Showing the Chow Chow at Conformation Shows

Who is the chow chow lover that has not looked at a handsome chow chow in the show ring and taken great pride in the splendour & dignity of this breed?

Showing your chow chow requires some homework, but can be very rewarding. Due to it's cautious temperament the chow chow attending shows should have had much training. Grooming the chow chow for the show ring is a rather extensive task that requires time and dedication. Basic guidelines are outlined for the fancier.

What it is all about:
Conformation shows (or otherwise termed 'breed shows') came about to measure breeding stock and select the best specimens of a breed to utilise in breeding programs. A standard (also termed 'blueprint') of each breed exists against which the dogs are judged. Dogs also are classed into groups fulfilling similar functions, and the Best of Breed of each breed within a group will contend for the top 4 in the group. The winner of each of the groups will then contend for the Best in Show. Similar principles apply to puppies under 12 months, based on promise shown in a puppy, measured to the breed standard.

The breed show ring, by virtue of it's nature, makes awards based on a judge's assumptions, personal interpretations and the exhibitor's careful preparation of aesthetics, handling and training of the dog as well as the dog's general demeanour on the day. This is then why a dog can gain championship only after gaining 5 Challenge Certificates (named CC's) under 5 different judges (South Africa) - to allow for a variety of opinions. Typically, an exhibitor may find that a judge will place their dog 1st on one day and another judge will place the same dog last on another day.

As dogs are exhibited more often, they become more adept at understanding what humans want and the exhibitor becomes more experienced at careful grooming of the coated breeds, whilst showing their dog in a pleasing way (called handling). This dog also becomes better known and it all works towards the winnings generally increasing. The exhibitor can then choose whether to campaign the dog or not. In the hands of a novice exhibitor & dog, this will usually only occur after the dog has gained it's championship. (Experience!) An experienced exhibitor can do good winning with a new (unknown) dog as they have more experience in how to show the dog (handling and grooming tricks) to present the best 'picture'. A popular dog will then do much winning until another comes along that catches judges' attention and is shown more extensively.

Top ranking dogs in any breed are often the dogs exhibited at the most number of shows. Group and higher wins will very often go to the top winning dogs in the country as they vie for rankings as a showdog of the year - at this level the show ring has lost much of it's original intent. To campaign a dog generally is understood as showing it extensively at many shows. Typically, a top ranking dog has attended some 70+ shows in a 2year period, therefore be prepared to make this your main preoccupation, apart from daily income, for the time period that you intend to campaign a dog. South Africa does not have paid professional handlers to campaign dogs as in other countries. Generally it is recommended to only campaign champions, and to do this only if you wish to aim for high placings in 'showdog of the year' rankings.

There are literally 10's of 1000's of registered dogs in Southern Africa, some of those best fitting the breed standard may be in pet homes, not part of the showring. There are roughly 1000 dogs shown at more than two shows in a given year in South Africa and only some 5-10% of these are campaigned extensively.

First guideline - training & socialising:
In dealing with the chow chow destined for a period of time in the show ring, it is most important that you obtain a dog of suitable promise. No breeder can guarantee that a puppy will develop according to it's promise but can assist you in choosing the most promising pups for showing. If you have already obtained a chow chow and need to assess if it can be shown, contact your breeder firstly. If they are unavailable, contact the Kennel Union of Southern Africa to obtain the contact details of judges living in your area who could assist you in evaluating your chow's potential. (Only KUSA registered chow chows can be shown at KUSA sanctioned championship shows.)

Next be sure to obtain details of individuals offering training that is specifically aimed at the showring. KUSA may be of assistance here as well. Be sure to attend regularly and to learn what is required both of you and of your chow chow! You do not have to be a member of any club to enter it's shows or support it's events, but your chow chow must be KUSA registered. Apart from this, be sure your chow chow is well socialised - used to people handling it & opening it's mouth. With a male, make sure he will allow people to gently check that both testicles are present. After each occasion that your chow chow behaves as you wish, praise, praise, praise!

There are many acceptable ways of establishing a healthy working relationship with your chow for any activity (KUSA shows included). These are underwritten by various professionals in the dogworld (behaviourists, phsychologists, trainers and handlers). As individual chows respond differently to various training methods - establish what works best for your chow chow and yourself, whilst respecting others' right to follow different methods.

It will be required that your dog always walks on your left side. The lead is also held in your left hand, not your right hand. You will be required to make a wide circle, a triangle, a straight line up & down. In all these instances the dog should remain on your left. The chow will be required to stand still for a few minutes with all four legs straight down, tail over the back, in a standing pose. (often called stacking).  

