Level 1Beginner
How do you find your ring?
The answer
The right landmarks to get to the right place
Barriers, numbered signs, dogs everywhere… A show can feel like a small maze! To find your ring, follow three steps: find your breed in the judging information, locate the number on the plan, then confirm with the ring secretary.
The ring is the area where the judge examines the dogs.
Beginner — Finding the way
- Look up your breed in the catalogue
Find the section for your dog, then the ring shown.
MyDogShow tip: in the catalogue, look for the ring number and the list of competitors, usually arranged by sex and by class.
The tip: look for the breed’s official name rather than a nickname or an abbreviation.
- Check the show plan
Once you have identified the ring, find it on the plan provided or displayed on site.
MyDogShow tip: keep the plan to hand: it is the simplest way to locate the judging rings.
The tip: start by working out which entrance you are at. The plan immediately becomes much easier to read.
- Ask the ring secretary to confirm
Speak to the person assisting the judge, without interrupting an assessment.
A useful phrase: “Hello, I’m showing a male Golden Retriever in the junior class. Is this the right place?”
Intermediate — Avoiding mix-ups
- Tell the ring apart from the exhibitor number
The ring number tells you where to go. The exhibitor number identifies your dog during judging.
Made-up example: your dog might wear number 128 and be expected in ring 4.
- Check the day and the session
At a show that runs over several days, look at the information for your day. If several shows follow one another, also check which one you are entered in.
The tip: write down the date, breed, class and ring together.
- Find the ring before you settle in
First find your judging ring, then choose an allowed spot to wait without blocking access. The Royal Kennel Club recommends locating the ring before letting your dog settle and relax. [Source 2]
Advanced — Keeping your bearings
- Check for any changes on the day
A ring change can happen. The Royal Kennel Club encourages exhibitors to follow the progress of the judging so they don’t miss their class. [Source 2]
The tip: if an announcement contradicts your documents, ask the organisers to confirm.
- Don’t confuse the breed ring with the ring of honour
The first is for judging your breed. The ring of honour hosts, among other things, the competitions bringing together dogs selected after those judgings. So it is not automatically your first meeting point. [Source 1]
- With several dogs, prepare a table
One line per dog is enough: name, class, exhibitor number, ring and announced time.
The tip: also save a photo of the plan on your phone so you can check it easily.
Before you put your bag down
- I have checked the information for the right day.
- I have found the ring for my dog.
- I know where its entrance is.
- I have asked for confirmation if in doubt.
- I am listening out for announcements and calls.