frenchie attendance

[Frankie's mom]

can I bring my frenchie to a show, even if i am not showing him?

[franp]

Bringing dogs that are not entered in shows is NOT allowed.
Does that mean people don't bring thier dogs? No..
Does that mean that you could get to the show and be told you cannot come in ? possibly..

I don't bring Dari.. It gives me the opportunity to spend time looking at the show dogs and talking to the people.

IMO, don't bring your dog if it is not showing.

fran

[mojo]

I think it is always appropriate to observe rules and ettiquete when considering taking a non-entered dog to a show. Having said that, If you have never had your pup to a breed specific show, my advice is to take him/her and ignore the looks you might get for having an non show dog in attendance.

Yesterday I took Mojo to the Frenchie show at the Red Lion in Sacramento. Having your own dog in proximity to "show" dogs is the only real way that you will be able to glean YOUR OWN idea as to how your animal compares to those being shown. Although I had been told that Mojo was "show" quality when I picked him up, I wanted to have him in proximity to show dogs to see for myself.

While the breeder and I were outside "stacking" Mojo, the man who I was told was the owner of the "top" frenchie, walked by and complimented the structure and movement of my puppy, as did numerous others. We may never show Mojo, although my breeder has told me that he will do it for us, however, I feel that this experience was invaluable. Had I never taken him I would never have known.

Then again, when looking for a puppy, I was told by numerous "reputable" breeders that I would have to attend dog shows for several years and then be on a waiting list for at least another year, just to have a shot at a "show quality" dog. Even then, I was told I would probably only get co-ownership...blah, blah, blah. Having been involved in showing horses in the past the "dog snobbery" really pales in comparison and thankfully I ignored what many deemed the "correct" way to get a puppy and found people I liked, trusted my instincts, and without being rude or abrasive did what I wanted to do.

I realize I am rambling...my point is, IF you have never had your dog in proximity to dogs that are being shown, take him/her. Be polite, curteous, and have fun!

[franp]

Please understand that you were at the "NATIONALS" and non entered dogs are looked on in a very different light...It happens only once a year.

The Nationals are THE MOST IMPORTANT SHOW for any breed.This is a breed specific show ; everyone who shows or wants to show does thier best to get to the Nationals.. The winner of the Nationals is considered the creme of the crop..

The rules of the National are much more flexible than regular all breed shows.. Because the Breed club (as opposed to the local Kennel club) runs it..Therefore, turning the blind eye to non entered dogs..

It is possible to get a show prospect male if you are new.. Yes ,you have to find the right person. And they have to be the right match for you..But "newbies" must be VERY careful.. There are many people that are sellling ANYTHING as show quality.

Take your dog to handling class..
Taking a non entered dog to a local show is NOT a good idea..Owners and handlers are there to show. Not to critique.. Your experience was unique BECAUSE you were at a supported show following the Nationals...

fran

[Hudson]

If not, and it is just a daytrip out of the house for him, then he won't like it there because he won't be able to play with any of the dogs who are there to work. And, as Fran points out, you won't be free to look at other dogs or talk to people because you'll be keeping Frankie away from the showdogs. So, no one will enjoy the day.

We've never taken our pets to the shows; the whole point is to walk around and see what else is out there; after all, that is how we finally decided a Frenchie was what we wanted.

[mojo]

Frankie's Mom,
I guessed I must have had "newbie" luck! I didn't mean to offer bad advice and hope I didn't mislead you. I would never take my weimaraner for a stroll and romp through a breed specific frenchie show. Nor do I think the point of going to a breed specific show, where emassadors of the breed represent a dog you already own, is to see what else is out there. I also would never advocate walking around a dog show with your dog and soliciting uninvited critique from owners and handlers; I would think this goes without saying...I carried Mojo most of the time and he was not a problem at all; the fact that he is only 17 lbs made this possible. He and I quietly watched and learned.

I totally agree that some people will sell anything as "show quality." Even more reason, if you are interested in showing, to find out how your dog "stacks up."

In all seriousness, the truth is I am a "newbie" to frenchies, although not to the dog world in general. I'm not one of those peope in "the know," I just thought I'd share my experience and thoughts.