SHOWING YOUR DOG
What should I do if I want
to Show my puppy/ Dog?
We have been asked to
provide some hints and tips to enable you and your puppy or family pet to enter
the exciting and rewarding world of dog shows.
If you are thinking of
showing your novice dog, we recommend that you and your dog enrol into Local Ringcraft Class.
We advise you start when your dog is around 3 months old.
For example as part of the
ring craft process, your puppy will have to get used to other dogs and
different people handling him. A young dog needs to learn to allow strangers to
look at his teeth during the judging process to make sure he has well formed and white teeth and a correct bite.
Before you start to show
your dog, we advise you to visit a local Dog Show, so you can see how it is
done. (Do not take your dog along to the show if the dog is not entered in the
show).
Your dog can
not be entered in a show until he is 6 months old, (on the date the show
starts).
Why should I
consider Ringcraft?
Ringcraft will teach you and your
dog good ring etiquette.
During your training you
will for example learn that puppy’s claws should be regularly trimmed and what
type of brush you will need to to groom your dog. You
will get advice from experts about training and how important it is to
encourage the puppy to move and walk correctly. Cheese or small biscuits are much loved treats to encourage him!
We also advise you to buy a
show lead which is much finer than the leads used for
walking a dog.
How do I start
entering Dog shows?
We advise you start with a
local "OPEN DOG SHOW”
In order to enter a show you
must first obtain a show Schedule, which is a small booklet
which provides a list all available classes at the show. They can be obtained
through the show secretary.
Call The Kennel club on Tel:
08706066750 or look on www.thekennelclub.org.uk for secretary details.
You can normally register your dog by post 2-3 weeks before
show starts.
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Here is an example of how to
complete the registration form
Registered name of dog (Ink Black Spot)
Breed German
Pinscher
Sex Male
Date of Birth 1/11/2007
Breeder Mrs J Jackson
Sire (father) Blue
Box Rising
Dam (mother) Ink
Black Sky
Classes number 671
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Open Shows are usually held over
1-2 days, and can involve between 300-400 dogs. Classes are held for each
individual breed, and there maybe mixed classes for breeds
which do not have their own separate classes.
The German Pinchers will
most likely be entered in the Working Group AVNSC (any variety not separately
classified).
When you arrive at an Open Show,
we suggest the first thing you do is find out which ring you are due to show
in, and the numbers are handed to the exhibitors on entering the ring. Please
note that the card showing your number must be worn.
Using a ‘ring clip’ which
are available at stalls at most shows.
CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWS
These are the biggest shows.
They can attract a larger number of entries. You may find 10,000 - 12,000 dogs
are competing and showing during the course of the show.
In order to enter a
Championship Show you must first obtain a show Schedule, (normally published as
a little booklet) which provides you with a list all available classes at the
show. They can be obtained through the show secretary and you can register by
post 5-7 weeks before the show date.
CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWS are
usually held over 3-4 days and include classes for most KC recognised breeds.
You can find details on The
German Pinscher Website (under champion shows). The Kennel Club have details on their website www.thekennelclub.org.uk (general and group championship), or www.highampress.co.uk or www.fossedata.co.uk
ARRIVING AT THE SHOW
Your show Passes (tickets)
will be sent to you by post and will allow you and your dog in and out of the
showground.
At Championship Shows dog are ‘benched’ while not in the show
ring. Each dog is allocated a special raised ‘bed’ on which he can rest while
not showing.
We advise that you bring a
cage for your dog to rest in while they are waiting to be shown. We also advise
you to give yourself plenty of time to get to the Show on time, so you do not
miss your Class.
When you arrive at the show be
sure to obtain a show Catalogue. (You will find details of each dog attending a
Championship show and ever dog is given a number. The catalogue will tell you
which ring number you are showing in).
There is usually a map of
the show ground to guide you in the front of the Catalogue.
We would advise you to order a Catalogue
on your entrance form as it is cheaper than buying the Catalogue on the day.
At a Championship show your number will be placed above your
bench so look in the Catalogue to help you locate your bench. Please note
that during the show all numbers must be worn.
Sometimes there is a board
up on entering the Championship show indicating at which tent or area you will
find your bench and number in.
Example: Working Group German Pinscher
Tent 7
Number 2620
Ring 31
We suggest you check to see
how far the judging has gone in your ring. Also ask other German Pinscher owners
(when they think your class will be on.) Younger dogs are usually on first in
the ring.
It may be helpful to walk your dog up and down and try to relax
them, before you enter the ring.
Once your breed is due to be shown the ring, the steward (the
judge aid) will call the Classes, and he will inform exhibitors
ENTERING THE RING AND
SHOWING YOUR DOG
All dogs are ‘Set Up’ (made to stand
correctly) so the judge can see all the dogs in a line.
All the dogs are asked to move round the ring 1-2 times.
Each dog is then examined by the judge,
you might be asked to stand your dog on a table.
The judge will look at your dog’s
teeth; and “Go Over” you dog.
The judge might ask you how
old is the dog.
Start to set your dog after
the last dog has been “Seen”.
All the dogs are then “Set Up” again and
the judge will make
If you lucky
enough to get First Place, you will be asked to come back in the ring for Best
of Dog or Bitch, if he is unbeaten in other classes.
Most Classes require just 5 Winners, 1-3 places, reserve and
VHC (very highly commended).
Winners will receive a card
and usually a Rosette, the First Prize Winner and Second Prize winner remains
in the ring while the judge writes a critique on the dog.
To qualify to enter Crufts you much have won 1st - 3rd place in a Championship
Class.
If you wish to withdraw from
a class you should inform the ring steward before your class starts.
At Championship shows the
dogs and bitches of each breed have separate classes, (if there is a low number
of German Pinscher showing they might be in the same class).
Dogs are always shown first
and then bitches.
German Pinschers do not have
a Challenge Certificate (CC) yet.
Unfortunately as the numbers
are low in German Pinschers group, the Kennel Club has not yet awarded the
German Pinscher group a Challenge Certificate.
All unbeaten puppies compete
for the title of ‘Best Puppy’ in Breed.
Each best of breed then
competes in the group for the title of ‘Best in Group’. There are 7 groups.
These are:
Toy
Terrier
Utility
Pastoral
Working (German Pinscher)
Gundog
Hound
Each breed is classified
under one of the groups.
Once all the groups are
judged the 7 group winners compete for the title Best in Show.
Do not approach the judge
while you are in the ring.
Any question should be asked after all classes have finished.
You may ask the judge to sign your Certificate.
CRUFTS
“Is the largest dog show in
the world”
Crufts attracts over
20,000 dogs and to qualify for Crufts you much win
1st-3rd place in a Championship Show. In order to enter a Crufts you must first obtain a show Schedule, this is a little booklet
which explains and lists all available classes at the show. They can be
obtained through the show secretary.
The show has to be entered by post 5-7 weeks before show
starts.
You can also find details on
The German Pinscher Website (under Championship Shows).or visit the Kennel Club website for details of the show www.thekennelclub.org.uk (General and Group Championship), or www.highampress.co.uk
CRUFTS is held over 4 days and includes classes for all KC recognised breeds.
It’s a good idea to dress
smartly (no jeans).
We would like to wish good
luck and hope to see you with your German Pinscher at future shows.