And now for the show!!!....
What time should I be at the show?Even though shows can be a long day, you should be there on time because you will need to check in before the show starts. The check-in time should be posted or communicated to you. Generally it is wise to be there an hour before the show begins. I often arrive earlier than that, since I'm typically only showing one or two dogs and like to check in right away, not have to wait in line behind people that are checking in a dozen dogs.
Also, often the show ring is open for practice before the show begins, so if your dog is not experience and/or you are meeting a new handler, you may want to do a few laps around with ring with your handler before the show begins.
What papers do I need for the show?You will need to present the original copies of any papers you were required to photocopy and send with your entry. For most dogs this means the AKC registration certificate and the official 4-generation AKC pedigree. I usually print out some confirmation of my entry if I have it. If your dog has any other paperwork that may be of interest, bring it along (dental notation, scorebook, a-stamps or OFA certificates). If your dog is in the working class or breed survey you will also need the original copies of the scorebook, a-stamps or OFA certificates, proof of AD, and USCA registration if it is a USCA show. It is also wise to carry proof of any current vaccines, especially rabies.
At check-in you will be given an armband or tag. You must keep track of this and give it to your handler before your dog enters the ring. You do not need to save it after the show unless you'd like to keep it as a memento.
What's a catalog?The show catalog lists all of the dogs entered in the show. It lists them by the class in which they are showing. Catalogs also include information such as the dog's sire and dam and their titles, the breeder, and the owner's contact information. There is space for you to mark the results and take any notes. Catalogs are helpful if you are looking to purchase a dog or breed a dog. You are not required to have a catalog; after your dog has shown you will receive the official scorecard from the trial secretary. Catalogs are usually available for purchase when you check in.
How should I care for my dog during the show?Make sure your dog has ample opportunities to potty. If your dog potties in the ring it will not be disqualified, but you may waste time where the judge could have been observing your dog move, so it may or may not cost you. The host club should have a potty area and cleanup tools available.
When your dog is not showing or practicing, you should keep it secured in your vehicle. The area around the ring can be chaotic with dogs entering and exiting and double handlers running around. I would not recommend keeping your dog with you while you watch. Most shows have a lunch break and during this time it would be more appropriate to let your dog stretch its legs or socialize.
Make sure your dog stays well hydrated but avoid letting the dog drink lots of water immediately after his class. Give him a few gulps and then let him rest a bit before allowing him to drink freely. Most people do not feed their dogs the morning of a show. I usually feed my dog a small meal and then feed more later after his class is done and he is rested.
How do I know when it's my dog's turn?The show classes take place from youngest to oldest: 3-6 month, 6-9 month, 9-12 month, 12-18 month, 18-24 month, 24+ no title(open class), 24+ title (working class). Some shows also offer a "veterans class" which is for working class dogs that are 7 years or older (however a 7+ year old dog is not required to show in the veterans class). Dogs in the veterans class are not given ratings but are showcased for their health and longevity. There are separate classes for males and females; females always go first. There are now additional classes for long coats; long coats go last. So, the full class order for any given age would look like this: female stock coat, male stock coat, female long stock coat, male long stock coat.
Typically once one class is finished someone will announce the next class. You should pay attention as your class is coming up and have your dog ready to enter the ring while the previous class is finishing.
What if my dog is the only dog in his class?This is OK, and at club level shows small classes are very common. Your dog is being evaluated against the judge's interpretation of the breed standard and this does not require competition from other dogs. It can be more satisfying to place or win in a large class but a judge as the right to give whatever rating s/he feels is appropriate, so even a dog with no competition may not necessarily receive the top rating available.
Unlike AKC and UKC shows, your dog does not need to place at certain levels with competition to earn a rating and a rank. For example, in order for a dog to become a UKC champion he must accumulate 100 points and earn Best Male or higher by beating out at least one other dog and do this three separate times under two different judges. At an SV show, if a dog is awarded the SG rating in second place, that dog is SG2 regardless of whether he came in second place of two dogs total and has never been in a show before.
What happens with my dog during his class?As soon as the previous class finishes your handler may enter the ring with your dog and begin moving around the ring. Many people use this time as a chance to do a few additional practice laps and help their dog settle down. Typically the dogs will move around the ring until everyone is present and the judge will either continue observing the movement or halt the handlers.
