Hi everyone,

I went to a dog show this weekend. It was actually the first one I ever went to.

I had a blast! I love seeing the "rare" breeds. I was able to see a Borzoi (Russian Wolf Hound), Dobies, Great Bernese Mountain Dogs and so on and so forth.

I, of course, went to check out the GSD's. I am not an expert on the subject, but some of the dogs look very clumsy when they walk. They look as if they wobble.



I met a couple who produced their first litter of puppies. They have some nice pups. They told me that they do not like the severe angulation and are trying for the way the dogs looked in the 50's (?). I met the pups and they were outgoing. One in particular, the female, is a ball of fire. She has a high prey drive. (I am not expert enough to compare that to the prey drive of a working shepherd.) I can tell you it was higher than the other pups.

Anyway, she was returned to them after 3 months and now the dam feels the need to "put her in her place". Needless to say they keep them separated.

I almost forgot, I saw a GSD in the show ring that looked completely different in coloring to the rest. I would say the "pattern" was kind of like Will's Fetz but lighter. I didn't get to speak to the owner, so that is all the information I have.

I saw one working GSD. (There may have been more - but I only saw one.) I spoke with the owner and she said her dog was DDR. They were getting ready to compete in obedience. I don't know how they scored because I had to go. They obedience arena was extremely small ans cramped.

Anyway, just wanted to share. I know most of you dislike show GSD's.

By the way, The Irish Woflhound and Great Dane are MASSIVE DOGS. I could not get over how big they were.

HI, what show did you go to and where?

Carolyn,
I wanted to congratulate you on viewing your first dog show, I still remember the excitement that I felt when I walked through the doors into my first show oh so long ago. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I wish that you had gotten more of a chance to watch the obedience ring, that area is often overlooked by viewers yet it's where the real work is done ( let's be real here...just how much work is it to run the Conformation dogs in a circle...yet they get all the glory. Amazing... <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> )

Hope that you'll being going to more Dog Shows/ Obedience Trials in the future!
And wait until you see your first SchH trial!

Will,

I really, really wanted to check out the obedience trials longer than I did. The arena was very small. Between the obedience rings, dog crates, and dogs trying to GET to the ring, there was really no room for spectators.

I saw a little poodle who was AWESOME. It is obvious that she and her owner had a connection.

I have FINALLY been able to get in touch with my schutzhund club and will be watching them very soon! I do hope that once I see this I am up to the task of training my dog (whomever he or she may be) in the sport. It sounds like a lot of fun.

Now, if I could ONLY get my hands on my OWN dog all would be perfect in the WORLD!

How's Fetz?


<img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Yep, Obedience is the red-haired step child of most Dog Shows. They always put us in the crap locations, and if there are only limited buildings on a site, you can bet your bottom dollar that the Obedience people will be the ones outside sweating in the hot sun while the look pretty dogs are in the air conditioning.
And I just got postal when I see that they'll give an entire building to *groom* those useless Conformation dogs while the Obedience people are trialing outside.
GRRR!!! <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />


And Fetz is still his ol' Evil self! <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Hi Carolyn,

Dog shows are fun! It's great to see so many different breeds. Did you see a Chinese Crested? They are a hoot!

Will is right....it is always ashame when the OB classes are in the hot sun! Of course, it's hard to "look good" when you're hot.

Glad you had a good time but, working dogs are more fun!

The really large breeds are impressive with their size. Did you see the size of the pooper scoopers the owners use....wow!!!

I haven't been to a dog show in many, many years. Your post kinda makes me want to check one out...maybe when it's cooler. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

regards,
Debbie