If the show is really about the dogs then why do people often wear sequin flashy clothing? Most handlers are in taylored suites. If I am an owner handler do I really need to invest in a dress suit? Does it truly make a difference what the handler is wearing?

We worked on his stack (and the camera angle a bit) after last post. I think he’s learning to stand much nicer now and definitely getting more comfortable with the table.

Hi everyone. I'm a photographer in NYC and I'm looking to connect with show dogs and their owners and / or handlers for a personal project that I'm working on. I would love to take a portrait of you and your dog!

Hoping to find some show dog people in the NYC area but also open to people close by in CT, PA, NJ, upstate NY and MA. If you might be interested, please DM me and I can tell you a bit more about the project. Thank you!

Anyone here hold knowledge on judges preference in regards to eye colouring? Day a long hair mini red dapple, one full blue eye on with a small slither mostly brown? How well does this coat colouring , eye mix generally do in the ring. I have a possible show prospect from breeder but I don’t know if it’s going to be a difficult shower. I don’t travel very far so am limited to the amount of shows I do, and I don’t want to take on a dud

I struggle with the judge exam. When the judge approach he get very nervous. Last time he could not be judged but later got an excellent.

I feel I tried everything. Food on the table, confirmation classes, friends helping out playing judge at home. Lots of yummy meatballs .. it goes ok but on showday he just NO.

He does not like strangers but often soften within 5 min if you ignore him.Then he go and sit in their lap.

Any tips on how to make him more confident on the table? This is my first chi.

TIA

I’ve never done a dog show before so I have no idea how to start, I know that getting the dog is further down the list than some things such as joining the club etc.. but knowing how to find a reputable breeder is also extremely important. I know that the AKC website has breeders and listings but I honestly don’t 100% trust the reliability of those breeders. I am thinking about getting a Basset hound, a Scottish terrier or a Bull terrier. If anyone has any suggestions on how to find a trustworthy breeder that would be extremely appreciated.

Thanks to everybody for your kind words and encouragement!

The first show went very very well, and she got a very nice description from the judge. After that time, we went to three more shows, and she got "Very promising" every time, and we got to compete for BIS puppy in the main ring every time!!

On the second show, she was very excited in the ring and jumped on the leash, and the judge actually wrote a comment about her needing more ring training. That was a bummer and embarrassing, but I tried to stay positive and trained more for show number three. I also realized I wasn't focused on my dog that time, and obviously, the dog wasn't focused on me.

Our training paided of because show number three was amazing!! She did so well! We did everything right, she ran/gaited perfectly, and stood very still (for her usuall :))

Show number four was also very good, but my puppy was a bit more nervous, I think she had a bit of a stomachache and it was very hot, so we did not wait for the BIS, we wanted to give her a break after a long weekend (one show on Saturday, and one on Sunday).

So overall, this was a very interesting experience, a bit stressful, but I learned so, so much, met interesting people, got to socialize my puppy and overall we had fun and will participate again.

Hi! This isn't a dog show specific question, but I feel as though the people in this subreddit might have some advice for this question. I have a collapsible Impact Dog Crate (pictured below). I also have a grooming pad on top of it, and would like to use this as my grooming table for my standard poodle. I am looking for a grooming arm that would be compatible. Any suggestions?

As an aside, I am considering getting into dog shows - my puppy is only 13 weeks now. I am realizing after the fact that my breeder may have not been the best (she did health testing, but doesn't appear to have any titles on her dogs, PLUS did not have us sign a contract like we were supposed to at pickup and also gave us full AKC registration when I thought we were supposed to get limited)... But, because of that oversight, I thought it would be fun to go ahead and participate in dog shows and see if it leads anywhere!! Worst case, he has awful conformation but I still get to spend some time meeting other dog people and bonding with my pup.

Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out for some advice and guidance as I embark on a journey to become a dog handler in conformation shows, specifically working with Afghan Hounds. My love for this breed runs deep and I’ve been fascinated by them since I was younger, I’ve done extensive research on their history, care, and showing requirements over the years. Now as an adult, I’m eager to take the next step and turn this passion into a lifelong pursuit.

However I’m a bit unsure where to start, particularly when it comes to finding a mentor. I know the value of hands-on experience and guidance from someone skilled in the field, but as someone who didn’t grow up in the dog show world I’m worried about how to approach potential mentors and communities. I’m also naturally introverted and a little awkward, but I’m working on being more outgoing and confident in social settings.

Also as a woman of color, I have some concerns about whether I’ll be looked down upon or discriminated against in the dog show world. I want to be clear that my intentions are genuine, and my love for Tazis is real. I’ve admired the dog show world from afar for years, and now I’m ready to get involved.

