The Dog Show World

[Keshwar]

· If you love to talk about dogs, you're a know-it-all.

· If you don't talk about dogs, you know nothing.

· If you stop to chat at a show, you're a show-off.

· If you don't, success has gone to your head.

· If your dogs are at all the shows, you're not letting others in on the wins.

· If you're absent, you're afraid of the competition.

· If your dog wins, you know the judges.

· If you don't win, it's obvious your dog isn't quality.

· If you win and thank the judge, you're playing politics.

· If you win and don't thank the judge, you're rude.

· If you lose and congratulate the winner, you're a hypocrite.

· If you lose and don't t say anything, you're a poor sport.

· If you've been breeding less than 20 years you're a newcomer.

· If you've been breeding for more than 20 years, you should get out of the way of the up-and-comers.

· If you use your own stud, you're kennel blind.

· If you go outside for stud services, you don't think much of your own breeding.

· If you sell most of your puppies, you're trying to flood the market.

· If you keep most of your puppies, they're not good enough to sell.

· If you keep your health testing up to date, you're admitting your lines are full of problems.

· If you don't check for every condition known to veterinary science, you're irresponsible and have no integrity.

· If you choose to mentor or offer 'free' advice, you're arrogant.

· And finally, if you keep your opinions and knowledge to yourself, you haven't learned anything.

[experiencedfun]

how true

[poodlefan]

How to interpret showspeak:

That judge is facey.

That judge doesn't put my dogs up.

That judge is very political

That judge doesn't put my dogs up.

[Wyntervale]

Oh dear!

This is what I have to look forward to

[Bullbreedlover]

BREED STANDARD OF AN EXHIBITOR

CHARACTERISTICS

A pleasant intelligent person, helpful, considerate, attentive and of a

sporting demeanour. Always willing to give advice and assistance to

newcomers, or to others needing it. Attentive to the needs of the dogs being

handled, and present each dog to its best advantage.

GENERAL APPEARANCE

A neat, smart, fit looking individual, well-groomed, well shod and

well-equipped, who moves freely both in and out of the ring.

TEMPERAMENT

Calm, confident, unhurried and friendly.

HEAD

Neither big nor pin headed. Skull broad to allow for plenty of brain power.

Expression pleasant and smiling, regardless of judges' decisions, other

exhibitors' actions and the dog's behaviour.

Nose small so as to not be stuck into where it is not wanted.

EYES

Sharp and bright Observant of other exhibitors location, judge's hand

signals and the movement and position of all dogs in the ring.

MOUTH

Usually best kept closed except to briefly answer judge's questions or to

congratulate successful exhibitors.

Teeth clean, white and presented in a smiling fashion at all times.

NECK

Long enough to hold the head up proudly and flexible enough to turn the head

as to observe everything that is happening in the ring. Should never be

stuck out.

FOREQUARTERS

Shoulders broad and able to shrug off unsporting comments from other

exhibitors.

Arms of sufficient length and strength to extend a handshake to the winners,

keep a firm hold on the dog, collect any prize cards, and give a friendly

pat to the dog all at the same time.

BODY

Sufficiently slim as to not impede other exhibitors leaving the ring and to

not completely block the judge's view of all the dogs behind.

HINDQUARTERS

Well developed and strong so as to be able to move the dog in the ring at

its optimum speed.

FEET

Firmly on the ground as this is only a sport after all. To be kept out of

the mouth at all times.

GAIT

Free moving and graceful, moving in harmony with the dog's speed.

COAT

Dress should be neat, clean and tidy, neither flamboyant nor immodest, but

designed to allow free movement without distraction to any dog in the ring.

Feet should be well shod in practical shoes to allow for easy movement.

COLOUR

Should be chosen to complement the colour of the dog, or if several

different coloured dogs are being handled, to at least not completely hide

the outline of any dog, e.g. Wearing a long black skirt when showing a black

dog.

SIZE

Exhibitors may come in all sizes and shapes, the only limitation being

ability to do justice to the dog when in the ring.

MAJOR FAULTS

Dirty or scruffy appearance, grumpy, vicious or flustered temperament;

swollen head; loud mouth, especially when used for insulting comments or bad

language; unsporting behaviour; unkempt dress.

NOTE:

The usual Kennel Club requirement that all males have two apparently normal

testicles fully descended into the scrotum has been dispensed with, in the

interests of decorum and to avoid any sudden inspections with attendant

violent reactions, while male exhibitors are attending dog shows.

Edited March 11, 2010 by stonebridge

[kinsella]

What a hoot! Scary how many of these comments I've heard....

[Joan of Arc]

Heard them all 30 years ago, hear them now. Some things never change.

[tyra20007]

Priceless! and sadly sooooooo true at times