Showing

NEW TO DOG SHOWING?
Dog showing is the most popular canine activity in the country and is a great way to
show others why your dog is the best in the world.
All pedigree dogs can take part in dog showing and you never know, it could lead to
you taking part in the world's greatest dog show, Crufts.

WHAT IS DOG SHOWING?
Dog showing or exhibiting is an exciting competitive activity where dogs compete
against each other for prizes or awards. It is a competition where a dog’s attributes
and conformation are compared against a breed standard for its breed. Whilst it can
often be taken very seriously, it can be a fun pursuit that people and their dogs
thoroughly enjoy.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?

Ensure your dog is registered with The Kennel Club on the Breed Register.
Only pedigree dogs are eligible to compete at dog shows (this does not include companion dog shows, where crossbreeds are allowed to compete)
In order to compete, your dog will need to be at least 6 months of age or over on the first day of the show. However training can take place before it reaches 6 months of age
Go to a local ringcraft class to learn the basics of how to show your dog in the ring
All breeds are shown differently, so you will therefore need to understand how you can show your dog in a breed-specific way. Try to go to an open show or championship show and watch how your breed is shown
Speak to exhibitors who are around the ring side. No question is a silly question - we were all new once, so ask away! Just remember not to disturb or distract someone who is just about to go into the ring
Health is of paramount importance, so before taking part in dog showing, make sure your dog is fit for function, fit for life
Familiarise yourself with The Kennel Club's show regulations

ARE THERE ANY TRAINING CLASSES I COULD ATTEND?
Yes, these are called ringcraft classes and are highly recommended. Ringcraft clubs
are usually very sociable, where groups of like-minded people meet on a regular
basis and have a great time together training their dogs.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club has its own Ringcraft Club which opens every
alternate Thursday at The Royal British Legion, Church Road, Short Heath,
Willenhall.

There are other S.B.T. Ringcraft Clubs around the country and these include but are not limited to:

Sedgley & Gornal SBT Ringcraft Class
Potteries SBTC Training
East Midlands SBTC
South East Essex SBT Training Classes

Some ringcraft clubs not only run training classes for your dogs, but also hold
competitions such as matches, which are like a mini dog show so that members can
see how they are progressing.

Ringcraft classes can also be used as the basis of training you and your dog on how
your dog should be handled and presented even if you have no thoughts of entering
the ‘show scene’. They are not just for people wanting to show their dogs but for
everybody with a dog, and they will teach the basics such as:

Socialisation with people and other dogs training your dog to walk on a lead nicely without becoming distracted by people or other dogs
Training your dog to allow people to examine and assess them by putting their hands on them, as a judge would