Having recently overheard these words, and as someone who has been involved with Companion Dog Shows as an organiser, judge, and for nearly 20 years as an exhibitor, I would like to discuss here why there is nothing “only” about these shows.
The Companion Dog Show (formerly known as the Exemption Show) is not the same thing as a “Fun Dog Show”. Companion shows are Kennel Club Licensed events, held under Kennel Club rules and regulations. From the organiser’s point of view, a great deal of work is involved in the setting up and running of these shows; the date and venue have to be selected, License and Insurance arranged, judges and stewards appointed, rosettes and trophies purchased, schedules printed and distributed, etc. As the proceeds from these shows are almost always for a charity, this all has to be done with costs kept to an absolute minimum, otherwise the cause will not benefit financially as much as it should – an added pressure for the organiser.
From the exhibitors perspective, there is much to be gained from these shows, whether you are in the category of the serious show person who attends Championship Dog Shows with a quality pedigree dog, or whether you just love your cherished family pet – be it pedigree, cross-breed or mongrel.
For those of us who fall into the first of these categories, the Companion Dog Show provides an excellent training and socialisation ground for the youngster, and provides the experience of proper competition in a real show environment. There is a choice of pedigree classes to enter, the most usual being AV Puppy, AV Junior, AV Gundog, AV Utility, AV Hound, AV Toy, AV Terrier, AV Working/Pastoral, and AV Veteran. Some shows will also schedule a Minor Puppy class as well, or will replace the separate Group classes with AV Sporting, AV Non-Sporting, and Open. Classes usually cost about £1 to enter, and as you can turn up on the day without pre-entering and park next to the ringside, this is an enjoyable, easy, and inexpensive introduction into the world of dog showing. Should you have the joy of winning, the rosettes and prizes are usually very good, and you have the added satisfaction of knowing that your entry fee has gone to a really good cause.
For people who just want an enjoyable experience with their family pet, there is also plenty of choice available at these shows. Some organisers will schedule two distinctive competitions – one for cross-breeds which is run with the same degree of serious competition as the pedigree classes, and the more usual “Novelty” classes. Novelty classes can range from Best Movement and Best Brace, through to Waggiest Tail – something for everyone. Classes for Rescue Dogs are extremely popular. Usually, but not always, two different rings will be running with a different judge for the pedigree and novelty, so that no-one is waiting too long for the their class.
