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.
Attend some handling classes. Showing a dog is challenging! Training will
help both you and your dog get ready to compete. To find handling classes,
contact local clubs.
When you feel ready, start by attending fun matches. These are informal
and inexpensive ways to get a taste for the real thing and to get some unbiased
opinions about your dog's potential in the show ring. 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
and make you aware of things on which you need to work. See our Fun Match
page for info about past and future CIKC Fun Matches.
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 weeks before the show date.
Make sure to know the closing date and enter before it's too late.
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.
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. If you would still
like
to pursue a dog sport, check out our page about Dog
Activities for lots of ideas!
This is a work in progress, more to come!
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