The showring environment is full of dogs that are barking and people that are walking around. There are also children at play, music and announcers booming instructions on loud speakers. Many people touch your chow before asking - so ensure that your chow chow will not be frightened by all this activity by taking it out to various places in socialisation from a young age.

You will need a gazebo, chairs, waterbowls, grooming equipment, fresh water for you & your chow chow. Refreshments are welcome. Bring a stake (and hammer) to which you can tie your dog if you need to take a brief walk. Or bring along a crate & make sure the dog is secured therein before leaving. Exhibitors are allocated numbers which are worn with a pin on your shirt/top. These are collected on the day from the office. Championship show entries are done about 4-6 weeks before the show. Non Championship (Open) shows can be entered on the day & are excellent training.

Second guideline - grooming correctly:
It is not advisable to show your chow chow during moulting time as it does not look it's best and will not be given a fair assessment. Your chow chow should be bathed before any show (or at least a day or two before a two shows week-end). Never, ever show a dirty dog. Follow the guidelines on this page for basic bathing & grooming advice.

Now follow through by making sure all dead hair is out the coat. Long stray hairs on the head & body can be plucked out. Be sure to trim all excess hair underneath the feet and long bits on the toes (standard says catlike feet which your chow chow likely has, but it has grown long hair over these.) Trim the nails if necessary. Pay particular attention to having the eyes & teeth clean. Trim clear around the anus as well. If possible, ask an experienced exhibitor to assist you with presentation of the chow chow.

It is permissible to show a female in season at breed shows, but it is disapproved of by many exhibitors. This is because this female is a distraction, particularly to males being shown. If you do want to show a female in season, to avoid a reputation of being inconsiderate, be sure to do other exhibitors & their dogs the courtesy of keeping a reasonable distance (in the ring as well!) and make sure she only urinates far away from the actual ringside environment. Do not walk her around the show environment unnecessarily.

Most important guideline:
Have fun!!! It is an enjoyable day out and most educational if viewed in the correct light. It is valuable for the breeder of purebred dogs to attend & exhibit at some shows - both from both a measuring & educational point of view. At this level it is an inexpensive hobby and can be safe fun for the whole family. As you gradually get used to showing, you will be able to decide to what level you wish to pursue showing your dogs.

Showing for many is the day, mixing with friends & favourite four legged pals is their main pleasure along with an opportunity to learn much about the breed compared to a breed standard of aesthetic value only. The days are spiced by losses and wins & a good spirit can reign if all is taken in perspective.

Relatively few will choose to attend many shows and focus on being in the national rankings. At this level it is an expensive and time-consuming pursuit. Here it is no longer about measuring a dog to a breed standard, it has evolved into a competitive undertaking with unspoken rules and values typical of such an environment.

 

Whichever route you wish to choose - enjoy your time with your chow chows!

 

 

Before entering your first shows, be sure to understand the KUSA rules & regulations that you will then agree to exhibit under. On the KUSA website find it under: Documents: Constitution, Articles, Regulations: Regulations for Championship Shows.

 

 

 

Ringcraft Classes: (How to show your chow chow)

PORT ELIZABETH:
Saturdays 9.30am - Lady Slipper Farmer's Market (St Alban's Dutch Reformed Church)
R25/Lesson. Janet Prince or sometimes visiting instructors. Contact: Bridget Jansen 082 542 6771 .

CAPE TOWN:
Saturdays 14h00 (Van Riebeeck Road near Kenridge Primary School in Car Park).
R50/dog per month. Contact: Sue Impey 082 348 3290

JOHANNESBURG:
Goldfields Showgrounds. Sundays 09h30 - 10h00 (except when a show is held on the grounds)
Donations in aid of Poodle Club Rescue
Contact: Jackie Browning 082 955 3162 or Fran Cristina-Browning 083 331 1683

East Rand - for time & place
contact: Louise 011 969 6103, 082 890 0905 or Email Louise

KZN:
Saturdays at 16h30 (Tom Corfe Park, Pinetown)
R35/month. Contact: Di Hansen 083 629 7573

Thursday nights 18h00 - 19h00 (Educentre - Farmers Market Grounds)
R30/dog. Contact: Wesley Beckman 078 376 3552

PRETORIA:
Saturdays 09h00-10h00 (except when a show is held on that day)
Opposite Roodeplaat Dam. Contact: Bruce Jenkins

Here are some guidelines as to what judges should be looking for in your chow chow:
Judging of the Chow Chow: Educational articles for judges & breeders

Here are lists of shows and events that are hosted in Southern Africa:

January - June 2012 - Show Schedules

July - December 2012 - Show Schedules

The KUSA Show Calendar