Dog Showing - finding the "ideal" Dalmatian
The most popular form of canine competition in this country is the Dog Show - the contest for Kennel Club registered pure-bred dogs, such as those seen at Crufts.
The Kennel Club sets a Breed Standard for every breed of dog it recognises, which represents the ideal conformation and characteristics for that breed. At dog shows, the Judge must compare each dog with the Breed Standard to find the dog nearest to that ideal picture of the breed.
As soon as Celsie was old enough (6 months old), we entered her into a dog show. It was only a Companion Dog Show at a local village but it was great fun. Realising that there was more to it than just turning up and making her tail wag, we joined a Ringcraft Club and entered her into a Breed Show (North of England Dalmatian Club Championship Show). She was in the ring with one of her sisters, Ivory who is sadly no longer with us. Celsie placed 4th, which was just one place away from qualifying to show at Crufts. We met lots of lovely people, had a terrific time and we were hooked!
We promptly booked in to more dog shows and she qualified for Crufts at her very next show. We have also shown other dogs and shows are a great day out for all of us.
Here are some of our showing highlights:-
Best Puppy in Breed in 2007
Reserve Best in Show in 2008
Best Maiden in Show in 2009
2nd in Brace (showing in a pair) in 2009
Reserve Best of Breed in 2010
3rd in Class at Crufts in 2010
Reserve Best of Breed in 2011
Best of Breed in 2011 (went on to get 4th in Group)
3rd in Class at Crufts in 2012
Reserve Best of Breed in 2012
Best of Breed in 2012 (went on to get 4th in Group)
Best of Breed in 2014
Reserve Best of Breed in 2014