Things to know before heading to
the show:
Read
the judging
schedule to see what time each breed is being shown.
Leave
your own dog at home. Non-entered dogs should
not be on the show grounds.
Wear
comfy shoes! You'll probably do a lot of walking
and standing.
Bring
sunglasses, a hat and/or sunscreen if the show
is outside.
Leave
the stroller at home. Most show sites prohibit
strollers for the safety of kids and the dogs.
Breeder
shopping? Bring a pen and a little notebook
to jot down contact information or other notes.
Bring
spending money for the vendors and the concession
stand. Some shows have several vendors, carrying all
sorts of wonderful dog related items.
Things to know while at a show:
Ask
before petting any dog and accept “no” for
an answer (a smart thing to teach kids, for
their own safety). There is grooming work involved and
some exhibitors and dogs need mental focus time. Each
exhibitor and dog is different. Do not attempt to
pet a dog in a crate.
If
you bring children, keep them under close supervision.
Do not let them rush up to dogs, for their own safety.
Do not let them hang on the ring dividers. Do not assume
every dog is kid-friendly or used to children.
The
catalog has times and ring numbers of all breeds being
shown. Catalogs have the dogs’ owners
listed, which is helpful if you want to contact breeders.
Try
your best not to block aisles and ring entrances.
Dog shows are usually crowded and exhibitors may have
limited time to move from one ring to another. Please
be courteous and try to make way for them.
If
you are hoping to find a breeder, realize that
showing does not make a breeder responsible. Any dog
without a disqualifying fault can be shown, so being
at a show does not mean the dog is of quality. Showing
is one piece of the breeding puzzle, health and temperament
are just as important.
Exhibitors
may be busy before their ring time. When approaching
an exhibitor to chat, ask if it’s a good time.
If it isn’t, ask to meet with them later in the
day or request contact information to call on them at
a later date.
Do
not lean over the rings or talk to exhibitors
when they are in the ring showing.
Understand
that some exhibitors may be dog-tired after
having driving long hours, hauling supplies and grooming
dogs. They have lots of time and money invested for
those few minutes in the ring. Like everything else
in life, there are good and bad sports among exhibitors.
Don’t
bad mouth a dog. You never know if the breeder,
owner, or their friend is standing near-by!
For
those interested in adding a new breed to their household,
find out about temperament, exercise needs, coat care,
health issues, life span and other particulars about
the breed.
Check
near the superintendent’s table for interesting
pamphlets and information.
Want
to know what is going on inside the ring? Check
out AKC's Beginners'
Guide to Dog Shows.
Have
fun and don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Most exhibitors love the opportunity to talk about their
passion – their dogs! Use this to your advantage,
to either learn more about a breed you already love
or to gather information about breeds in which you are
interested.
Shows are a wonderful place to meet breeders,
but please use caution
and do your research before a purchase. Have you read
our information on finding
a breeder?
