Learning About Dog Breeds at Shows

Grooming professional and terrier aficionado Beth Cronk has been thinking about adding another four-legged member to her family. Dog shows are a great way for people to learn about specific dog breeds. Keeping this in mind, Cronk spent the weekend of October 8 and 9, 2011 at the Montgomery County Kennel Club Dog Show to help her find the perfect terrier puppy.

For those not familiar with the show, the 77-year-old Montgomery County Kennel Club is the largest  American Kennel Club recognized terrier dog show in the world, drawing dogs, breeders, handlers and enthusiasts from the world over. The show is, according to the first recipient of the AKC Terrier Breeder of the Year award in 2002 Barbara Miller, the epitome of the terrier world. 

“The show is fantastic because it is the best of the best terriers and their people competing,” says Miller. 

Using Dog Shows to Help Find a New Dog

Miller explains that by attending that dog show (or any dog show, for that matter), potential dog owners can observe true representatives of the breeds, and use the dog show catalogues to gain breeder contacts.

“If you are coming to a show to find a dog, recognize that the breeder and handlers are very busy and will not have very much time to spend answering questions," she says. "Buy the catalogue as a reference guide. Once you have the book, use the information inside to contact [breeders] at a later date."

Using Dog Show Catalogues to Help Gain Breeder Contacts

Dog show catalogues are broken down with an Index of Breeds (breeds represented at the show); a Program of Judging (a listing of ring times, judges’ names, names of exhibitors and dogs competing); as well as an Exhibitors List (name and addresses of breeders, owners and handlers). 

Who Else Should Someone Using a Dog Show to Help Find a New Dog Talk With?

Other than the breeders, talk to some of the other enthusiasts and vendors at the show because you never know what you can learn and whom you can meet.

Meeting Other Resources at Dog Shows

“While it is important to purchase a sound dog and have a good relationship with a breeder, it is also important to be able to care for your pet. And that is why going to a dog show is so important," Cronk says. "Dog enthusiasts and potential dog owners can meet other professionals like groomers and trainers who can help you have the best relationship with their dogs."

By visiting a dog show, potential dog owners can see great dogs, meet responsible dog breeders and find other resources that can help them.

Save the Date:  Meet the Breeds on November 19th and 20th in New York City’s Jacob Javits Center and The National Dog Show on November 19th and 20th in Oaks, Pennsylvania’s Greater Philadelphia Expo Center.