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Cocker Activities => Showing => Topic started by: Gilly on April 19, 2003, 12:55:31 AM

Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Gilly on April 19, 2003, 12:55:31 AM: How do you know if your dog is show quality???
And at what age should you begin to show or can you start at any age?? To be honest I wouldn't mind having a go with Buttons, but how do I know if she's show quality?? I know I could ask her breeder, but then I'm thinking that wouldn't the breeder have kept her herself as I know she did keep one bitch out of that litter??
Also does size matter as Buttons is a bit on the "petite" side.
How do you find out when and where open shows are being held?
Have I left this all to late at 7 months as I haven't taken her to Ringcraft Classes...is she too old to start now?

Sorry for all the questions, its all very pie in the sky at the moment, just thinking about it so any advice would be much appreciated.

Gilly
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Pammy on April 19, 2003, 08:29:06 AM: You can find it Gilly - she's not to old - so if you want a go - find your local ringcraft class. Ask the people their to have a look at Buttons. :)

Her breeder will have kept the best from the litter depending what she was looking for, but she would be able to tell you Buttons' potential. Just because she wasn't kept, doesn't mean she's got no chance :)

The breed standard will tell you what you should be aiming for when B is all grown up ;D it's here

http://www.cockerclub.dc-hosting.net/breedstandard.htm (http://www.cockerclub.dc-hosting.net/breedstandard.htm)

hth
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: *Jay* on April 19, 2003, 09:37:54 AM: I know someone who didn't start showing their dog until he was 3 years old. He hadn't even been to a ringcraft class before then and he just took to it like a duck to water and did quite well so I guess it's never too late. I agree with Pammy that you should take her to ringcraft anyway and see how she gets on. I would also get the opinion of her breeder as to what she thinks cos lets face it - that woman will know what she's talking about ;) :) When I first got Dallas and had to take him to work, a girl I work with who used to show her cockers said that he was a good specimen of the breed so its always useful to get an unbiased opinion. Subscribe to one of the dog papers and that will detail up and coming shows. Good luck with her :)
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Jane S on April 19, 2003, 09:49:17 AM: It's not too late to start Gilly if you just wanted to have some fun at local open shows & companion dog shows. The best person to ask whether Buttons is good enough to show is definitely Elizabeth - she knows her breeding back to front. If you find a ringcraft class, it doesn't necessarily follow that the people there will know a good Cocker when they see one - it depends on what experience they have & in what breeds, but ringcraft will help you learn the ropes & give you an idea of whether you & Buttons would enjoy showing. Most people don't start off with a show quality Cocker - we didn't but we did learn a lot from having a go with our first Cocker :) As Gill says, get one of the dog papers to find out about open shows coming up & there is also the K9 Events website (http://www.k9events.co.uk/mainbody/pages/mainpage.asp) which you might find useful.
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Gilly on April 19, 2003, 02:03:22 PM: Thanks for all your replies...like you say Jane I just thought it would be a nice thing to do with her, and hopefully we might both enjoy it. Obviously if I take her to ringcraft and she doesn't take to it then I wouldn't persue it any further as I want both of us to enjoy it.
I'm going on Holiday in a few weeks so will wait till I return to enrol her in ringcraft and about the same time she will probably be due her next tidy-up with Elizabeth so will have a chat with her then and take her advice from there. I know that Buttons sister is starting to be shown, but obviously that doesn't mean that Buttons will be any good. Also would like to start off with fun shows and see how we get on.
The other thing is her weight...I'm definetly going to use Dessies recipe to body her up a bit, as she is still quite small...hopefully she will be a late bloomer.
I think with doing things like this looking at it as fun and not taking it too seriously is important, because at the end of the day I adore her and she will always be 100% beautiful in my eyes ;D no matter what anyone else says ;) ;D
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: *Jay* on April 19, 2003, 02:07:57 PM: Good for you Gilly :) Does Dessie have a recipe fro making them grow ;) ;D
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Gilly on April 19, 2003, 02:23:26 PM: maybe a grow bag will work....what do you think?? ;) ;D
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: daftcockers on April 19, 2003, 02:30:46 PM: We got Archie as a pet, but decided to show him for a bit of a hobby, he loves it, hes doing ok, even got best of breed once, but not good enough for champ shows. The best bit of advise I got was never get upset as your taking the best dog home with you at the end of the day.

