Can Bring My Dog to a Dog Show?

Question

Can I bring my dog to a dog show? Just to watch, meet people and breeders etc. He's not entered in this show. He's a 7 month old puppy Australian Shepherd and I just wanted to talk to some reputable breeders to ask their opinion on his conformation and to also get the feel of a dog show, as he will be shown when he is older.

So is a dog not entered in the show allowed to be there?

Answer 1

Often times, yes, people will bring their dogs to a dog show (but only if they are certain that they are well behaved)

Of course you'll have to make sure that your dog is up to date on all of it's vaccinations etc, as it's going to be exposed to a bunch of other animals, and one of them may be carrying a nasty virus or something...

Now this isn't likely to be an absolute rule for all shows, so in order to make certain of any particular show's rules, I'd make a very quick call to the secretary of the show, to make sure that there aren't any special rules for that particular event. Let him/her know that you have a well behaved young dog, that you may wish to show in the future, and that you just want to show him what a real dog show is like.. I'm sure you'll be allowed, but as I said, it's a good idea (and polite also) to ask first.

Hope that helps and that you and your 'lil guy have a great time at the show :)

Answer 2

Most shows no. people wouldn't want to mix them and there is security reasons.

Answer 3

The general rule is ...NO. The premium list for both AKC and UKC venues states unentered dogs are not permitted on the show grounds.

Do people manage to sneak them in anyway? Yes. But, if your caught, you will be asked to leave.

Answer 4

For AKC - No -- technically dogs that are not entered in the show are not allowed on the show grounds.  

You might have better luck in going the show and meeting the breeders and handlers without your dog.  Lots of breeders/handlers don't want a strange dog coming up close to their dog (fights, disease, etc.).  So, go alone and learn as much as you can.  Also you can an hopefully meet some of the local reps from your Aussie breed club.  You could ask them if you can attend a meeting and bring your dog for professional examination then.  

Good Luck!

Answer 5

Not normally, no.  If you want to show him you have to start now in the puppy class anyway.  

Answer 6

It depends, some dogshows non-entered pets can come, others not. I cant enter my Pom into a show though, the breeder said his tail wasnt long enough, so i got him cheaper...$350.00 baby :D

Answer 7

Hey! I don't technically know, but I just thought I'd add that I took Juneau to a show last weekend down at Hobart Park in Ventura (it was AKC) and there were tons of people there just walking their dogs. There was a fenced area for the course but the rest was pretty casual. We just sat against a tree facing the course and had a great view. Juneau laid down and most of the competitors walking to get their ribbons stopped to say hello. Good luck with taking Mylo :)

Answer 8

In the UK, unless things have changed since I stopped showing, for Open or Champ shows, you must either enter your dog for competition some weeks before the show or you can enter them Not for Competition.  Otherwise you won't be allowed in (if those on the door are doing their job!!).  At Family Fun shows (attached to fetes etc.) anybody can stroll around with their dogs.   You can of course, have your dog outside the actual show.  Remember not to approach a breeder BEFORE they go in the ring as they are going to be uptight and not want to be looking at your dog.  But this is a great idea - and any breeder worth their salt will help you.  How about the person who bred your dog for an opinion?  Oh and you may find your breed is not represented at every show (is this the UK?) so breeders won't be there!

PS Just realised this is probably not the UK - sorry!

Answer 9

NO.  Dogs not entered in the show are not allowed on the show grounds.  You may meet many breeders there and ask if they could give their opinions of your dog at some other time and place.  Sometimes you can make an appointment with a judge to have a look at your dog but this has to be done well in advance.  Why not ask the breeder of your dog what his good and bad points are, specifically, is he show material?  If the dog was sold to you as a pet, it is likely that he has some minor flaw that may keep him from being a show winner.  Acquaint yourself with the AKC breed standard.  Most show dogs start out as young puppies.  You need to go to handling classes with your dog so he can learn how to behave at a dog show and you can learn how to show him to his best advantage.  Not all dogs enjoy being shown.  Some love it and it shows.