From my limited show experience and from hanging out with some of the best exhibitors, here's my take. I don't think asking questions is necessarily rude, but it can be very distracting. It might be better to just find a point - not too close - where you can watch unobtrusively.
Grooming for shows is serious business. You have your few minutes in the ring to exhibit the dog that you have spent hours, months, years growing, grooming, etc. Many breeders are so focused on their dog(s) that they just don't have the time or patience to talk to visitors before their dog goes into the ring. And if they win their class, then the re-grooming starts for the next class, group, etc. All of the hurry up and wait that occurs during dog shows is exhausting for both the exhibitor and the dog. And if they don't win their class, either they are focusing on the competition, reviewing what the judge likes for future reference and/or they are packing up to leave.
I guess the best way to approach an exhibitor is by admiring their pooch, asking if you can take a picture (shoot we all like to have our dogs admired). Shoot, I love the breed and will talk to anyone anytime, but that's just me. However, I will never ever disclose the little grooming secrets entrusted to me. Some of those "secret" techniques learned over the years by trial and error mean the difference between winning and losing in the ring and it took a long time to earn the trust of my exhibitor friends.
For many of us showing is a hobby, for others it is SERIOUS business, attaining the #1 Yorkie being the ultimate goal. The former are more likely to talk to you. Those in the latter group have so much time and $$ invested that they can't afford distractions that may cost them a class. |