Once the judge is ready to begin, s/he will halt the handlers. The judge has discretion on how the class proceeds but usually it goes something like this:
- The handlers will all stack their dogs, in catalog order, along the side of the ring near the entrance.
- The judge will do a brief examination of each dog, mainly to see any obvious faults or temperament issues.
- The judge will examine each dog one-by-one by having the handler bring the dog into the ring and stack the dog.
- The judge will check the bite, feel the condition of the dog, check the testicles of the male dogs, measure the dog if necessary, etc. ("stand for exam")
- The handler will move the dog directly away from and then directly back toward the judge ("down-and-back").
- Once all the dogs have been examined, the handlers will move the dogs around the ring at various paces indicated by the judge. At this time the judge may have the handlers begin moving in a new order as indicated, or they will proceed in catalog order.
- As the dogs move, the judge will re-arrange the order.
- When the judge is satisfied with the order, s/he will indicate for the handlers to halt.
- The handlers will stack their dogs along the side of the ring.
- The judge will offer a critique and give the rating and placement of each dog individually, in the order that they are placed (the first dog is the class winner).
If your dog is 12 months or older, there will also be a gun fire test after the stand for exam. Typically the judge will ask 3-4 dogs at a time to come forward and will fire a few blank shots to make sure the dog is not gun-shy.
Sometimes with the older classes, the judge may have the handlers do the down-and-back in groups.
If the class is very large, the judge may also choose evaluate the movement in groups. S/he may ask several dogs to wait in the middle of the ring or outside the ring.
What are the ratings and what do they mean?Unless a dog is excused from the ring (rare) each dog will be given a rating and a ranking. What ratings are available depends on the age of the dog. For a complete list of ratings and their meanings, please refer to points 3 and 4 in this article by Fred Lanting:
http://www.fredlanting.org/sv-conformation-rules/3-12 months:
"VP" very promising
"P" promising
12-24 months:
"SG" very good
"G" good
"S" sufficient
"U" insufficient
24+ with title:
"VA" excellent select (this rating is only available at national/Sieger shows)
"V" excellent (this is the top rating for regional and club level shows)
"SG" very good
"G" good
"S" sufficient
"U" insufficient
The dog will also be given a rank number based on the order of placement. For example, the working class at a regional level show may look something like this: V1, V2, V3, V4, SG1, SG2, G1...
One of the requirements for the breed survey is a show rating of "G" or better, so this can be earned when the dog is 12-24 months, or in the 24+ title ("working class"). Note: ratings earned in the 24+ untitled ("open class") do not count for the breed survey.
What is the critique?The critique is the judge's interpretation of the dog's conformation. S/he will point out any faults, areas of improvement, overall strengths and weaknesses. Keep in mind that this is just one person's opinion of the dog, and often the critique seems to focus on the negative points. I once heard a very negative critique and then the dog was awarded the highest rating possible in second place overall.
Typically the critiques are not recorded, so you may want to write down the critique of your dog or any other dogs you are interested in.
The audience should remain quiet and respectful during a critique and cheer/applaud at the end of each individual critique. If I am able to, I typically congratulate the owners of the other dogs in my dog's class.
What happens after the class?Once the critique is finished your handler will immediately hand over your dog, armband, and any trophy or award. Sometimes, the handler will stack a dog for the critique and then release the dog to run out to the owner when the audience applauds. Your handler may be showing a dog in the next class so please be ready to take your dog directly after the critique and not require the handler to find you.
If your dog earned a trophy or award that was not presented during the critique, you will be able to get your award during the lunch break or at the end of the show.
You will also need to obtain the official show card if it was not available after the critique. If your dog is 12-24 months or in the working class, the show card is what you will need to present later on if you are going to do a breed survey. The show card is the official record/result for your dog (like a scorebook for a Schutzhund trial). If you forget your show card or it is not available, contact the host club.
Can my dog win the show?SV shows are different from AKC and UKC shows. Rather than having dogs show in their classes and then show against each other until only one breed winner remains, in SV shows dogs only show one time in their respective class.
Typically, the winners of the 24+ month titled ("working class") are considered the "winners" or the show Sieger/Siegerin.
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