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Showing in conformation, also called the "breed ring", can be lots of fun. It's a great way to connect with other purebred fanciers, spend fun time with your pooch, see beautiful specimens of the different breeds and learning more about a breed you love.
Going into showing with the right attitude might be an important part of how much you learn to enjoy it. You won't get rich and you will lose more times than you win!
It is not a money making venture, rather an expensive hobby. There are some people that make a living showing dogs, but these are typically professional handlers that get paid to handle other people's dogs. They have the experience to be good at handling and travel just about every weekend to shows.
If you think that you are interested in showing, there is lots of help for newbies available. Read AKC's Beginner's Guide to Dog Shows.
A great first step into the world of showing is joining a local kennel club. You'll find connecting with others who share your interest is enjoyable and educational. It's a wonderful way to learn about showing, purebreds and gain all sorts of useful advice.
There are different types of clubs, focusing on various aspects of dog sports and even various breeds. For conformation, find an all-breed club and/or a club specific to your breed. Click here to find a club near you.
Once you've joined a club, plan to really get involved. Attend meetings, volunteer to help at events and ask if you can assist the club in other ways. Stewarding at shows is a common need and an excellent way to see up close how a dog show works!
Are you the kind that likes to learn from a book dedicated to your new interest? Dogwise has books for novices about dog shows.
To provide a great opportunity for everyone in the Midwest, the CIKC is hosting a Structure, Movement & Conformation Seminar. Excellent opportunity to learn lots!
AKC's website is full of information geared to the novice.
Learn some dog show jargon.
Find a show near you!
Learn about counting points at a show.
If you already have a dog you'd like to show, read this.
Thinking about breeding your dog? Read Before You Breed.
This is a work in progress, more to come!
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