Hi all
I really want to start showing my little chi she is 4 months now and just over 3lbs.
I am a very begginner (although my bro shows staffys) any ideas where to start????

Call your local kennel club and find a conformation training class. AKC.org has a list of member clubs and there should be one near you. These are the people that show their dogs. Get involved there, they can help you.

You can enter her in a show once she is 6 months old. She will need to know how to gait (walk on a lead down and back) without jumping around, and at the appropriate speed, and she will need to be able to be examined on the table where the judge will look at her structure, teeth, body condition, etc. She will have to stand still and allow herself to be examined. A free stack, on the floor, is desirable.

Is she a long coat or a short coat? If a long, she will need to be groomed appropriately.

Like I said, you need some mentors to help you and you will find them in your local all breed kennel club.

Brodysmom

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"Having heard all of this, you may choose to look the other way.....
but you can never say again that you did not know." William Wilberforce 1759-1833

OOps.... I just assumed that you are in the USA. If you aren't, hopefully people in your country can give you advice on getting started.

Did you buy her from people that show their dogs? Are her parents and/or grandparents show dogs or finished champions? That makes a HUGE difference when you are wanting a puppy to show. Your breeder should be able to steer you in the right direction if they show their dogs.

Brodysmom

__________________

"Having heard all of this, you may choose to look the other way.....
but you can never say again that you did not know." William Wilberforce 1759-1833

Hi there, if your brother shows staffies, can he not show you the basics? Go along to ring training classes where they should be able to help as well.
Practice at home too. Stacking the dog and getting him used to being handled?

Are you in the UK? where are you at?

thanks for your replys!
Yes my Brother can but he said we should go to handling classes (he goes to only staff ones) they may have to 'stand' differently etc and he wouldn't know with "balls of fluff" LOL
she is a long haired and we are in South Shields , NE England
She is so pretty with such a lovely nature
xx

Sorry just missed your Q Brodysm....
Her Gfather is a champion and others in the lines. Her father is hopefully going to be and her Mother is not shown (just the dogs)
xxx

testing sign pic

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Hi there - where about in South Shields? I don't know if I have spoke to you in the past? Let me know if you want details of training classes as I go to 4 or 5 different ones in the area (South Shields). I am very new to the showing world too but have managed to pick up some valuable tips from people who have been in it a long time. Look forward to hearing from you. Also there is a local show coming up soon that you might want to come along to, it would be good to watch and you can see what goes on.