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Why show your dog?

There are lots of reasons why you might like to show your dog.

• Show off what a fabulous dog you have
  The showing process compares your dog with other dogs, which can convince other people what a fabulous dog you have. They will be more likely to want to breed to your dog or get your dog's puppies. The puppies from a champion dog are usually considered more valuable.
  
• Get to know your breed
  You will learn a lot about your breed from talking to (and commiserating with) other breed owners.
  
• Meet people with the same interests
  All of the people at the dog show will have one thing in common. They like to show off their dogs. As a source of information and camaraderie, they can’t be beat.
  
• A lifetime hobby
  It is a fun and competitive hobby. It is not as expensive as some hobbies, and there is nothing to dust!
  
• See the country
  Depending on how much you want to travel, shows are a good way to see the country.
  
• Build a bond
  Showing your dog builds a close bond between you and your dog. Both of you learn to rely on each other. You to tell him what to do, and him to show how he is the best dog entered.
  

Last, but not least, an important reason for showing your dog is it is a fun thing to do with your dog. No dog will win every show. Depending on the judge, the dog, and the day, you might go home a winner, or you might go home with just memories. Win or lose though, you still take home a good friend.

Dog showing can be a great family sport. Each member of the family can have some meaningful task in showing: brushing, walking, handling or just applauding their dog while he’s in the ring. The kids might show him in the Junior Handler category, while Mum or Dad can show him in the regular classes. The outcome of hard training is about two minutes in front of the judge in the ring. What comes before this moment is a great amount of knowledge, care, time and preparation.

Preparation to showing

• Training - A show dog needs to be trained. Though you may train your dog yourself at home, you can attend conformation and handling classes which are beneficial for both you and your dog. The classes also serve to socialise your dog. This gets him accustomed to being around other dogs in conditions similar to what he’ll find at shows. Very often, a show dog is the only dog in a household. Therefore at the show, he may be anxious or overwhelmed by all the activity, noise and other dogs. Socialisation will make showing a better experience for you and your dog.
  
• Conditioning - Every show dog - no matter how big or small - needs conditioning. For some dogs, this means a strict exercise regime; for other dogs, it means regular walks. It’s very important that you don’t over-exercise your dog.
  
• Nutrition - A good diet and the right foods will keep him fit and trim and keep his coat shining.
  
• Grooming - All show dogs need to be clean - with clean teeth and clean, trimmed toenails.

Some breeds only need wiping off with a towel before they enter the ring and other breeds need considerable bathing with a good shampoo, brushing and coat conditioning. Some breeds also need their coat plucked, clipped and shaped. During a two-day period of showing, one dog might need to be groomed only once, while another might need constant attention. It depends on the individual dog and the breed. Generally speaking, most dogs with a significant coat, such as an Old English sheepdog, will only go about two days before needing another bath.

How to enter a show

Once prepared, it’s best to enter your dog in a ribbon trial for practice. With all the attributes of a Championship show without the pressure, this is a good place to start. When you and your dog are confident, enter a Champ show. To enter a Championship show you must belong to the New Zealand Kennel Club. Championship shows are listed on this website and each month you will receive a Gazette which contains a listing of all the upcoming shows. Send in your entry before the due date and you are on your way.

What the Judge looks for

• Written Standard - Dog shows began as a way of comparing top dogs and identifying superior breeding stock. Each breed has a written standard describing the ideal specimen of that breed; breeds were developed by man to perform specific duties. As such, a dog’s physical characteristics relate form to function.
  
  The written standard describes the ideal structure for the breed. For example, a greyhound is a sight Hound that pursues and brings down game, so he needs to be built for speed. A deep chest, with plenty of room for heart and lungs; a lean, powerful, aerodynamic body; and an unencumbered line of sight are among the traits that allow the performance of their function.
  
  If a dog is a Terrier, he needs a strong spirit and a protective coat to go to the ground to chase vermin. Most standards are very specific about details such as: eye placement, shape and colour; ear structure and shape; the proportion of the body (long, square, tall, and short), feet and tail - and more.
  
• Breed History - Every judge must know the history of a breed and what he was bred to do to best understand how form and function must come together in the show ring. They must also know the standard for each particular breed being judged and apply that to each individual animal. At conformation shows, a dog doesn’t get the chance to perform its duties, yet the judge must envision the dog doing so.

The Judge’s routine

The judge’s routine is fairly straightforward and most judges have the same routine. When a class of dogs first enters the ring, the judge will stand back and look at a dog from a distance to get general impressions about balance, type and movement. Then the judge begins individual examinations by putting their hands on the dog. They usually begin by looking at the eyes, ears and teeth and then proceeds to “go over” the entire dog, nose to tail. By handling a dog in this manner, they check for bone structure, musculature and conditioning.

The judge should be comparing what they see with what they feel. When this exam is complete, the handler will be asked to move the dog in a pattern that allows them to see the dog from every direction. At the conclusion, the judge will note in their mind how the dog’s structure and movement all came together and if the dog can truly perform the functions for which it was bred.

The handler’s job

Through all of this, the handler’s role is to present his or her dog in the best light, to show off the dog’s strong points and de-emphasise his weaknesses.

The exceptional show dog will have an element of showmanship to bring out his best qualities. Simply put, it’s a “dog show and you’ve got to show.”

Tips for showing your dog

• Know your breed well.
• Know the proper way to show your breed.
• Train your dog and get him in his best condition.
• Work hard to be a good groomer.
• Make it fun. The dogs that are most successful have a good time.
• Show your dog to the best of your abilities. The best handlers literally disappear in the ring so they’re unnoticed.