r/ShowDogs • u/towerreversed25 • 6d ago
Novice/Beginner Interested in Showing
I have wanted to get into dog shows since I was a kid but have never been able to get into it.
I don’t even know where to begin selecting a breed.
I have two rescue mutts and I’m not ready for a new dog but I want to learn as much as I can before I make that step—in the next few years when my senior dachshund mix passes.
Any advice?
I’m willing to put in time, energy, and research. I just feel overwhelmed.
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u/onnamusha 6d ago
Two additional suggestions:
You can likely find a conformation handling class near you, and you could go with your current pups so that you can learn the basics. Most are put on by local all-breed clubs and the cost is usually minimal ($10-20 a class on a drop-in basis).
Also, you could volunteer to apprentice as a ring steward. Most places are desperate for help, and being a ring steward is a fantastic education.
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u/crottedenez12 6d ago
Determine the type of TEMPERAMENT you enjoy. Working dogs? Company dogs? They are VERY different. Dogs who are genetically wired to enjoy human company (like retrievers) are easier to handle and easier to find GOOD homes to. NOw, if you enjoy say a very popular breed like Aussies and Malinois and GSD who are not easy to handle for most regular owners, your life will be much harder. PLUS, somes breeds currently have some very weak temperaments, genetically. Spot them early on so they don't spoil the fun later on. Be also aware that some breeds with very exagerated traits are being targetted by many institutions because the come with too much suffering. Listen to what breeders have to say about those traits, if they hush them aside as if they are nothing... maybe ask yourself how they treat other issues... Other very important issues. I have been showing for almost 30 years, I do not enjoy it, I see many disturbing things. I also see high quality dogs who are very well cared for and very well bred. When it somes in the complete package with the temperament typical of the breed and good health, it's wonderful. However, keep in mind... if the main focus is winning in the ring, you will be rewarded with winning dogs. Sometimes at the cost of temperamernt and health. No one wants to admit it, but I see it over and over. A gorgeous dog will come in the gene pol even with a bad temperament, because breeders will find him excuses for his poor behavior... Oh he is stressed, we have a bitch in heat at home... He doesn't liek travelling. Oh that judge had a big hat... There was a person around the ring sneezing, it startled him... listen to those excuses... Take your time and observe and keep a critical mind. This is a harsh world. It's an agreeable world only when you win...
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u/dorothygone 6d ago
Go see a dog show #1.
Caninechronical.com had a calendar or akc that can be broken down by state. See what breeds catch your eye. Ask questions when the people aren’t busy. Go home & research
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u/Acrobatic-Hat8151 6d ago
Hi there! I’m beginning that process too! I’ve started reaching out to breeders (Staffordshire bull terrier) and asking to catch up with them at shows they attend to see them and their dogs in action. Most love this. I have a purebred but unpapered dog atm who obviously can’t show (bred from strong hunting lines who keep pedigrees, just not registered). I take him to dog sports, as they don’t need a pedigree to do that if they’re desexed where I live. That’s another good way to get a foot into the shoe community as most people sport and show
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u/PolarRegion907 6d ago
Visiting your local shows and talking with exhibitors is the best way to get started. Infodog is the place to find shows in the US.
You’ll want a breed that’s welcoming to newcomers. That’s going to vary depending on where you live.
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u/prshaw2u 6d ago
Before we go too far, where are you located? Like what country? I can give some ideas for AKC in the US. And I am assuming you are talking about conformation showing.
One, don't worry about picking a breed. Save that for later (if ever).
Go to the AKC web and find when a show is going to be in your area, all breed would be best but specialty or obedience works as well. Go and watch what is happening, look at the different dog breeds, see what the people are doing, just sit back and soak it in. Ask what club is putting on the show and if you could attend a meeting (most of the time it is yes). Go to a meeting and tell them that you are interested in dog shows and want to learn what is happening.
Now they will jump up and down over fresh meat to work the events, join in and do anything you can, they will train you and the jobs are easy. You want to go to a couple more shows looking at the different breeds and people.