Sonny is from a show line so should do better than Archie, but in my eyes their both as beautiful as each other
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Jane S on April 19, 2003, 04:18:43 PM: Quote from: daftcockers on April 19, 2003, 02:30:46 PM
The best bit of advise I got was never get upset as your taking the best dog home with you at the end of the day.

This is so true :) Showing dogs is a hobby & should be enjoyable - those that take it too seriously are the ones who spend all their time moaning & getting very upset if they don't win! Everyone likes to win but to enjoy showing, you have to be able to put things in perspective & appreciate that in the wider scheme of things, dog shows are not of earth shattering importance ;D
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Eljay on April 19, 2003, 06:21:44 PM: Hi Gilly,

Just thought I'd let you know that I'm going to my first show on Monday. :o I have never done it before and when I got Alfie I bought him as a pet but I would like to try so I have just joined a ringcraft class. He's just turned 8 months. It's good for him to meet other dogs and learn to socialise as well. There is only one other cocker in the class and she is from the same breeder as Alfie. I have no idea whether he is show quality but I'm hoping it will be a good day out that we both enjoy. Again the breeder kept one of the pups for showing and I know another one is going to be shown so I'll wait and see. I just want to enjoy a doggy day out. ;D At the ringcraft class they have schedules of some shows coming up so you could get info there but if not get one of the papers and they have the shows advertised. Trouble is some of them are a bit of a drive so I'm going to stay local with him, as I'm not taking it seriously. I just hope I don't show myself up :-[ Anyway I wish you lots of luck.
Lou
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: *Jay* on April 19, 2003, 08:08:06 PM: Good luck for Monday Lou - let us know how he gets on. have fun :D
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Jane S on April 19, 2003, 11:05:13 PM: Good luck Lou & Alfie :) Don't worry about showing yourself up, just take your time, don't rush things & you'll be fine ;)
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Gilly on April 19, 2003, 11:16:52 PM: Oh Lou and Alfie good luck for Monday..hope you enjoy it thats the important thing and would love to hear how you get one...best o luck..

Gilly & Buttons :-* ;D
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Mary on April 20, 2003, 08:14:20 AM: Ditto...best of luck to you and Alfie, Lou ;) Strutt your stuff Alfie :D :-* :-*

Go for it Gilly, I'm sure it would be great fun and imagine what a bonus it would be if Buttons came away with a rosette :o :D

She's lovely, I'm sure she'll win over the judges ;)
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Mike on April 20, 2003, 10:48:39 AM: Good luck Lou and Alfie! You must tell us all about it! ;)
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: FionaM on April 20, 2003, 12:24:38 PM: Good luck Lou and Alfie :)
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Inca on April 20, 2003, 07:50:51 PM: Best of luck for Monday Lou and Alfie ;D
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: jakieboy on April 20, 2003, 08:12:19 PM: Good luck u two.

I have the same dilemma really, although finn is younger and i have located a ringcraft class not too far away from me. I already know he is no champion due to his markings but would like to get into it for a bit of fun really and then who knows - if i enjoy it then maybe if i do decide to have another litter (big if there) would know what to look for - or get myself a show quality bitch from a really good breeder (with advice from jane etc lol cheeky mare that i am). I know i am no expert but finn does seem to have a much better shape to his head and stance compared to ebbie although the amos brearly (emmerdale) look he is cultivating at the moment does little for his looks lol.

Anyway, i keep forgetting to ring the people who run the classes, plus inbetween running the playgroup and all the paperwork that involves have just started my diploma in homoeopathy and another in aromatherapy - so i have really got to start buckling down (yeah as if lol)

Nikki xx

ps - gonna take a pic of finn with his sideburns and let u all see
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: *Jay* on April 20, 2003, 08:22:45 PM: Quote
gonna take a pic of finn with his sideburns and let u all see

