Level 3Experienced
Choosing your shows according to your goal
The right show, at the right time, for your team
Two shows on the same weekend: one is close to home, the other attracts participants from several countries. Which one should you pick?
To answer, start with your goal. Do you want to discover the ring, show your dog better, meet people who share your breed or work towards a title? The choice won't necessarily be the same.
A show earns its place in your calendar when it meets a concrete need.
Start from what you're looking for
Before looking at dates, complete this sentence:
“For my next outing, what I mainly want is…”
| Your goal | The option to consider | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Finding out how it works | A show with a simple journey | Welcome arrangements, venue and organisation |
| Improving your presentation | An outing that fits with your preparation | Time available to work beforehand and review afterwards |
| Meeting people who share your breed | A breed club national or regional show | Breeds admitted and the club’s programme |
| Working towards a title | A show offering the necessary certificate | Title rules, eligibility of the dog and its class |
| Experiencing a big event | An event suited to your experience | Travel, budget, atmosphere and the dog’s comfort |
These ideas are advice on choosing, not guarantees of results.
To find your feet: simplify the day
When everything is new, a short journey can leave you more energy to listen to instructions and watch your dog.
Also look at whether the show is indoors or outdoors, how you'll be able to set up and where your dog can rest.
Careful: close doesn't necessarily mean calm. A local show can be lively and involve a long wait. Find out about the actual conditions rather than relying on its size alone.
If you're unsure, visiting an event without entering your dog can help you get your bearings.
To improve: choose an outing you can learn from
Do you want to improve the up-and-back or the stand? Choose a date that gives you time to prepare that point.
After the show, plan a review: what went well? What threw you? Which exercise will be useful next?
You can also gather assessments from different judges to understand your dog better. At FCI shows, judging must be done according to the breed standard in force. [1]
Do keep notes on your presentation and the conditions on the day, though: they'll help you put the observations in context.
To deepen your knowledge of the breed: look at club events
A breed club national or regional can be interesting for watching dogs of your breed and chatting with their owners.
In France, these events are reserved for the breeds managed by the organising club. Check the eligible breeds on the entry form. [2]
If your goal relates to breed selection, ask the club which events and results meet the criteria of its scheme. Attending a show does not, on its own, guarantee reaching a selection level.
To aim for a title: start with its rules
“I want to become a champion” is still too vague to choose a show.
Identify the exact title, then check the certificates needed, the conditions on countries, judges and time limits, and any working requirements. The rules for international championships differ depending on the title and the breed. [3]
If you're going for a CACIB, check that the event provides for it to be awarded and that your dog can compete for it in its class. The FCI regulations distinguish, among other things, the adult CACIB from the junior and veteran certificates. [1]
An international show is therefore not automatically suited to every route to a title.
Beginner: three tips for choosing with confidence
- Favour easy logistics. A reasonable journey and an organisation you can follow will let you concentrate on your first experience.
- Check the conditions before paying. Read the schedule, the classes on offer, the documents required and the entry deadline.
- Set yourself an achievable goal. Understanding how it all works or showing your dog without rushing is already a good reason to take part.
Intermediate: three tips for choosing usefully
- Link the outing to a point of progress. Write in your notebook what you want to work on at this show.
- Compare the full cost with the benefit you expect. Add travel and accommodation to the entry fee. A more distant outing has to be worth it enough for you.
- Choose the right moment too. Leave time between outings to prepare the changes you want to test and to watch how your dog recovers.
Advanced: three tips for refining your strategy
- Check how each event serves your regulatory needs. For a title, start from the certificate or condition you still have to fulfil, then look for the matching events.
- Vary the assessments with a clear intention. Aim to understand your dog's qualities and limits better. A change of judge doesn't guarantee a better result.
- Re-evaluate even the important events. A prestigious event is still a choice to be adapted to the dog's condition, your preparation and the constraints of travel. The FCI show regulations put its health and welfare first. [1]
The test before you enter
Ask yourself four questions:
- Does this show serve my current goal?
- Does my dog meet the conditions for taking part?
- Are the journey and the day manageable for us?
- What will this outing give me, even without an award?
If any answer is still unclear, look up the information before committing. You'll be able to choose with more confidence.