SHOWING THE SIBERIAN HUSKY 

Dog showing, or exhibiting as it is known, is the most popular canine activity in this country. At shows, the judge compares each dog against the official Kennel Club Breed Standard which is a blueprint for the perfect characteristics for that breed – covering every aspect of the dog, including health and temperament. The dogs which conform most closely to the Breed Standard will be the ones that receive the top places. The health of the dog is of paramount importance when making this decision – a dog must always be Fit for Function: Fit for Life! All pedigree dogs can take part in this unique hobby and you never know, you and your dog could even end up at the world’s greatest dog show – Crufts!

The Siberian Husky was first awarded Champion Certificates at Crufts 1986 where the judge was Sally Leich (Forstal Kennels). Pictured below is judge Sally Leich with,left, the first ever CC winner, Christine McRae’s Zoox Gadzheek,and, right, Sheila Luxmoore with the first bitch CC winner Zima Zala Snyegoorachka.

 

 

 

Reasons why you should show your dog

• You think your dog is the best in the world – will others agree?

• Enjoy a unique hobby and make lots of new friends.

• Your dog will love being the centre of attention.

• Learn new things about your breed.

• Develop that special bond with your dog.

• Your beloved dog could be Crufts Best in Show one day!

 

All you need to know is:

 

• Your dog must be registered with the Kennel Club on the Breed Register or if your dog is from abroad it must have an Authority To Compete number before competing at any show.

 

• Only pedigree dogs can enter shows.

 

• Exhibitors taking part in any Kennel Club licensed event must familiarise themselves with the Kennel Club Rules and Regulations beforehand. The Show Regulations can be found in the Show Regulations booklet which is available from the Kennel Club Publications Department.

 

• We recommend that you attend some local dog shows before you start showing your dog, so you can get a feel for it and know what to expect.

 

• It would also be helpful if you can attend Ringcraft classes for specific training before entering a show.

 

• There are thousands of different types of Kennel Club licensed shows throughout the UK. They vary from Single Breed shows, Companion Dog shows, Open shows and Championship shows.

 

• Dogs can start competing at 6 months of age.

 

Useful Links can be found at the bottom of the page. You may also find the KC Beginners Guide to Dog Showing useful (link below)

KC BEGINNERS GUIDE TO DOG SHOWING

 

 

 

Types of Shows:

Single Breed Shows

As the name suggests, Single Breed shows have classes for just one breed of dog and are organised by a specific Breed Club. Such shows are likely to attract breed specialists who may have been involved in the breeding and showing of that particular breed for a number of years.These shows will provide you with a great opportunity to really learn about your breed from the experts.

 

Companion Dog Shows

Companion Dog shows are fundraising events held throughout the year. The shows are mostly organised in conjunction with fetes, charity open days or similar events to raise money for charitable causes. The shows are very relaxed so they are ideal for people who are new to the show scene and offer the opportunity to practise with your dog in the show ring. Your dog does not have to be Kennel Club registered to enter a Companion Dog show.

Open Shows

Some people prefer to start out on their show career by entering general Open Shows that schedule classes for many different breeds of dog. Such shows are run by general canine societies and are a

good testing ground for new exhibitors. The shows are very popular and can attract many hundreds of competitors. At some shows you may even be able to qualify for Crufts!

 

Championship Shows

These are the most prestigious shows where you may be able to qualify your dog to be shown at Crufts, and where Kennel Club Challenge Certificates (commonly known as CC’s or tickets) are on offer.

Challenge Certificates are the very highest award a dog can gain and they are awarded only to the very best dogs.

 

 

Are you ready for your first show?

So, you have been attending Ringcraft classes and are now ready to enter your first show. Here is a run down of what you need to do next.

 

 

Entering the show

• Contact the Kennel Club for a list of shows in your area. We will send you listings of all the shows, with the telephone and address details of the club secretaries who are running them.
• When you have decided which show you want to enter, phone the secretary of the club and request a schedule (these are usually free of charge).

• Once you have the schedule you will have to select which class or classes you would like to enter and complete the entry form (which is located inside the schedule).
• Send your entry form and payment to the secretary before the closing date. Entries usually close at least one month before the show, so you will need to plan well in advance. Entries received after the closing date will not be accepted.

 

Before the show

• Groom and prepare your dog.

• Prepare a show bag containing your grooming kit, leads, water bowls, poop scoop etc.

• Remember to take your show passes (if appropriate) ,schedule and directions.

 

At the show

• Arrive at the showground/venue in plenty of time to find your bench and show ring (your bench and show ring will always be in close proximity), although it should be noted that allocated benches are only generally provided at Championship shows.

 

• It is advisable to find your bench immediately, as this is where your dog can relax when not competing and it is a good base from which to enjoy the show.

 

• Finish off any grooming and trimming (it is important that you familiarise yourself with the Kennel

Club Regulations regarding preparing dogs for exhibition – this information should be included in the schedule).

•  Keep an eye on the judging and do not miss your class!

•  Speak to fellow exhibitors and learn more about showing.

 

• Look around the show and have a fantastic day!

 

Handling your dog

Attending your first dog show may cause your dog to behave differently than it does in training. Young dogs in particular can be bothered by crowds and if this is the case you can move a little way from other competitors and officials. Just remember it is a new experience for you and your dog and should you have any concerns there are always Stewards/Officials available to speak to.

 

 

 

 

 

What is Benching?

