FANCY A SHOWING CAREER?

To get started in a dog show career first you, obviously, need a pedigree dog. Assuming that you have one, or can borrow one from someone willing to let you take charge, your first job would be to assess your prospect against its current breed standard. As long as it covers all the main requirements with no major faults you can begin to hope that you will have some success.

Next would be to find a good dog training club that teaches Ringcraft. These are classes specific to teaching handlers how to get the best out of their dog in the Show Ring. The better the Instructor the more likely you are to achieve good results.

Get a good book dedicated to your breed so you gain as much knowledge on it as possible. Hopefully it will have a section on showing and tips on how to win. If not buy yourself a good handling/show book and study it so you know why things are happening and what is expected of you if you win.

Next enter a Show. Fun pay on the day (Exemption) Pet Shows are a good place to practice.

Next try an Open Show. Watch as many other competitors as possible and learn from them.

The most competitive and prestigous Shows are called Championship Shows. If your dog gains a first, second or third place in a class then they qualify to enter Crufts. Obviously there are a lot of owners who want to get to exhibit at Crufts so competition can be fierce.

On the whole owners / breeders / handlers do tend to be friendly and helpful and only too pleased to tell you all about their exhibit. Don't be put off by someone, appearing to know it all, telling you that your dog is no good for showing.

>> To find Dog Shows go to Fosse Data to print schedules

Two Dog Papers worth trying for Shows are >> Our Dogs and >> Dog World

>> For Junior Handlers this Book is excellent for giving tips and advice. Whether you're experienced at showing or a complete novice, this book has something to tell everyone.

Showing your dog is a very rewarding hobby but I feel it is very important for it to remain just that. Never forget that no matter what happens in the ring - your dog did its best and should be treated with respect. Just because it didn't win that time it doesn't mean it's a reject, just not that Judge's cup of tea! Just remember; the dog you take home is always the best one!

Each judge can interprete a breed standard how he/she sees it and it also depends on what 'type' they prefer. In border collies there are several different 'types', bred to the Breeder's requirements and preferences.

At Bordertrix we mainly show Skye in the breed classes. Occasionally we also show her mother, Sunnie, if Sally-Anne decides to have a go at Junior Handling. However, Sunnie is not a traditionally marked border collie which is always against her so we tend to concentrate on Skye.

What is the difference between Breed Classes and Junior Handling?

In the Breed Classes it is all about the dog on the end of the lead, its type, condition and showmanship. However, its worth remembering that if you have two dogs in the ring of the same calibur, it may be the one with the handler wearing a smart outfit that wins the class just because they made that bit more effort!

In Junior Handling (there are also Adult Handling Classes at some Shows) it is all about how the Handler gets the best out of their dog in the Show Ring. It also tests the Handlers on their knowledge of ring etiquette and their ability to show the dog correctly. The Winner may not be the best dog in the ring because the Handlers get marked for their ability.