Show Ring F A Q

[ellz]

She is over 3 so I think these are the only 2 classes she would be eligible to enter.

Yes, that is correct. Aust Bred or Open would be it.

Just a question for you....have you had her evaluated by somebody within the breed so that you are aware of whether or not she is really show quality and in good enough coat to be shown? Just being on Main Registration doesn't automatically make her show quality and show preparation for a coated breed is very specialised.

[rachael12]

I have been talking to a few breeders around me but no one has seen her to evaluate her yet. She was shown as a younger dog before i got her... her last show was in 2009 and she has won a challenge certificate and a BOB challenge certificate which I have (these are the only placings that I know for sure that she was awarded). Just by going on that I suppose I was assuming she would be ok to show. I have been trying to get together with a local breeder/show family but because we are both busy it is a little hard. :)

[ellz]

I have been talking to a few breeders around me but no one has seen her to evaluate her yet. She was shown as a younger dog before i got her... her last show was in 2009 and she has won a challenge certificate and a BOB challenge certificate which I have (these are the only placings that I know for sure that she was awarded). Just by going on that I suppose I was assuming she would be ok to show. I have been trying to get together with a local breeder/show family but because we are both busy it is a little hard. :)

OK, some advice for what it is worth...I saw your post looking for a handler. 2009 is a long time ago and isn't necessarily an indicator that she has matured with whatever promise she may have had as a youngster. So before you go to too much trouble, I really would try and get somebody else to at least have a look at her to ascertain, as I said, a) her quality (and note here that it will be just one opinion but is probably better than just flying blind) and b) her coat condition (and again, as I said, coat preparation for a coated breed is very specialised and although it is ONLY hair, on some breeds a good coat and the correct shape can make a huge difference to show results).

Sorry, I don't mean to sound negative but I'm also trying to be realistic on your behalf.

[Dogsfevr]

OK, some advice for what it is worth...I saw your post looking for a handler. 2009 is a long time ago and isn't necessarily an indicator that she has matured with whatever promise she may have had as a youngster. So before you go to too much trouble, I really would try and get somebody else to at least have a look at her to ascertain, as I said, a) her quality (and note here that it will be just one opinion but is probably better than just flying blind) and b) her coat condition (and again, as I said, coat preparation for a coated breed is very specialised and although it is ONLY hair, on some breeds a good coat and the correct shape can make a huge difference to show results).

Sorry, I don't mean to sound negative but I'm also trying to be realistic on your behalf.

I agree wit the above ,It will also assist when seeking a handler.Handlers are also very careful what they take in & if the dog has obvious faults they won't come rushing nor will they if her body language in the ring is poor.

Coat prep is also a major part as Ellz said being a bitch they tend to lose there coat when they have there seasons so knowing how to make the most of a nkaed Sheltie is also very important

[rachael12]

thanks for your honest advice ELLZ, I have emailed her breeder and a breeder in my area and hopefully they will be able to look at her and tell me if she is worth showing... I would like to get a puppy sometime in the future from a good breeder and show a little more seriously, but I just thought that she would be a good dog to learn with (even if she isn't that great and never wins anything).

Some friends from the local kennel club told me that I might find another 'learner' like myself on here who might be keen to learn as well, as most experienced people are breeders and show their own dogs rather than show other peoples... if that makes sense... Maybe I should have been clear that I was looking for someone like myself that would like to get experience but not necessarily win as I'm not sure if my dog is a good example of her breed still.

But thanks again, I will hopefully hear from people tomorrow and have her evaluated to find out what I need to do and if she is a good prospect. :)

[ellz]

thanks for your honest advice ELLZ, I have emailed her breeder and a breeder in my area and hopefully they will be able to look at her and tell me if she is worth showing... I would like to get a puppy sometime in the future from a good breeder and show a little more seriously, but I just thought that she would be a good dog to learn with (even if she isn't that great and never wins anything).

Some friends from the local kennel club told me that I might find another 'learner' like myself on here who might be keen to learn as well, as most experienced people are breeders and show their own dogs rather than show other peoples... if that makes sense... Maybe I should have been clear that I was looking for someone like myself that would like to get experience but not necessarily win as I'm not sure if my dog is a good example of her breed still.

But thanks again, I will hopefully hear from people tomorrow and have her evaluated to find out what I need to do and if she is a good prospect. :)

What you want to do is fabulous in theory and I really admire you for it. But even though you are setting out with the best of intentions, it is just as much work to just "dabble" as it is to put a really nice puppy into the ring. And, I hate to say it, but some of the people in the show world can be pretty brutal to newcomers. I would not like to see somebody so keen be mistreated and lose interest simply because their dog was not perhaps the best quality or didn't have enough of the right type of hair.

The other thing too is that it can be a HUGE culture shock for a dog, even if it was shown as a puppy, to enter the show ring as a mature dog and you may find she simply doesn't perform. I've had this happen myself. I purchased a young adult who had been shown as a youngster and due to family commitments was unable to get into the show ring with her for a couple of years. By this time, she had decided the couch was a far better proposition and her body language made it patently clear she wasn't going to behave, perform or animate so I left her at home.

