Visit a Dog Show

Since attending a dog show is a great way to start meeting breeders, I thought this would be an appropriate place to add this info:

First time dog show spectator info

First of all, how does one FIND a show near them? One of the best websites I've come across is www.infodog.com - just click on "Show Information" and then do a "Search By State" - it will list all kinds of shows in that state. You'll have to know what kind of show you want to go see. If you want to see the type of dog show usually aired on TV (like the Westminster), that would be an All-Breed show. AKC's website - www.akc.org - has information on all the different types shows.

Infodog's site will tell you the date, time and location of the show. If there is a charge for spectators, IME, it is usually minimal - maybe a couple of bucks.

An all-breed dog show will typically start early in the day (maybe 8-9 AM) and run all day. Often times kennel clubs will cluster their shows together and offer multiple shows at one location, to make it worth a drive for exhibitors. So, there might be a show on Friday, one on Saturday and yet another on Sunday.

Each show is a process of elimination and once a dog is beaten, it is done for the day. Each breed starts out competing against members of its own breed, broken down into classes. One winner from each breed is then selected to compete in Group. There are seven groups: Working, Hound, Herding, Sporting, Non-Sporting, Toy and Terrier. Only one group winner will go on to compete for Best In Show. AKC has a good write-up for more detailed info, visit www.akc.org .

If you have a specific breed that you want watch, it's important to know what time they show. Exhibitors often leave or put their dogs away after they are done showing, so for the best chance at seeing lots of dogs of a breed, know in advance what time they show. To find that out, you can visit infodog's site or the superintendent listed at infodog's site. The judging schedule isn't posted until about one week prior to the show date.

Things to bear in mind when heading off to the show:
-- Leave your own dog(s) at home.
-- Wear comfy shoes!
-- If the show is outside, you might want to bring sunglasses, a hat and/or sunscreen.
-- If you're bringing kids, leave the stroller at home. Show sites are usually crowded and you might be rolling over tails.
-- If you are breeder shopping, bring a pen and a little notebook.
-- Bring some spending money for the vendors there!

Things to bear in mind once you get to the show:
-- Especially if you are breeder shopping, purchase a catalog. It will give you the owner & breeder's name of dogs you like, plus some contact info. Make notes by ones you like and ones you don't like, along with reasons.
-- ALWAYS ask before petting a dog. Accept "no" for an answer. Showing requires concentration and of course, grooming. Be respectful of the exhibitor's wishes - most likely you can pet the dog when he/she is done in the ring.
-- Do not pet crated dogs. That is the dog's home away from home and some dogs get territorial.
-- Never bad mouth a dog! You never know if the owner, co-owner, breeder, etc. is standing nearby!
-- If you are breeding shopping, realize that not every breeder there is a good breeder and not every dog is worthy of being bred. Any dog without a disqualifying fault can be shown, so it doesn't mean the dog is of quality.
-- Understand that a harried exhibitor might not have time at that given moment to speak with you. Because things happen simultaneously, an exhibitor can get very busy, especially if they have multiple breeds or dogs. Lots of exhibitors get nervous. And, even if it looks like they are doing nothing, they might be concentrating watching a dog in the ring. Ask if it's a good time to chat...if not, ask to meet up later that day or get contact info to call on them at a later date.
-- Yes, there ARE poor sports. Dog showing is a very emotional thing - people have lots of time, energy, love, thought, money, etc. involved before the ever step foot onto the show site. This shouldn't be an "excuse" to treat other people rudely, but it does happen on occasion.
-- Try your best not to block aisles. Sometimes this is really hard not to do at a crowded show site, but be aware and polite. Often times exhibitors have limited time to get from a ring at one end of the building to a ring at the opposite end of the building!
-- Don't be afraid to ask questions! Most people LOVE the opportunity to talk about their dogs and given a chance will happily chat your ear off.
-- Have fun!!