Level 3Experienced
Local show or big event?
Intermediate level — “I'm starting to understand”
An event close to home, or a big show that attracts enthusiasts from far and wide? Both can give you a great experience.
The right choice depends on your goal, the conditions on site and how at ease your dog is. Here are three tips to help you decide.
1. Distinguish the size of the event from its official status
“Local” here describes a show near you or of modest size. It is not an official category.
A show near your home can be international. Conversely, a breed club national show (a “nationale d'élevage” in France) can bring together lots of participants.
The official titles tell you, among other things, which breeds are admitted and which certificates are on offer: national show with CACS (the French national-show certificate), international with CACIB, regional or breed club national.
So look at the schedule before relying on the poster.
| Your priority | What could guide your choice |
|---|---|
| Working on your presentation with a simple move | An event that’s close and easy to organise |
| Watching lots of dogs and handlers | An event bringing together many participants of your breed |
| Chatting about your breed | A regional or a breed club national |
| Going after a specific certificate | A show authorised to award it, with a class suited to your dog |
The practical tip: first check what the show offers. Its size comes second.
2. Choose an atmosphere your dog can cope with
A small event can be lively, with narrow gangways and few places to settle. A big event can have roomy rings and well-organised waiting areas.
The number of dogs alone therefore doesn't tell you how comfortable the day will be.
Before you enter, find out about:
- The venue: indoors or outdoors, flooring, shelter.
- Opportunities to rest and to walk.
- Access, parking and the journey.
- The judging day for your breed and any timing information available.
For international CACIB shows, the FCI requires announcements to state whether the event takes place indoors or outdoors. Its regulations also put the dog's health and welfare first.
The practical tip: draw on your last outings. If your dog stays attentive in the ring but struggles to relax while waiting, favour conditions that will let it rest better.
3. Go to a big event with a clear goal
A big show can be fascinating for watching presentations, discovering other dogs and meeting exhibitors. It sometimes needs more preparation too: accommodation, setting up, finding your way around and managing time.
You can set yourself a simple goal:
“I want to show my dog calmly, then watch the gaits of a few dogs of my breed.”
A modest-sized event deserves the same preparation. It guarantees neither more lenient judging nor an easier award.
At international shows, the grades are based on the criteria set out in the FCI regulations, in particular conformity to the standard and the dog's condition. The CACIB is not automatically awarded to the dog placed “1st Excellent”.
The practical tip: assess your outing on two levels: the result you got and the quality of your presentation. That way you'll know what the experience gave you.
The pointer to keep
You can alternate formats: a nearby event to work on one detail, then a big show to broaden your experience.
Choose the day that suits your team today. Your calendar can change as you progress.