Companion Dog Shows
What is a companion dog show?
A companion dog show is just a formal name given to Charity dog shows which are licensed by the Kennel Club.
There are lots of great reasons to attend a dog show with your four-legged friend, but here are my top 5 reasons why you might like to give it a go!
1. Its fun!
It’s a great environment for you and your dog to meet other liked-minded dog owners and their lovely dogs.
DISCLAIMER: not every dog enjoys being in fairly close proximity to other dogs.
One of my Border Collies (Bobby), really doesn’t cope well in busy environments, so you just have to know your dog and its limitations, to avoid putting them in what could be a stressful situation for them (and you!).
Any dog over 6 months can take part in the show, and younger puppies can still enjoy attending and socialising with other dogs, without entering a class.
It’s a great chance to bond with your dog, as most dogs love doing things with their owner, and it definitely makes a change from the standard dog walk!
It’s a chance to try new activities with your dog.
For shows held in warmer weather there is usually the opportunity for your dog to keep cool under shade or in water.
2. They aren’t just for pedigree breeds
Although pedigree dogs can be entered in classes that are specifically for registered breeds (such as Any Variety Hound, Terrier, Utility Dog or Best Puppy etc),
….there will be a whole variety of classes suitable for your non-pedigree dog.
Classes cater for puppies, senior dogs (sometimes called Veterans or as I like to call them “Golden Oldies”), prettiest bitch (female) and most handsome dog (male).
If your dog can do any tricks, its the perfect platform to show off your dedicated training in the Best Trick class.
Most appealing eyes (a difficult one to judge…as we all think our dog has the most appealing eyes!)
Best Rescue is always a really popular class, with so many dogs being re-homed into loving homes.
Sometimes there is the opportunity to dress your dog up (if they are obliging!) for the fancy dress class or my favourite class to watch…the Best Sausage Catcher.
Not as easy as it looks…
…..and more often than not won by a Labrador!!!
3. They raise money for good causes
As well as having lots of fun with your dog, you will be helping to raise a lot of money for some fantastic pet charities.
Here in Bedfordshire, some of our biggest animal charities rely on their annual shows to raise the bulk of their money for the year, necessary for them to carry out the amazing rescue work and charity work that they do.
A small entry fee for classes is usually payable (approximately £2), but additional spending money is useful for refreshments, ice-creams, homemade cakes, tombola and raffles, which are all usually great value for money.
Most shows have additional stalls that offer local businesses the chance to promote their doggy related wares, gifts, clothing, treats – and share details of dogs and cats currently in care and looking for new forever homes.
4. You can take the whole family…
….whether its dogs….or the human variety!
Dog shows…especially those over the Spring/Summer time are usually held outside where there is plenty of space to enjoy a picnic on the grass (being wary of any hungry dogs around you of course!) around the side of the show ring or next to your car which can usually be parked near by.
Bring a flask, a blanket or some chairs and make a day of it. Shows are very child friendly, and children are encouraged to show their dogs in the Junior Handling class.
5. You might WIN something!
Finally, of course the fun is taking part – but what a bonus if you win a beautiful rosette (usually given up to 4th or 5th place) or even a shiny Trophy!
Be warned…dog shows can be addictive, but enjoy them for what they are…a fun way of spending time with your dog and family as well as raising money for great causes.
Remember …even if you don’t win a prize…YOU will be taking home THE best dog!
If you have been inspired to take part in a companion dog show in 2020, good luck – I might see you there.
Keep an eye out on my Facebook page for details of upcoming shows.
This year I will definitely be attending shows held by RATS (Rehoming Animal Telephone Service), Silsoe Young Farmers, Canine Partners and The Canine Hub – all in Bedfordshire…these along with other dates will be confirmed soon.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly to find out more – or if you have any questions at all.
I hope you have enjoyed reading my blog – please feel free to share if you think it would be interesting to other dog lovers.
info@katrinawilsonphotography.co.uk