Personally, and this is only MY opinion based upon my own experiences, I think you'll get more enjoyment out of starting out fresh with a promising baby puppy which is a clean slate, learn how to present a coat properly for the show ring from scratch and hopefully form a lasting show ring partnership.

[Keshwar]

thanks for your honest advice ELLZ, I have emailed her breeder and a breeder in my area and hopefully they will be able to look at her and tell me if she is worth showing... I would like to get a puppy sometime in the future from a good breeder and show a little more seriously, but I just thought that she would be a good dog to learn with (even if she isn't that great and never wins anything).

Some friends from the local kennel club told me that I might find another 'learner' like myself on here who might be keen to learn as well, as most experienced people are breeders and show their own dogs rather than show other peoples... if that makes sense... Maybe I should have been clear that I was looking for someone like myself that would like to get experience but not necessarily win as I'm not sure if my dog is a good example of her breed still.

But thanks again, I will hopefully hear from people tomorrow and have her evaluated to find out what I need to do and if she is a good prospect. :)

What you want to do is fabulous in theory and I really admire you for it. But even though you are setting out with the best of intentions, it is just as much work to just "dabble" as it is to put a really nice puppy into the ring. And, I hate to say it, but some of the people in the show world can be pretty brutal to newcomers. I would not like to see somebody so keen be mistreated and lose interest simply because their dog was not perhaps the best quality or didn't have enough of the right type of hair.

The other thing too is that it can be a HUGE culture shock for a dog, even if it was shown as a puppy, to enter the show ring as a mature dog and you may find she simply doesn't perform. I've had this happen myself. I purchased a young adult who had been shown as a youngster and due to family commitments was unable to get into the show ring with her for a couple of years. By this time, she had decided the couch was a far better proposition and her body language made it patently clear she wasn't going to behave, perform or animate so I left her at home.

Personally, and this is only MY opinion based upon my own experiences, I think you'll get more enjoyment out of starting out fresh with a promising baby puppy which is a clean slate, learn how to present a coat properly for the show ring from scratch and hopefully form a lasting show ring partnership.

In the absence of a like button:

LIKE!

Really great advise! :)

[MishB]

MishB your other question was answered well by Emery, but just to answer your other question, you dont have to send a SSAE unless it's stated, in WA. Most of the shows you just pick up your numbers before the show starts.

OKay thanks, what time on Saturday are you getting there & how do I figure out where to set up my stuff? I was thinking I would get there about 8am so I have time to find where the ring is, put my crate up and get puppys early morning crazies out of the way, I would think I am first in the ring with a baby Brit?

Do you know if it is in the undercover area or outside? I guess I will soon find out when I get there lol.

8am is a good time to get there i try get there an hour before show to allow set up and relax and i have an R breed very rarely we are at the beginning lol.

when you pull in the gates there is a billboard it will have the ring numbers on it and the layout. so i might have up the top 1 2 3 which means opposite side near canteen closest to canteen ring 1 then ring 2 then ring 3 bottom of board is office side same rule applies first is closest to office and then each consecutive ring. (think i got the top and bottom bit right i haven't been to a show in ages lol)

Look for your ring if lost go to office and ask they normally all to willing to point out your ring. You need to set up 2m from the ring to allow a pathway and esure there is a 1m walkway between multiple gazebos.

Remember to collect numbers if they haven't been sent to you and have a great day

yes i have to take one of mine on sunday my 9month old the other two are being babysat at the grandparents otherwise i am on constant watch alert :D

Thx I did wonder what the billboard meant

I know what you mean about being on constant watch alert with the kids too, just cant turn it off if they are there :)

MishB I have to pick a dog up at 8am so I'll likely be there around 8.30am. I like to be there from the start to watch/support friends :) I recall that they would try their hardest to have it outside but given the weather today it might be too wet to show on the grass so my guess is undercover. RallyValley usually gets there pretty early to ensure she's settled before the show starts, so make sure you look for her or wait around for her and set up with us.

Look forward to meeting you tomorrow :)

Hiya,

Just wanted to pop in and say thanks heaps for all the advice, reassurances, etc before my first show!

I survived, it was actually quite fun, lovely to meet up with you in person finally SparkyTansy :D

I have my entrys all written out for the next few shows already!

Now I think I need another outfit, shouldnt wear the same thing twice, right (husband needs convincing of this)

[emery]

Hiya,

Just wanted to pop in and say thanks heaps for all the advice, reassurances, etc before my first show!

I survived, it was actually quite fun, lovely to meet up with you in person finally SparkyTansy :D

I have my entrys all written out for the next few shows already!

Now I think I need another outfit, shouldnt wear the same thing twice, right (husband needs convincing of this)

I am trying to convince my hubby of that lol though i do have about 6 different outfits that i rotate. Glad you had fun :)

[grizabella]

This is probably a very silly question, but I'm curious- are ribbons awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each class? What about for BOB and CC?

