What You Need to Know

Exhibit number/Catalogues

Will be handed out on the day of the show.

Preparing for the show

As the day of the show approaches you should be preparing your dog by regular grooming/bathing and training so that it may be presented to the judge in top show condition and trained to behave correctly in the judging ring.

The best way to ensure your exhibit has an equal opportunity in competition is to present it in the best possible show condition by pursuing a regular grooming and training programme every day. The top winning exhibitors will tell you that you win your prizes in the backyard by grooming and training your dog – you only go along to the show to collect them! Diet and exercise also play a large part in presentation of your dog.

Golden Retrievers require special preparation/trimming and information in this respect can be obtained from your breeder, or any of the club committee members or by attending one of our scheduled fun days which have grooming demonstrations.

On the evening before the day of the show, prepare for your departure by:

Assessing the travelling time you will require to arrive at the show venue in plenty of time to settle down prior to the judging starting time and particularly allowing time for any unforeseen event which may cause you delay en route.

Pack the grooming gear, the dog’s leash(including a show lead, a drink container, water for the dog and any other equipment you may require for preparation and/or comfort of your exhibit.

It is worthwhile to consider also a foldaway chair and a table if you have these items available and any other items for your personal comfort, wet weather gear, beach type umbrella, sun hat, sun block, food, etc., and, of course, water for your dog.

Don’t forget:

your show ring number clip to pin to your jacket or blouse

the fixture schedule (if applicable)

your entry form butt

The day of the show

On the morning of the fixture arise early leaving home at a time which will allow you to travel to the show venue without panic.

On arrival at the show

Attend to your exhibit so that it is comfortable whilst awaiting your call to the judging ring. Under no circumstances leave your dog in your vehicle during hot weather.

Present your catalogue slip to the show secretary’s office and on receipt of your catalogue check your entry in the class (or classes) entered, collect your exhibit number and assess the approximate time your breed will be judged by:

allowing approximately 40 catalogue exhibit numbers per hour.

keeping the judging ring in view so that you can see what breed is in the judging ring at any time.

Before you bring your dog to the ring, and again when you are waiting to be called in for your class, watch how the judge is going about the task. Almost every judge employs a different technique, how the dogs are paraded, where they stop, which pattern of movement is required, where the dogs that are fancied are placed in the initial stages, how different handling methods are viewed and so on. An astute exhibitor can learn a lot by carefully observing the judge’s methods and requirements. HINT Always keep the dog between you and the judge, even though you are looking good they are there to see your beautiful Goldy.

Present your exhibit at the ringside in sufficient time to be able to answer the steward’s call.

How does my dog become a champion?

Your dog needs to win a total of 100 points to become a Champion and 1,000 points to become a Grand Champion.

Points are awarded at the judges discretion to be best of each sex of each breed (over six months of age) at a championship show, there are also additional points allocated to the Best of Breed winner.

Challenge points are calculated as follows, five (5) points plus one (1) point for each dog in competition (over six months of age). The maximum points available to any exhibit at any one show is twenty-five (25) points.

In the judging ring

Pay attention to the judge’s and steward’s instructions.

Exhibitors will be required to:

Parade their dogs on the left hand side

Bring the dog to the judge and stand it to the best advantage

Move the dog from and back to the judge as requested

control and exhibit the dog to the best advantage during the judging

Exercises that the judge may ask you and your dog to undertake

Up and Back

With the dog’s leash in the left hand all the time, move up to the ring edge directly in front of you. Turn so the dog turns to the left on the inside. Return to the judge and set your dog up.

Correct Triangle

Start with the leash in the left hand and move to your right hand top side of the ring. Now move across to the other top side and now return directly to the judge. Set your dog up.

‘O’ Pattern (for around the ring) Simplest of all.

Start with the leash in your left hand move anti-clockwise and finish where you started. Set your dog up.

When you have been judged remain within the precincts of the judging ring until your breed judging is completed.

Once you have more experience and all of this is second nature, don’t forget that it was once all new to you and lend a hand to other new exhibitors who may not be as confident.  Also being new don’t be afraid to ask one of the committee members there on the day for help or tips.