Why not?
Also, there's the AOH class, then the Owner-Handler competition which are apparently different and the OH competition is only held two of those days (but is free class, from what I gather).
This is my first time in AKC conformation, and Logan's first time in AKC in over 3 years (he showed as a baby with his breeder, he has 2 points). I've only done UKC conformation once, and aside from that absolutely nothing.
You can if you want, but I've never seen judges take the class very seriously. I've always been warned away from it - "it's a waste of your entry fee" - but granted I show Dobermans, not Collies. I'm not sure how competitive Collies are. It may be different.... but in Dobes, you basically need to look as professional and experienced as you can. To quote Aryn... fake it 'til you make it.
I have asked his breeder about it as well, just waiting to hear back. I've also asked her what I NEED to do for grooming, since UKC has the no-product-in-coat rule that makes grooming SUPER easy and AKC...doesn't :/
I'm guessing Smooth Collies still get the works - kolesterol, chalk, etc. I think I know some folks with Smooths, want me to ask them? I know how to chalk dogs, but I obviously don't keep any on hand. So unless you have some, we may be out of luck unless I sweet-talk one of my handler friends into helping.
ETA: Size-wise he's at the very top of the standard. Not sure what the average male around here is. Never actually competed against another collie.
Hmm... if he's a bigger boy, Open might be a good class for him.
OH. How do AKC points work? UKC points are so simple, but AKC confuses me every time I read about it
I'm assuming you know the basics... 15 points to finish, including two majors of 3, 4, or 5 points.
Kansas is in Division 6, which means the point schedule for Smooth Collie dogs is:
2 - for 1 point, you need to beat one other dog. 2 = your dog + 1 other dog
4 - for 2 points, you need to beat 3 other dogs.
6 - for a 3 point major, you need to beat 5 other dogs
7 - for a 4 point major, you need to beat 6 other dogs
9 - for a 5 point major, you need to beat 8 other dogs.