To Show Or Not To Show.

wordy

wordy

wordy

Soldato
Joined
30 Nov 2005
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Location
Rotherham.
As you are probably aware from reading my sig or if you've read this thread http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17835360 I'm the proud owner of a 5 month old Akita called Archie.

We got him as a pet, but it has become apparent to everyone who sees him that he's a good looking dog. So we decided to take him to a ringcraft class and get a couple of expirienced show handlers to have a look at him and see if he'd got what it takes to be a successful show dog. I was told in no uncertain terms that he had and would win shows. All good so far - Or not as the case is.

The g/f was never bothered about showing him, and to be honest neither was I originally but after being told he's a good prospect I thought it might be an interesting pasttime to try out. After last night and being told that it would be a shame not to show him, etc. the g/f has said that she really doesn't want to get inovlved in anyway with showing him, feeding him walking him, going to classes and shows, as she's of the opinion that he can't be both a happy pet and successful show dog. So it basically comes down to both of us being happy with him as a pet, or only one of us being happy with a show dog.

Anyone on here had any expiriences in the show ring and could back up what I think that it is possible to have both a contented pet and successful show dog

Thanks
 
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He's a pet first and foremost. This fact combined with my distinct hatred of any type of competitive show (pet-shows, children's beauty contest, etc.) leads me to an obvious conclusion -- don't do it.
 
I've seen a few people with show dogs over the last year or so, since getting our own dog. From what I've seen, many really only become pets after they've stopped being shown. There were a couple though that were obviously both a well-loved pet and successful in the show ring. That appears to be the exception rather than the rule though and seems to be very much dependent upon the owner and their own behaviour and personality.

Something like an Akita would probably need a lot more grooming and tarting up for the show ring than the breed I was seeing though (English Toy Terrier), so the pet/show dog balance would necessarily be different. If you do decide to show, get used to early mornings and lots of travelling!
 
get the DVD "best in show" then post back on the thread once you have seen it :p
 
Your missus sounds nice & I agree. **** all that poncing about a ring with him & enjoy him as a pet. You'd look Gay doing that stupid walk they do anyway :p
 
but it has become apparent to everyone who sees him that he's a good looking dog
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My mates staffie is a 'good looking dog'. Its way off the breed standard though. Wouldnt win at last place if you took it to a show.

Have you compared the breed standard with your dog, via a well known breeder? Not joe blogs?
 
Jon Frost said:
My mates staffie is a 'good looking dog'. Its way off the breed standard though. Wouldnt win at last place if you took it to a show.

Have you compared the breed standard with your dog, via a well known breeder? Not joe blogs?
Click to expand...

I did a fair bit of research before getting him so I'm pretty familair with the breed standard. The people at the ringcraft class we went to last night have been showing dogs for the last 20 years and one of them is an Akita judge.

We went with Archies dad's owner to a ringcraft class in Derby, So these people wren't just trying to get us to join their class to get money out of us. I eplxained that it was a bit far and I'd only gone down there to get the dads owners opinon of him.

His Dad is a BIS winner, has won 7 CCs, and a load of other awards, also he has been in the top ten most successful Akitas in the country for the last few years.
 
Jon Frost said:
Sounds like you have done your homework then, unlike most people that say 'my dogs show quality'. :)
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Thanks :)

They're a breed that look spectacular when you get one from decent line, but look awful when you get a backyard bred one with crap bone structure and muscle tone
 
There are different levels of showing, its not all Crufts stiff lip stuff, take him to a few class's first see how he is then maybe try a show.
My parents have been showing there labs for years now, they are pets first no doubt about it, showing is just a hobby and the dogs do enjoy it to.
They qualified for Crufts with one dog, which isnt bad for hobbyist.
 
Well it's the big day, he's going in for castration in about an hour, he's getting his front dew claws removed and getting chipped aswell.

My g/f isn't the slightest bit bothered about it, being an ex vetenary nurse and all that. But I'm a bit worried and feeling extremely guilty about getting my best mate's nadgers chopped off :(
 
Wishing your dog a quick recovery!

As you probably know - neutering him has made it difficult to show him now, although it is still possible through special situation applications.

Dogs can, and do, enjoy showing. However, waiting for hours for your group to be judged in a small bench is no fun for owner or dog.

If you do want to compete and show your dog off, I can highly recommend either field trials or working trials. Field trials are to-the-gun events, with dogs tracking, beating and picking-up game. Working trials are the civilian equivalent to police dog work, and I feel this is the better option for an Akita.

Working trials involve land and water retrieving, 'manwork' where they have to find a hidden 'criminal' and alert you where they are by barking, wall and fence jumping/scaling, send-aways, strong obedience (i.e. a 10 minute down-stay with you out of sight) and scent work. They are extremely fun and you can go high in competitions, although working trial qualifications are not nearly as prestigious as field or show.
 
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