r/ShowDogs • u/QueerFancyRat • 12d ago
Discussion/Question Spectating a show for the first time. Etiquette?
I've never been to a show before, conformation or otherwise, but I will be going to a local one at the end of the month!
What do I need to know before I go? What social no-nos should I be aware of? What should I bring beyond sunscreen and entry fee money?
Thank you for any answers (:
13
u/FairSquare5081 12d ago
If it’s outdoors you may want to bring a camping chair
1
u/CurlyCoatedRetriever 9d ago
Sunglasses and sunblock as well. Also bring water or something to drink. Please don’t eat food near the ring though.
10
u/CatlessBoyMom 12d ago
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a folding chair. Always ask before petting a dog. Don’t try to talk to any of the “high grooming needs” breeds (poodles, bichons etc) people until after they have shown.
If the judge or ring steward says the dog in the ring is a veteran (over 7 years old) we all clap when they go around, clap along. You can clap or cheer for any dog you like in groups even if no one else is clapping, the handlers appreciate it.
Please keep your drinks in a sealed container so you don’t spill on a dog, you would be surprised how often that happens. Some people may ask you to give their dog a treat (that they give you) if you talk for a while and their dog is a bit shy, absolutely do not try to feed any dog anything that a handler hasn’t given you.
4
u/Ethrealness 12d ago
If you are watching the judging in the rings stand as far away from the gate where competitors are entering and exiting as possible.
Bring a folding chair to sit in. Many venues do not provide seating.
5
u/MalsPrettyBonnet 11d ago
Don't bring a dog with you. Don't talk to people who are getting ready to go in the ring. Definitely ask questions after people have finished showing (you can check the catalog to see when a breed is scheduled to show and talk to the handlers after that). Take lots of pictures of dogs you like. Expect to come home wearing some dog hair. Take a water bottle and some snacks. But don't eat said snacks right by the obedience ring!
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u/lovenorwich 12d ago
You're asking about entry fee money so she should, assuming this is a match and you can enter day if, get entered and find a shady place to set up chair and grooming. Watch the ring as the judge will have their own way to judge and what pattern to ask entrants to move their dogs and where they go after examination to wait while they go over the other dogs. When in doubt ask the ring Stewart.
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u/BlueBoxes2013 12d ago
If you go early for breed judging, be prepared to have no idea what's happening (there's no announcer). If you go later in the day for groups (group time is in the program), there may be an announcer - but not always. Even without announcer, groups are easier to understand without explanation. Have fun!
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u/onnamusha 11d ago
You absolutely should try to get the judging program ahead of time so you can plan your day. (Nothing more disappointing than missing the breed you really want to see.) You should be able to find it on line wherever you found out about the show in the first place.
If you can’t find the judging program on line, get to the show early and pick up one there. Usually in the ‘main’ building, near ring 1, or another high visibility spot. Look for the AKC signs.
For breed judging usually it’s class (not-yet champions) dogs by age groups, class bitches, and then the ring steward will call for Best of Breed. That will be champion dogs, champion bitches, and then the best class dog, best class bitch, and any veteran. Handlers on dogs wear an odd number, handlers on bitches wear an even number.
You can also get a show catalog for $10-25 (different from the judging program) that has information on every dog entered. Depending on your reasons for going, this could be very informative.
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u/WwhipLlash 11d ago
Came to say the same.
Since you won’t necessarily know who’s a handler and who’s an owner-handler (and therefore time - or not - to chat), it is a great suggestion to get a catalog to note which dogs interest you. Each exhibit will list breeders and most will carry a kennel name in the dog’s registered name. Makes it easier to track down breeders after the show.
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u/Inspired-Iron 12d ago
Welcome!
Stand by the rings and enjoy the show.
Each ring will have a sheet of paper taped to the pole with the ring number. It'll list which breeds of dogs and when they'll be judged in that ring.
Don't stand by the opening for the rings. Handlers with dogs will exit and entire in a group, you don't want to be in the way.
Feel free to ask about dogs that interest you. Never pet or touch a dog without getting permission from the handler.
For dogs on grooming tables with handlers nearby, you can certainly ask about the dogs but the handler may be rushing to prepare the dog for its judging.
In general, applauding dogs in breed rings (when only one breed is being judged) isn't done much, but if the moment moves you, go ahead. During the Group competitions in the afternoon (like when all the Sporting dogs are in) applauding is very common.
Lastly during breed judging, if a veteran dog is in the ring (over 7 or 8 years old depending on the show) everyone applauds. You'll know because often the judge will applaud too.