes were judged by a properly qualified judge, but she did not expect the owners to be expert handlers as she knows that most of the dogs are just well loved family pets.
Infact last year when she checked my Meggie's teeth, then ran her hands over her, Meggie promptly threw herself on her back for a good belly rub, much to my horror :o and the crowds delight :excited: . The judge did say that I would get exta points for it :innocent:
So go on give it a go and enjoy it ;D
Have tried to attatch Meggies photo!
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Lovely picture of Meggie with all her winnings
Sally
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Well done little Meggie :trophy: - she looks so cute too.