Showing, made easy

   Could your dog be a contender for Crufts?

Why not try Dog Showing!

So what is dog showing 
Dog showing, or exhibiting as it is known, is the most popular canine activity in this country. At shows, the judge compares each dog against the official Kennel Club Breed Standard which is a blueprint for the perfect characteristics for that breed – covering every aspect of the dog, including health and temperament. The dogs which conform most closely to the Breed Standard will be the ones that receive the top places. The health of the dog is of paramount importance when making this decision – a dog must always be Fit for Function: Fit for Life! All pedigree dogs can take part in this unique hobby and you never know, you and your dog could even end up at the world’s greatest dog show – Crufts!

•You think your dog is the best in the world – will others agree? 

•Enjoy a unique hobby and make lots of new friends. 

•Your dog will love being the centre of attention. 

•Learn new things about your breed.

•Develop that special bond with your dog. 

•Your beloved dog could be Crufts Best in Show one day!

Reasons why you should show your dog

All you need to know is:

• Your dog must be registered with the Kennel Club on the Breed Register or if your dog is from abroad it must have an Authority To Compete number before competing at any show.

• Only pedigree dogs can enter shows unless companion ones. 

• Exhibitors taking part in any Kennel Club licensed event must familiarise themselves with the Kennel Club Rules and Regulations beforehand. The Show Regulations can be found in the Show Regulations booklet which is available from the Kennel Club Publications Department.

• We recommend that you attend some local dog shows before you start showing your dog, so you can get a feel for it and know what to expect.

• It would also be helpful if you can attend Ringcraft classes for specific training before entering a show.

• There are thousands of different types of Kennel Club licensed shows throughout the UK. They vary from Single Breed shows, Companion Dog shows, Open shows and Championship shows.

• Dogs can start competing at 6 months of age.  

• No previous experience necessary so request a list of Ringcraft Clubs today! From the Kennel Club 

Types of Shows:Single Breed Shows

As the name suggests, Single Breed shows have classes for just one breed of dog and are organised by a specific Breed Club. Such shows are likely to attract breed specialists who may have been involved in the breeding and showing of that particular breed for a number of years. These shows will provide you with a great opportunity to really learn about your breed from the experts.

Companion Dog Shows
Companion Dog shows are fundraising events held throughout the year. The shows are mostly organised in conjunction with fetes, charity open days or similar events to raise money for charitable causes. The shows are very relaxed so they are ideal for people who are new to the show scene and offer the opportunity to practise with your dog in the show ring. Your dog does not have to be Kennel Club registered to enter a Companion Dog show.

Open Shows

Some people prefer to start out on their show career by entering general Open Shows that schedule classes for many different breeds of dog. Such shows are run by general canine societies and are a good testing ground for new exhibitors. The shows are very popular and can attract many hundreds of competitors. At some shows you may even be able to qualify for Crufts!

Championship Shows

These are the most prestigious shows where you may be able to qualify your dog to be shown at Crufts, and where Kennel Club Challenge Certificates (commonly known as CC’s or tickets) are on offer. Challenge Certificates are the very highest award a dog can gain and they are awarded only to the very best dogs. Also you gain points for Junior Warrants and Show of merits as well with these shows and opens too. Looks nice on your dogs birth certificate. 

So are you ready for your first show. 

So, you have been attending Ringcraft classes and are now ready to enter your first show. Here is a run down of what you need to do next.

Entering the show
• Contact the Kennel Club for a list of shows in your area. We will send you listings of all the shows, with the telephone and address details of the club secretaries who are running them. Join one of your breed clubs for information as well as they'll send out listings of shows over the year. 

• When you have decided which show you want to enter, phone the secretary of the club and request a schedule (these are usually free of charge). Do this at least one month in advance. 

• Once you have the schedule you will have to select which class or classes you would like to enter and complete the entry form (which is located inside the schedule).

• Send your entry form and payment to the secretary before the closing date. Entries usually close at least one month before the show, so you will need to plan well in advance. Entries received after the closing date will not be accepted.

Before the show
• Groom and prepare your dog. 

trim nails 

then file em 

Shampoo your dog 

With flannel 

Then clean out ears gently 

Do NOT use cotton buds on your dogs ears please. 

        Check feet and pads. 

        Trim tail if a wee bit bushy some do have this and it's a quick trim and sorted. 

           Less to do once there so less stress. 

• Prepare a show bag  

show ring clip

card holder for number if you find these easier they go on the arm. 

Show lead as their normal lead is not what you show with.

Slob cloth for the dog Danes are slobberers 

deodorant for pooch make em smell nice 

Soft brush with handle for the spray and brush on easy. 

Poop bags you will need these for sure make sure you have plenty now. 

Treat bag for bait if you bait your dog in the ring before, during or after. 

• Remember to take your show passes (if appropriate) ,schedule and directions           

        plus leave nice and early in case of traffic. 

At the show
• Arrive at the showground/venue in plenty of time to find your bench and show     ring (your bench and show ring will always be in close proximity), although it should be noted that allocated benches are only generally provided at Championship shows.

• It is advisable to find your bench immediately, as this is where your dog can relax when not competing and it is a good base from which to enjoy the show. Remember your blanket for the dog and chairs for yourselves,  as a lot of shows only have so many chairs 

• Finish off any grooming and trimming (it is important that you familiarise yourself with the Kennel Club Regulations regarding preparing dogs for exhibition – this information should be included in the schedule).

• Keep an eye on the judging and do not miss your class! If at all in doubt ask   

        someone. 

• Speak to fellow exhibitors and learn more about showing.

• Look around the show and have a fantastic day!

            If I have missed anything do tell me and I shall add it in. 

This information is for Great Danes only.