Once you have learned a few handling skills and have an idea of what to expect from attending Ring Craft classes, armed with your copy of a Dog Paper to see where your local shows are, you are ready to venture into the show ring and there are different types of shows you can choose from.
The general format of a show is that you exhibit your dog in a class against other dogs of different breeds (Any Variety) or of the same breed. Classes are broken down into age so there will be puppy (6-12 months), Junior (12 - 18 months), Post Graduate (18 months +) Limit, and Open (generally both classes for adults. Entry to the adult classes are usually dependent on winning your way from one into the other with the Open class being for mature dogs usually. The classes can be mixed or same sex and the winners of each class will compete at the end for Best of Breed.
Companion Shows. Very informal and an excellent practise ground for your new skills and to get you and your dog used to the procedures of showing is to attend.
These are not specific breed based but have classes for both pedigree and crossbreeds and you can enter many classes on the day very cheaply, and pick up some nice rosettes and prizes.
Open Shows. The next step up from Companion Shows. These are a little more serious as now you can compete in classes comprising of dogs of the same breed. These shows will put on three or four classes for each breed broken down into age groups.
This is a good place to improve your handling and socialise your dog in a relaxed atmosphere, and you will meet and get to talk to other people who are either starting out like you or who have been around for some time and know the ropes. Open shows are still reasonably priced and you can enter for just a few pounds and have a great day out.
For the more serious exhibitor, for this is what you are called when you begin to show your dog, there are the General Championship Shows. These are held up and down the country, often over a period of two or three days, and again the details can be obtained from the Dog Press or from the Kennel Club website as it is the KC who owns the Licences for these shows.
The different breeds of dogs are categorised into Groups, as they are for Open Shows as well, but there are more classes for each breed but the Championship Show carries with it the chance to qualify for Crufts by winning a first, second or third in specified classes, plus the all important Challenge Certificates awarded to the best dog of each sex on the day, gaining three such awards will earn the title of Champion for your dog, but its not as easy as it sounds.
At these shows you are competing against what other exhibitors consider are their very best dogs. It might to the newcomer look like a 'fixed job' when the same faces seem to win every time but in reality you are competing with breeders who have been working at developing their line of dogs over many years and know what they are looking for. That is not to say you should be put off from attending the Championship shows for they are the very best place, next to a Breed Speciality Show, where you can learn and develop an eye for a good example of your chosen breed, plus the opportunity to talk to breeders and exhibitors and make friends.
Championship Show entries cost anything from £20- to £20 per dog, coupled with petrol costs it isn't a cheap hobby, but it can be very exciting and rewarding.
Next you have the Breed Speciality Championship Shows. This as you would expect, is a show where only your chosen breed is exhibited and they are usually run by Breed Clubs or Societies, and are generally not as expensive to enter as a General Championship Show, but equally there are often only one or two Breed Shows per year. Being a member of a breed club will allow you to find out when and where these shows are being held and members get concessions on the entry fees.
Hollyhenge Mrs Minx showing off her movement at a Breed Club Show.