What to look for in a show Cocker

[LisaDavis]

My stepdaughter would love to show Piper, our pup, but I'm a total novice with Cockers.  What do you look for in a potential show puppy?
I've told Emma she can take her to some companion shows in the summer and maybe a local open show or two.
Would really appreciate any help please.

[JaspersMum]

It would be a good idea to go along to a show and talk to some breeders and look at the dogs in the ring.

You have South Wales and Monmouth Cocker holding their championship show in Monmouth on the 29th March if you were able to get there.

What does Piper's breeder think, do they show?  They may be able to give you an idea of how she would fair but then many of us started with a dog that perhaps was not the best but it gave us a start and ultimately got us hooked.

I don't know how old Emma is but perhaps she might also want to look at doing some Junior handling with Piper.  The Young Kennel Club usually have a camp at Welsh Kennel Club (Builth Wells) in the summer which is a great way of meeting new friends and learning about showing as well as other things from grooming to Agility.

If you can find a local ringcraft, they should be able to point you in the right direction to

[LisaDavis]

Hi there,

Piper's breeder doesn't show, so that's a no go unfortunately.  What's got Emma started with wanting to take Piper to shows is the fact that she's KC Reg'd!  I've told her that doesn't mean anything but she's determined that's what she wants to do.  If she's still as interested in 2 or 3 years we may looks at buying another Cocker for her to start showing with properly, but for now she's going to give Piper a go.

Emma is 10, she loves handling, but she's not very confident yet, so I think some companion shows in the summer will do her good, and also Piper for socialising. 

At the moment, I'm looking at Piper and thinking she's very pretty....but I know there's an awful lot more to it than just prettiness.  I've read the breed standard over and over, but I guess without having other Cockers to compare to I'm not going to get far with that.  I will try and get to Monmouth, thank you, it's not too far from us.

 

[JaspersMum]

Hi there,

Piper's breeder doesn't show, so that's a no go unfortunately.  What's got Emma started with wanting to take Piper to shows is the fact that she's KC Reg'd!  I've told her that doesn't mean anything but she's determined that's what she wants to do.  If she's still as interested in 2 or 3 years we may looks at buying another Cocker for her to start showing with properly, but for now she's going to give Piper a go.

Emma is 10, she loves handling, but she's not very confident yet, so I think some companion shows in the summer will do her good, and also Piper for socialising. 

At the moment, I'm looking at Piper and thinking she's very pretty....but I know there's an awful lot more to it than just prettiness.  I've read the breed standard over and over, but I guess without having other Cockers to compare to I'm not going to get far with that.  I will try and get to Monmouth, thank you, it's not too far from us.

If Emma has not already joined the YKC, it might be worth her joining as she will also get a free ticket for Crufts (if you can get there).  even if Piper did not earn top honours, he will still show her the ropes and companion shows are a fab way to start. 

[Brimbeck(Dyllan)]

Always worth learning the ropes with any dog and companion shows are a great place to start, she has all the time in the world at 10

[Penelope]

Dominic started doing junior handling at fun and companion shows with Suki, won at Discover Dogs when he was 11 years old thereby qualifying for Crufts 

Not bad for my son who has special needs and our lovely rescue dog that no one else wanted.

Now he is 18 and past all that stuff, and I really miss it - I used to love watching his confidence grow with every show and that incredible buzz you get as a parent (to both human and dog!!!) when they win!

I would say go for it - it's a great hobby and Trev and I still enjoy fun shows even though Dominic no longer comes with us.