So, I’m seeking advice on the following:

1.	Where should I start in finding a mentor who works with Afghans?
2.	How can I best approach mentors, especially given my introverted nature?
3.	What can I do to prepare myself better as I begin this journey?
4.	Are there any women of color or other underrepresented groups in the dog show world who have advice on navigating this space?

Any tips, encouragement, or resources would be greatly appreciated. I’m determined to work with dogs for the rest of my life and It’s exciting (and nerve-racking😅) to learn more and get involved. Thank you in advance for your help!

I'm a complete novice, and my puppy is very energetic and playfull. She's 5 months, almost 6 months old white swiss shepherd. We trained a bit but.. I don't know... I'm diving in head first. :)

Any tips and encouragement is welcome. :)

Anyone else have a rare breed? I had a co own set up for a little boy…. And then it fell apart. The other person flaked. It’s soooo hard to find good co owners! Any tips for finding good people?

I have a female I'd like to show again but she has had puppies so she has some sagging skin. Any tips or tricks to get her looking better for the show ring?

So I have a WGSL German shepherd dog, bred in Australia and imported to America. We had her health testing done in Australia however does anyone know if ofa or America recognizes imported dogs health tests? I think she was about a year and a half when we got that done, now 2 years old. I can't find much online but I've been busy with my horses vet bills and rehab so may have missed something

She is a show dog, in conformation, obedience, rally, dock diving, tricks and scent work. Mostly conformation and AKC tricks which I've gotten into recently

My family has raised dogs for 30+ years. Lots of kids and several grandkids. I’m the youngest of the kids and am the very first of anyone to show my very own dog with the AKC and UKC, and am the very first to win my very own UKC championship for one of my dogs!!!! Couldn’t be more excited.

He was a cream piebald long haired dachshund!

I'm going to my first dog show at our local civic center for the first time and was wondering what I should expect? I'm going bc my poodle is eleven and need an escape from my dementia grandma. I'm looking to get a new breed and wondering what to expect. I was wondering too.is it bad taste to go up to meet the dogs if that's allowed?

After ten years of inactivity, I attended a show today. I used to show my Pekingese back in the early 2000s, even winning a Sweepstakes, and was looking forward to seeing my breed again. I've always found Peke people to be a bit prickly and standoffish, and today they were downright rude. Even after I introduced myself as a fellow Peke aficionado and former owner/handler, the handlers only gave brief, terse comments and stone-faced silence. When I greeted one of the dogs using normal language in a slightly higher tone, like most people do with animals, and complimented his handler on the dog's coat (which I know from experience is EXTREMELY difficult!), she just replied, "He doesn't like baby talk" and deliberately stood in front of him with her back turned to me to block her dog from view. Were I a newcomer interested in dog showing and Pekes specifically, this would have completely turned me off to the hobby.

Conversely, my childhood dog was a Whippet, and when I talked to the Whippet people, they were incredibly friendly and helpful, offering information for breeders if and when I'd like another.

So, show folks, which breeds have the nicest owners/handlers, and which have the worst?

What do you use to organize your dogs info? I have 5 dogs and my binder is falling apart because it's so stuffed with everything. I also want to sort them within each pup. They have AKC paperwork, vet records, certificates, flat ribbons so that also needs a section for each dog. Anyone have a good system? Pic for fun

Hi, I'm in the UK and looking at dogs in Czech Republic to import.

In the UK with the kennel club we can look up any registered dog and it'll show their pedigree and health test results etc .... Does any one know if such a thing exists for there?

I’m thrilled this sub is getting going again. Post of my own to follow.

Hi.

I don't know why, but somehow this subreddit was abandoned by former moderator/s, so no one could post the last 3 years. I am personally interested in dog shows, and have attended some. So I have an interest in this subreddit, and wanted to revive it. I managed to request to become a moderator here, and got it approved. So you are now able to post here again. Hope to see you soon.

Can someone explain what a “group 1” vs “group 2” win means? I understand what groups are but not the 1 vs 2. Sorry for the dumb question, I meant to ask my mentor but keep forgetting when I see her. Thanks!

I wanna get into showing dogs but I don’t have space for another dog and my current dog cant show because she’s was spayed due to a pyometra i heard someone talking about co owning with a breeder so they can practice showing dogs till they can get their own? I was wondering if anyone as ever done that?

I’ve been on a list for a pet from a AKC hobby breeder who specializes in agility and they finally had a litter of 8 pups. Two are white but we’re still waiting on the others to be evaluated. Does anyone know the odds of the other 6 being show quality? How many show dogs usually come from a litter vs. pets?

Looking at importing a male puppy. I’ve been talking with the kennel owner and just looking for advice on the importing process? The kennels located in the Netherlands the breeder isn’t keen on shipping and would rather I come over to pick up. With flight prices being so cheap this is something I’m considering. Is this foolish? I’d like to show this puppy in confirmation like the rest of my dogs but with having to waiting till the puppies 4 months to bring over am I losing out on precious time?