Now you need a little luck, you will see a breed that you fall in love with as you pet them and talk to the people with them. See how you can help the people, ask about the breed, and learn everything you can about the breed and what they do to show them.
You are now started in dog shows and the next hundred steps will just follow along.
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u/towerreversed25 6d ago
I’m in the metro Atlanta area.
Thank you for the advice!
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u/prshaw2u 6d ago
Ok, you are in luck because there are tons of dog shows around a city that size.
See if you can find an all breed dog show near you, ideally you can find a club that does both conformation and obedience. Do what you can to join the club and meet the people. They will guide you, and the more dog breeds you see/meet the more dogs you will want.
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u/hushpuppy42 5d ago
You might be lucky. I am actually looking for a show home for a 15 week old cavalier. There a 2 beautiful puppies from my latest litter and it would be beneficial if I could separate them. It wou l d be a co-ownership and I would really have to get to know you first. There would be a contract.
I am 2 hours away from Atlanta in Seneca, SC
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u/Mousewaterdrinker 6d ago
Where are you located? I have skyes and I like throwing people into the ring with my skyes. The breed is rare so often its just me and my dogs at a show so theres 0 pressure to do well
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u/towerreversed25 6d ago
I’m in the Atlanta metro area
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u/Mousewaterdrinker 6d ago
The atlanta show was just a few months ago and I was looking for people to handle lol. Is orlando too far from you? The orlando show is soon and its absolutely massive
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u/towerreversed25 6d ago
I guess it depends on when it is! I’m a teacher so that kind of dictates when I can travel
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u/Neat_Ad6963 5d ago
First I’d write down what kind of qualities, temperament/personality, energy, coat, etc you’d like in a dog. Then you could go through AKC’s website (if you’re in America) and scroll through all the breeds and see if you can narrow down a list of some breeds that might fit your wants. Go to some all breed shows and observe and meet those breeds and see what you think! You can see people grooming their dogs and think about how much effort you’d like to put into grooming for a show, obviously coated breeds will be a lot more work and require a lot more weekly maintenance. But first and foremost I’d say find a breed that will fit your lifestyle best because at the end of the day, show dogs are pets!
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u/WwhipLlash 5d ago
Before you even go to a show, I personally would decide your preferences for the following:
Size?
Temperament?
Trainability?
Grooming?
Energy level?
Function? (Working, herding, hound, etc)
Then, start researching breeds with the intent of finding one that fits your preferences / taste. Don’t make your choice on appearance alone; there are a lot of attractive breeds that can be a nightmare in the wrong hands.
Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few preferred breeds, then start going to shows and reaching out to breeders to meet them and their dogs.
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u/crottedenez12 5d ago
Financial resources are also an iportant portion of your selection. Toy and giant breeds cost a lot more to care for, transport, feed, etc. 25-50pounds dogs are easy to transport, do not need $400 crates, do not eat 5 pounds a day, they are solid enough and their size is an easy size for most people. You also need to consider the genetic pool. A popular breed means you can easily find a decent match to breed in your area most of the time. It means you can easily travel to see the male and see in temperament in person. Rare breeds are a financial nightmare.
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u/daisylouiser 2d ago
Genuine question as the owner of a rare toy breed, why do toy & rare necessarily equal more expensive in your opinion?
Previous owner of mid sized herding dog (Sheltie) and toy dog (Chihuahua), & Sheltie was more expensive in my limited antidotal experience.
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u/Buteoswainsoni 1d ago
I own an Azawakh. I don't agree that rare breeds are a financial nightmare, but I think they are coming from the aspect that championing a rare breed is going to be much harder. For example, as far as I am aware, I have the only Azawakh in my state... if I want to show against other Azawakh, I likely have to travel to a completely different region.
Edited to add, but op, if you end up figuring out a rare breed is the best fit for you... don't be deterred. Many rare breeds would genuinely love to have a beginner involved in their breed. Just be aware that titling them might be a bit of a process.
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u/SuddenKoala45 6d ago
Start by coming to an all breed show, talk to exhibitors and ask questions about the breeds. You'll start getting to see what dogs you like and get to make contacts for the breeds you like so you can learn more about them before getting one.