Benching is a raised pen allocated for each dog to stay in for the duration of the show. It is comfortable for the dogs and offers security to the owner, which is convenient should you be exhibiting other dogs on the same day.

 

 

DEFINITIONS OF CLASSES

In the following definitions, a Challenge Certificate includes any Show award that counts towards the title Champion under the rules of any governing body recognised by the Kennel Club.

Wins at Championship Shows in breed classes where Challenge Certificates are not on offer shall be counted as wins at Open Shows.

 

In the case of a dog owned in partnership and entered in members’ classes or competing for members’ specials, each partner must at the time of entry be a member of the Society.

 

In estimating the number of awards won, all wins up to and including the seventh day before the closing of entries shall be counted when entering for any class i.e.

16th February 2013 (Championship Show)

11th June 2013 (Open Show)

Wins in Variety classes do not count for entry in Breed classes but when entering in Variety classes wins in both Breed and Variety classes must be counted. A first prize does not include a Special Prize of whatever value.

 

If an exhibitor reports before the judging of a class or classes that a dog has been entered which is ineligible, the exhibitor may choose one of the following options:

(1) Withdrawal: The dog may be withdrawn from competition subject to the conditions of Regulations 9(j)

and 20.

 

(2) Transfer

(a) If a dog is ineligible for a class or classes as regards its breed, colour, sex, weight or height, the Show Secretary shall transfer it to the equivalent class or classes for the correct breed, colour, sex, weight or height or, in the event of there being no equivalent class, Minor Puppy and Puppy excepted, to the Open class for the correct breed, colour, sex, weight or height.

(b) For an exhibit entered incorrectly in a Minor Puppy Class, Puppy Class or Junior Class, which is over age but under twelve calendar months of age, eighteen calendar months of age or 24 calendar months of age respectively, the show secretary shall transfer the exhibit to the Puppy Class, Junior Class or Yearling Class respectively for the correct colour, sex, weight or height and in the event of there being no Puppy, Junior or Yearling Classs to the Open Class for the correct colour, sex, weight or height.

(c) For any reason other than the above, the Show Secretary shall transfer it to the Open Class for the correct colour, sex, weight or height

(d) If an exhibit arrives late and misses a class, even if it is the only class in which the dog is entered, the dog may not be transferred to any other class.

 

 

Minor   Puppy:	For dogs of six and not exceeding nine calendar months of age on   the first day of the show
Puppy:	For dogs of six and not exceeding twelve calendar months of age on   the first day of the show
Junior:	For dogs of six and not exceeding eighteen calendar months of age   on the first day of the show
Yearling	For dogs of twelve and not exceeding twenty four calendar months of   age on the first day of the Show
Novice		For dogs   which have not won a Challenge Certificate or three or more First Prizes at   Open and Championship Shows (Minor Puppy, Special Minor Puppy, Puppy or   Special Puppy classes excepted whether restricted or not).
Undergraduate		For dogs   which have not won a Challenge Certificate or three or more First Prizes at a   Championship Shows (Minor Puppy, Special Minor Puppy, Puppy or Special Puppy   classes excepted whether restricted or not).
Post   Graduate		For dogs   which have not won a Challenge Certificate or five or more First Prizes at   Championship shows in Post Graduate, Minor Limit, Mid Limit, Limit and Open   classes, whether restricted or not
Mid   Limit		For dogs   which have not become Show Champions under Kennel Club Regulations or under   the rules of any governing body recognised by the Kennel Club or won five or   more First Prizes in all at Championship Shows in Mid Limit, Limit and Open   Classes confined to the breed, whether restricted or not, at shows where   Challenge Certificates were offered for the breed.
Limit		For dogs   which have not become Show Champions under the Kennel Club Regulations or   under the rules of any governing body recognised by the Kennel Club or won 7   or more First Prizes in all at Championship Shows in Limit and Open Classes   confined to the Breed, whether restricted or not at Shows where Challenge   Certificates were offered for the breed.
Open		For all   dogs of the breeds for which the class is provided and eligible for entry at   the Show
Veteran		For dogs   of not less than seven years of age on the first day of the Show.
Special   Veteran		For dogs   of not less than ten years of age on the first day of the Show.
Brace		For two   exhibits (either sex or mixed) of one breed belonging to the same exhibitor,   each exhibit having been entered in some class other than Brace or Team.
Team		For   three or more exhibits (either sex or mixed) of one breed belonging to the   same exhibitor, each exhibit having been entered in some class other than   Brace or Team.
Stud Dog		For Stud   Dogs and at least two progeny of which only the progeny must be entered in   and exhibited in a breed class at the Show.
Brood   Bitch		For   Brood Bitches and at least two progeny of which only the progeny must be   entered in and exhibited in a breed class at the Show.
Special   Welfare Open Stakes		For all   dogs of the breeds for which the class is provided and eligible for entry at   the Open Show. (Proceeds of these classes will be donated to S.H.C.G.B.   Welfare Fund).
N.F.C.		Entries   will be accepted Not for Competition, providing all the dogs details are   completed on the Entry Form, for the relevant Show.
Special     Working Dog/ Bitch Stakes To     have competed at a S.H.C.G.B.Rally within the preceding season

 Useful Links 

KENNEL CLUB – NEW TO DOG SHOWING

KENNEL CLUB – SHOW AWARDS

KENNEL CLUB  – FIND A DOG SHOW