If you already own a dog which you would like to show:
Make sure your dog is eligible to compete in
conformation:
- Is the dog individually registered with the AKC on
a full registration?
- Is your dog intact? Spayed/neutered animals cannot
compete in conformation.
- Does your dog have any disqualifying faults? Read
your breed
standard and consult breed fanciers in your area.
Dogs can start showing in AKC shows at 6 months of
age. The dog must be six months, or older, on the day
of the show.
Find some handling classes to attend. Showing a dog
is challenging! Training will help ready both you and
your dog. To find handling classes, contact
local clubs.
When training, get your dog used to "stacking"
(standing still) and having people "go over"
them. Don't expect a puppy in training to be perfectly
behaved! Remember to keep training sessions short and
fun for puppies. Showing should be
enjoyable for both you and the dog.
When you feel ready, start by attending "fun matches".
These are informal and inexpensive ways to get a taste
and training for the real thing. They might help in
getting some unbiased opinions about your dog's potential
in the show ring as well.
A typical show entry fee is $20-25/day, where as fun
matches usually only have minimal entry fees ($5, for
example). The relaxed setting will make it a positive
first experience. Local club contacts will be a great
source for finding fun matches in your area.
Entering your first show can be a bit nerve wracking.
If you don't have a breeder to advise you how to enter,
here are some general tips:
- Shows close (stop accepting entries) about two and
half weeks before the show date. Make sure to know the
closing date and enter before it's too late. No entries
are accepted after the close date. Some shows are might
have limited entries, so might close earlier than listed.
- Although dogs can be entered in as many classes for
which they are eligible, it's advisable to only
enter in one class. They have to win any class
in which they are entered to proceed.
- If you have a puppy, it's probably best to enter them
in a puppy class (to determine which class, use the
age the dog will be on the day of the show). Most judges
are more forgiving of puppy antics in the puppy class.
About one week before the show, you should receive a
judging program
in the mail, along with your entry confirmation.
Preparing for a dog show is actually never ending - the
training, conditioning and grooming of the dog.
Most people do any necessary bathing and the bulk of
the grooming the day or so before the show. If you have
a coated breed, you will have additional grooming the
day of the show.
On the day of your first show, plan to arrive an hour
before your scheduled ring time (add applicable grooming
time on top of that hour). You need to allow time for
parking, setting up any necessary crates, pottying the
dog, finding your ring, and getting settled.
You "check in" at your ring by picking up your
arm band. When picking up your arm band, instruct the
ring steward to find your number by telling them your
breed and class. When you see your dog's name in their
book, you can point to their name or confirm the number
aloud. Do not use your dog's registered
name loudly ringside as that is seen as trying to influence
the judge.
Unless you are the very first dog in the ring, you have
the opportunity watch the judge. Pay attention to what
the judge telling exhibitors - where they are lined up
and in what pattern they are asked to move their dogs.
When it is your turn, the ring steward will likely call
your number and have you enter the ring in catalog order.
If you win your class, you will go back into the ring
to compete for Winners Dog/Bitch. If you get second place
in your class, be ready to go back in to compete for Reserve
Winners Dog/Bitch, if the dog that won your class goes
Winners.
While we all love to win, remember that you will lose
more often than win. Consider it a success if
you and your puppy have fun!
Like everywhere else in the world, there are good sports
and bad sports and you will see both in the world of dog
shows. Don't let the bad discolor you on the sport.
If your dog isn't cut out for the "breed ring"
(conformation), it certainly doesn't mean they are any
less of a wonderful pet. There are many other dog sports
to consider, check out our list of Dog
Activities for lots of ideas!
Visit AKC's
website for more information on starting to show your
dog.
Thinking about breeding
your dog? Read Before
You Breed.