Can't wait ;D
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Eljay on April 20, 2003, 09:54:29 PM: Thanks for all your messages. Will let you all know what happens.
I went to the East Anglian Cocker Spaniel show today to watch and hopefully learn!! Had a good day. It's interesting to see the different types of cocker.
Thanks again.
Lou.
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Eljay on April 21, 2003, 06:41:59 PM: ;D Hi Everyone I'm back. ;D and very tired. We had a very early start as I hadn't realised that Golden retrievers were in the ring first so we had a really long wait, anyway I've done it and we came third, so I got a rosette ;D which I think I might frame!!! It was nerve racking waiting to go in the ring but I'm really glad I gave it a go. Alfie is such a fidgit and I had a job getting him to stand still so we have a lot of work to do on that one! Also I need to strip more out of his coat as he didn't look as smooth as the others. But all in all it was a great day and I'll post a pic of him soon.
So go on Gilly give it a go
Lou and Alfie.
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Jane S on April 21, 2003, 06:54:07 PM: Well done Lou :) What a good start to Alfie's show career! Don't worry about the fidgeting - that will come right with practice (same goes for the trimming!) Sounds like you have been well & truly been bitten by the show bug now ;D
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Anonymous on April 21, 2003, 07:14:24 PM: awwwwwww Well Done both of you :D
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Tina on April 21, 2003, 07:19:47 PM: Well done! Hope you had a good time. Sam and I do lots of Open Shows. We just love competing and having a fab fun day out with the dogs ;D
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: daftcockers on April 21, 2003, 07:20:42 PM: Well done Alfie, bet its the first of many.
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Mary on April 21, 2003, 08:26:53 PM: Wow...how chuffed are you then Lou? ;D and well done Alfie, a star in the making ;)
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: *Jay* on April 21, 2003, 08:38:04 PM: well done Lou and Alfie ;D
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Shirley on April 21, 2003, 08:46:00 PM: Well done Lou and Alfie :D
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: FionaM on April 21, 2003, 09:11:43 PM: Well Done Lou and Alfie! Sounds like you had a great day :D
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Mike on April 21, 2003, 10:00:36 PM: It's lovely to hear that you enjoyed yourself Lou, and that Alfie got a rosette for his third place :D
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Gilly on April 22, 2003, 01:18:34 AM: WELL DONE....how pleased you must be and what a great start....I'm totally chuffed for both you and Alfie ;D
I've been practising stacking Buttons but she's not too keen at all :- doesn't like her tail being touched at all, think she thinks I'm trying to poke up her bum :-X ;) Hopefully enrolling in the ringcraft classes will help..oh yes plus her fidgeting and everything else ::)
Post piccies asap...can't wait... ;D
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Anita on April 22, 2003, 10:26:55 AM: Well done Lou and Alfie. I do't think I would have the patient for showing never mind Phoebe!
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Dessie on April 22, 2003, 12:53:24 PM: Well done in deed Lou :D :D Lovely feeling isn't it winning a rossette.

Dessie :D :D
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: angelad on April 22, 2003, 04:20:33 PM: Thats brilliant news - well done to you both ;D
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Eljay on April 22, 2003, 09:12:52 PM: Thank you all so much for for good wishes. I have been grinning all day today ;D
I had to leave the show early as I had taken my sister with me and she needed to get back, so I missed the rest of the show, ??? but have since found out that Alfie's sister got Best Puppy in show!! ;D Oh I forgot to tell you that in our class 1st and 2nd went to Alfie's sister's ;D so he has got some catching up to do Ha Ha ;D He has slept most of the day today though I think the excitement wore him out. :D
Thanks again.
Lou ;D and Alfie. ;D
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Pammy on April 23, 2003, 03:40:19 PM: Well done both of you. Keep it up ;D
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Michele on April 23, 2003, 06:27:39 PM: Quote from: eljay on April 22, 2003, 09:12:52 PM
Thank you all so much for for good wishes. I have been grinning all day today ;D
I had to leave the show early as I had taken my sister with me and she needed to get back, so I missed the rest of the show, ??? but have since found out that Alfie's sister got Best Puppy in show!! ;D Oh I forgot to tell you that in our class 1st and 2nd went to Alfie's sister's ;D so he has got some catching up to do Ha Ha ;D He has slept most of the day today though I think the excitement wore him out. :D
Thanks again.
Lou ;D and Alfie. ;D

Very well done Lou & Alfie ;D At least he was placed in good company.....congrats to his sister too! Maybe one day she'll be saying the same to Alfie, I hope so ;D
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: Jen on April 23, 2003, 08:50:24 PM: just caught this post - well done lou and alfie - how proud you must be.
May the success continue ;D

Monts & Jen x
Title: How do you know if your dog is "Show Quality"
Post by: xander_ho on September 12, 2003, 03:56:11 AM: Hi everyone,

I'm a beginner ;D and still learning about showing cocker spaniel. I found this website http://www.ecsca.org/selshow.html (http://www.ecsca.org/selshow.html) , It is so interesting thought I share. It tells you, how breeders choose their show quality cocker spaniel puppy.

Alexander