I thought this might be a good thread, so that folks who have never been to a show before can find their way around a bit.
Where can you find the information on what is going on where near to where you live?
Goto
www.akc.org events and select your state, or conversely goto
www.infodogs.com and again events and select your state. You will get a listing of all shows being held in your state.
Show listings are usually grouped by date and will have some short form abbreviations. AB= All breed show then there are Specialty shows that are only for either one breed of dog, or a very few that are held for a certain group of dogs, like Working Dogs, or a ToyDog Specialty.
Every show organizer issues a Premium List, this details out who the judges are, where the show address is, some things like where parking is, motels/hotels, etc.
After entries close for the show, the organizers will issue the "schedule" this will detail out by breed and by class with in the breed how many dogs of each sex are entered. THis is available on line at the two websites mentioned above. This is when you can tell if any and or how many Yorkies are entered in that show and on which day(s) of the show. It will also give you the Ring # and time the Yorkies are being shown.
You have arrived at the Show!
* Sometimes you have to pay for parking
* Sometimes there is an entrance fee - usually a nominal one
* Oftentimes dogs NOT entered into the show are not allowed into the show grounds.
**If dogs are allowed on the grounds, keep your dogs leashed (at all times), and under control. Do NOT allow your dog to approach other dogs ringside, or on the grooming table etc. Also pick up after your dog.
*** Some shows do not allow strollers or prams - this information should be found in the premium list.
Cameras and Videotaping:
Some shows do not allow outside photographers. There is always a show appointed professional photographer. Never use a flash when taking a picture of dogs in the ring. This information should also be contained with-in the premium list.
Entrance: Is usually well marked and it is here you can find the Show Catalogue and the Schedule. THe catalogue will contain the schedule and also a very detailed list of which dogs are entered, with the owners name, the Registered name of the dog along with that dogs sire/dam, the handlers name, the kennel name etc. The catalogue has a nominal fee to it maybe $5-$15 depending on the size of the show.
It is worthwhile to invest in one, as you get to know which dogs are showing by which breeders.
Food and Drinks on the Show Grounds:
My advise is bring your own. LOL. THe food is usually pretty rudimentary and not very good. Pack your own sandwhich. Sometimes clubs will put on a fund raiser BBQ or so, and that can be both fun, and some good eats too
Again that is oftentimes found with-in the premium list.
Seating Ringside:
Usually there are not many chairs, and sometimes no chairs at all. Most exhibitors have a small lightweight chair we can carry to ringside to provide our own seating.