Dog shows can be found all around the UK ranging from local little "exemption shows" to big Championship shows like the well known "Crufts".
Well the obvious answer is a Buhund but what next? . You need to know where there is a show (look or ask in a newsagents for a dog paper, Dog World or Our Dogs) and how to show your dog (see Starting out). . You will need to enter your dog in the show, for details see the various categories below.
Exemption shows are charity events "exempt" from the rules laid down by the Kennel Club, you turn up on the day and pay to enter. . They are a good learning ground for someone new, but also look out for ring craft training classes in your local area. . Buhunds are a free standing dog, this means that you encourage them to stand in a "show pose" but you do not place them or hold them in the pose. . The judge will want to see the dog standing and will "go over" your dog by hand to feel its construction. . An important part of this is to look at the dogs teeth (bite) so your dog should be used to having its mouth touched. . The judge will also want to see your dog move, pay attention to how dogs in front of you in the class move but above all do as the judge asks you. . More often than not this will involve walking your dog away from and back to the judge in a triangle; so that the judge can see its movement from the rear, side and front. . Remember the judge is looking at the dog not you, keep your dog between you and the judge. . You may be lucky to meet another Buhund owner but the chances are small as Buhunds are well scattered in the UK. . In order to identify your dog you will be given a number on a card, at exemption shows you may hold this in your hand but special clips are available and you will no doubt see other exhibitors using them. . If you are luck you will find someone selling clips at the show but if not do not worry. . When you move up to the next stage a ring clip is more important but the chance of being able to buy a clip will also increase.
Open shows are generally the first tier of "Kennel Club" regulated dog show that you will come across. . For these shows you need to enter in advance by post. . You will need details from your Buhunds Kennel Club registration certificate :- Registered name - Sire - Dam - Date of birth. . If you are coming from outside the UK you will also need an 'Authority to Compete' number from the Kennel Club. . Classes at the show are listed in a schedule together with details of where to send the entry, the closing date and the cost of the entry. . Read the schedule carefully it should contain details of important Kennel Club rules relating to showing. . Pay particular attention to the definition of classes, if you are lucky or have done your research well there will be Buhund classes if not you will need to enter classes that are Not Separately Classified (NSC) or Any Variety (AV) and/or related to the Pastoral group. . Some open shows will send you a pass but most do not, only the dog you have entered in the show is allowed into the show. If you have more than one dog it is best to leave any you have not entered at home - dogs die quickly in cars on a sunny day. . When you arrive at the show you will need to find out which ring you are showing in and at what time. . The ring number is usually easiest as most shows will have a display to tell you which classes are scheduled in each ring - sometimes the information will be in your schedule. . Finding out the time is more difficult, any times that are given are likely to be approximate and will depend on the speed of judging of the classes before yours. . A show catalogue will be a help here, it details all the dogs entered in every class. . An average judge takes about two minutes per dog so you can estimate from the number to be judged in front of you when you will be needed. . Keep checking progress in your ring, the judge may be faster, especially if there are dogs absent, and you do not want to miss your class. . Whilst you wait you have a number of choices, watch the judging, chat to other exhibitors or look around the show - most shows will have traders who may have things you might like to buy for yourself or your dog. . Eventually the class you entered will take place, if you have been watching the judging you will know what to do - it will be basically the same as for an exemption show as detailled above.
Championship shows are the peak of the dog show hobby and are organised like very big Open shows. . Your entry will again need to be in advance and will almost certainly cost more. . When you arrive at the show there will usually be a wooden bench assigned to you where you can chain your Buhund whilst waiting for your class. . Some dogs take to benches quickly but most will need help to get used to them. . It is a good idea not to leave your dog alone on the bench for the first few shows. . Sit on the bench with the dog or stand talking to other exhibitors within sight of your dog. . If you need to visit a trade stand ask someone to look after your Buhund. . As with an open show you will need to find out which ring you are being judged in and approximately when this will be. . At open shows classes will often be mixed sex but at a championship show they are usually single sex and both a best dog and a best bitch is chosen. . Championship shows that schedule Buhund classes are shown on the shows page. . Twelve of these shows offer Challenge Certificates in the breed, and these are the shows where you can qualify your dog for entry to Crufts. . The Challenge Certificate (CC) is what makes the show "Championship", a Buhund winning three CCs each from a different judge gains the title of "Champion". . These are also the shows where you will meet regular exhibitors and find out what a friendly bunch we are - we would love you to join us.
Norwegian Buhund Club - contents
This page last updated 04/03/02