Edited May 11, 2012 by gazellehound

[ellz]

This is probably a very silly question, but I'm curious- are ribbons awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each class? What about for BOB and CC?

Depends upon the individual state and club. Some will award them in the ring, some will have them available for collection at ringside or upon application at the office. Some will not have place ribbons at all and some places don't give CC ribbons unless it is a specialty show.

[MishB]

HI,

I am confused yet again, what are 'general specials' ?

Ive probably been told what this is but I cant remember.

I have noticed that there are a heap of different conformation classes no's 1 - 11.

When working out which one to enter my dog in, do you enter in 1 of these classes, or do you enter as many as you wish?

The way I read it at the moment I could possibly enter in classes 2.minor puppy, 3.puppy, 6.novice,7.graduate,10.australian bred,and 11.open all in the one show. Not that I would want to do that, I just want to know what the rule is regarding how many classes you are able to enter.

PLus if there is a sweepstakes in the age group you could also enter that too?

I am only entering my pup in baby & then going into minor puppy when he is 6 mths, thats all I want to do at this stage :)

[SparkyTansy]

General Specials are Best in Show and all the Class in Shows (baby, minor, puppy, junior etc). This is done after all the groups have completed their judging.

You are able to enter more than one class once your pup is eligible based on age, but generally, people don't (in WA anyway). you must win your class in all classes you enter, otherwise you are knocked out (ie if you enter Minor puppy, and puppy, and do not get 1st in Minor, you cannot compete in puppy - I think). It can be quite complicated and generally you just enter one class. Also be sure to check which classes are actually offered at each show - usually novice and graduate aren't offered at WA shows, and sometimes Australian Bred isn't offered. You will find Open and Aust Bred, although young dogs are eligible to compete, those classes are usually full of older dogs. most stick to the age class they are eligible for.

If there are sweepstakes though, that is different. They are usually done before breed judging starts and the results do not go towards the main part of the show.

[MishB]

General Specials are Best in Show and all the Class in Shows (baby, minor, puppy, junior etc). This is done after all the groups have completed their judging.

You are able to enter more than one class once your pup is eligible based on age, but generally, people don't (in WA anyway). you must win your class in all classes you enter, otherwise you are knocked out (ie if you enter Minor puppy, and puppy, and do not get 1st in Minor, you cannot compete in puppy - I think). It can be quite complicated and generally you just enter one class. Also be sure to check which classes are actually offered at each show - usually novice and graduate aren't offered at WA shows, and sometimes Australian Bred isn't offered. You will find Open and Aust Bred, although young dogs are eligible to compete, those classes are usually full of older dogs. most stick to the age class they are eligible for.

If there are sweepstakes though, that is different. They are usually done before breed judging starts and the results do not go towards the main part of the show.

Thanks for the info,SparkyTansy.

I wouldnt enter more than one myself especially when Im so new but I looked at the back of the entry forms and did wonder if some people did enter a heap of classes.

I will have a go at sweepstakes when they come up if I can, they sound like something a bit interesting.

[grizabella]

Thanks so much for all the great help everyone! I had my first shows this weekend, the first with a friend's Saluki and today with my Bella. A tiny Saluki entry so not terribly impressive, but Bella got Reserve Challenge Bitch andwas such a good girl. I'm very proud. :) Can't wait for our next show!

[MishB]

HIya,

Quick question.. we have our first show in minor this Saturday and my puppy had a front tooth fall out tonight!

Will he be disqualified because of this? Or am I being a doofus?

[ellz]

HIya,

Quick question.. we have our first show in minor this Saturday and my puppy had a front tooth fall out tonight!

Will he be disqualified because of this? Or am I being a doofus?

Doofus :laugh:

Puppy teeth fall out all the time. The most important thing is that the judges you choose to show your puppy to. A bad judge can do untold damage to a teething puppy.

[MishB]

HIya,

Quick question.. we have our first show in minor this Saturday and my puppy had a front tooth fall out tonight!

Will he be disqualified because of this? Or am I being a doofus?

Doofus :laugh:

Puppy teeth fall out all the time. The most important thing is that the judges you choose to show your puppy to. A bad judge can do untold damage to a teething puppy.

After I sat down and thought about it, I was like DOH!!!! I will be sure to tell the judge on Saturday that he is teething :D

[grizabella]

Bella got her first CC today. :)

I took it home and realised her name has been spelled incorrectly (even after I'd corrected the misspelling in the catalogue). Do I need to contact someone to get it fixed up?

[ellz]

Bella got her first CC today. :)

I took it home and realised her name has been spelled incorrectly (even after I'd corrected the misspelling in the catalogue). Do I need to contact someone to get it fixed up?

To be honest, provided it is essentially right, I wouldn't worry too much. It's only if the name is completely wrong that you might have to do something about it.