Activities to Enjoy and Compete in With Your French Bulldog
Conformation and Juniour Handling - Breaking Your Dog
into "Show Biz"
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Conformation is the sport of showing dogs, and is designed to let breeders evaluate their dogs against others of the same breed. Dog shows are organized by local kennel clubs, which are governed by National Kennel Clubs (for example, the AKC in America, the CKC in Canada, The KC in England, etc.).Each purebred dog breed has a written "standard" to which dogs of that breed are supposed to conform as closely as possible. A judge, who has been chosen to have knowledge of the breed, and of the breed's written standard, evaluates each dog in the ring, and decides which one most closely represents the ideal that the standard represents. Different classes are held for various ages and sexes within each breed.
Conformation shows are open only to National Kennel Club registered dogs, of National Kennel Club recognized breeds. French Bulldogs are recognized by the National Clubs of all nations. If you wish to show your French Bulldog, you'll need to ensure that they have registration papers for the country you live in. Most dogs sold as "pet quality" by good breeders are sold on what is called a limited registration. A limited registration means that your dog cannot be entered in dog shows, and that puppies produced by your dog cannot be registered. Breeders choose which dogs are "pet quality" and which are "show quality" by evaluating them against the standard. A simple little fault which you might not even notice in your dog can mean they would be unable to compete in dog shows, or at least less likely to win. Sometimes this fault can be incorrect color, or markings, or something so subtle as the angle of their hind legs.
The best way to begin competing in dog shows is to read as much on French
Bulldogs as you possibly can - you can start by looking at the books
and magazines in our book store. You should also attend some local dog
shows, watch the judging and events, and talk to some of the handlers.
Do not be surprised if the people who are there to show are not overly
friendly to you if you approach them just as they are getting ready
to go in the ring. Most handlers are a bit nervous before they show,
so wait until after they've finished and have had a chance to relax
before you approach them.
If you decide that dog shows are something you'd like to take part in,
you'll need to purchase a show quality puppy from a reputable breeder.
Look for one who shows dogs themselves, and tell them specifically that
you would like to start showing. They'll help you to learn more about
showing, and might even invite you to meet with them at some local shows.
Junior Handling - Dog Shows for Kids
Junior handling is a sport within conformation which allows kids to
show their own dogs in the ring. In Junior handling, the judge isn't
evaluating the dog - he's evaluating how well the child and dog work
together in the ring. In America and Canada, Junior Handling is open
to anyone who is at least 10 years old and under the 18 years of age
the day of the show. These rules might vary if you live in a different
country, so you'll have to check with your country's National Kennel
Club.
The dog that the Junior Handler competes with must belong to them, or
to a member of their family. Sometimes, if you are really serious about
Junior Handling, and have shown that you are reliable, a dog breeder
might allow you to co own a nice show prospect dog from their kennel,
so that you can compete in Juniors.
Junior Handlers must learn the basics of dog handling, grooming, and
training. Training and practice is essential as Juniors learn to bring
out the best in both their dogs and themselves. Many of today's top
Professional Handlers - Handlers who show other people's show dogs as
a career - got their starts in Junior Handling.
Links
Canis Major's
Guide to Dog Shows
A friendly, chatty guide that takes the mystery out of dog shows.
AKC's Junior Showmanship
Pages
The American Kennel Club's official guide to AKC Junior Handling events.
Doral Publishing's
Book "Best Junior Handler"
A very thorough written guide to getting started as a Junior Handler.