I am a reluctant show person lol.
I show the whippets cause I should. Its ok, I don't find it fun. They find it ok, but its not high on their list of things to do. Running agility, a round of rally or a day coursing is much more fun for them and me.
I show the whippets cause I should. Its ok, I don't find it fun. They find it ok, but its not high on their list of things to do. Running agility, a round of rally or a day coursing is much more fun for them and me.
I got Keegan under the expectation that I would show him, because his breeder thinks he'll do really well. I'm also usually very dissappointed in the quality of collies in the shows I've seen (though I'm super snobby when it comes to collie conformation, LOL), so I'd like to contribute in our small way toward improving the breed.
I just find it incredibly boring.
I haven't actually shown Keegan yet, but I've been shadowing my friend who shows her manchester terriers, and she's been giving us advice and training lessons. She LOVES showing, she's been doing it for something like 40 years, and honestly I think she's a little dissappointed that I'm not as interested in it as she is.
Also I think I talked my trainer-friend into showing Keegan for me.
Anyway, I don't think the politics and backstabbing etc. are as prevalant in the collie breed. Usually there's just a couple of smoothies at a show (the BIG show in Houston this summer had 7), so I think that helps. And anyway, I'm not a terribly social person, so if that stuff was going on, I'd probably never notice, LOL! My friend who I've been shadowing says that your best friends in the show world are going to be people outside of your breed.... it's nearly impossible to make good friends within your breed.
I do agree, too, that if you're just getting started in the show world, pick a breed that's not terribly popular. I went to a mid-size show this weekend.... most breeds were represented but most only had 2-4 entries. Except golden retrievers: there were SEVENTY-ONE goldens showing. I can't imagine how long it would take to finish a golden retriever, and there's got to be a ton of politics involved there, too. I mean really, how can you pick one best dog out of 71? It's practically impossible.
Fun thread, I'll be interested to see what others have to say.