Can't Decide on What Breed of Dog You Want Attend a Dog Show

You've decided to buy a purebred puppy but haven't quite figured out which breed would be the best for you and your family. One easy and fun way to do this is to go to an AKC all breed Dog Show! At the larger shows, most of the AKC recognized breeds will be represented. A dog show is exciting, and full of energy and comradeship! You will love getting a chance to talk to all of the doggy people about their precious pooches! Be warned though, dog breeders are extremely proud of their breed, and their kennel. Every one will tell you that their particular breed is the best! You will definitely get a good education of the many breeds of dogs, and have a lot of fun at the same time! You will also meet lots of friendly helpful people, and be able to watch the exciting competitions in the ring first hand!

The easiest way to find out where the local shows near you are going to be held is by going to the AKC website, www.akc.org. Click on future shows, and a list will come up describing all of the shows within a time frame of several months. Look up where the closest shows are located, along with their dates and directions. Another way to find out about the shows is to call your local obedience club, or a dog breeder who shows their own dogs. They should be able to give you the information that you need.

Usually in the winter the shows are held indoors in athletic complexes, schools, arenas etc. In the summer and spring they are mostly held outdoors. When you have located the show you wish to attend, make sure you check to see if will be an outdoor or indoor show, so you can pack the right things you will need for your day trip. Also, make sure you understand the directions to the show from your location.

The day before the show, you will need to get ready. The weather will play an important part in the choice of gear you will need to bring. A folding chair, sun umbrella, warm jacket or sweater for the early morning chill, a sun hat and sunscreen are the basics for an outdoor show. An indoor show usually has seating, but bring a folding chair just in case. Fill your ice chest with bottled water and soft drinks. Also, take along any snacks you like. There will be food venders at the larger shows selling food and drinks, but they can be expensive. You can always brown bag it if you want to. Don't forget a camera if you want to take pictures of a particular dog. (You will not be allowed to take pictures of the dogs being shown in the ring). Bring a notepad and pen to jot down peoples' names and numbers, and any notes on the dogs you like. Don't forget your cell phone.

Dog shows start early in the morning, usually at 8:00am. There normally isn't a fee to attend the show, but sometimes (although not often) you will have pay a small parking fee. You probably will want to spend the entire day at the show, so it's a good idea to remember exactly where you parked! The last event is the best-in-show competition which is the culmination of the entire day's competitions. This is the most exciting part of the show, and you don't want to miss it!

After you arrive at the show site, park and lock your car, and walk over to the show and find the superintendent's table. There will be a sign at the table so it should be easy to find. When you get there, find the show catalogs and purchase one. You will need a catalog, because this book will guide you through the entire show. A catalog normally costs $5.00 for a two day show and $10.00 for a four day show. All of the rings at the show are numbered, and in the catalog it will tell you which breeds are being shown in which ring, what times they will be judged, how many dogs of a particular breed are at the show and the name of the judge. Look up in your catalog what number ring or rings the breeds you are interested in are going to be shown in, and the time they will be judged. Depending on how the show is set up, you usually can bring your chair, cooler, umbrella etc. close to the ring but not at ringside. This space is reserved for the handlers that are showing.

Once you set up your headquarters, you can now relax and enjoy the show. You can wander along the rings, using your catalog as a guide and watch the judging. This is a good time to talk to some of the breeders and handlers about their dogs. Most everybody is very helpful and friendly. Also, don't forget to check out the venders. Just don't leave any valuables at your headquarters such as a purse or wallet, a camera, or cell phone, etc., for safety reasons.

Enjoy the show, talk to as many people as you can, take notes and phone numbers, and be sure to watch the best-in-show competition! By the end of the day, you will surely have learned much more about purebred dogs, and might even have an idea of which breed you would like to bring into your home!


By Diane Gray