Question to show people:
Have you found that AKC vs. UKC show people/breeders are different? And do you primarily show AKC or UKC? Have you ever shown both? If not what are you basing your answers on?
I have shown and titled dogs in Breed and obedience in both venues.
I have much more time in the AKC rings than UKC, however, this is my personal opinion from my own experiences:
There are NO professional handlers allowed in UKC rings. Pro handlers may show dogs, but never for any compensation. I have shown many dogs for others at UKC shows, just for fun and to help out. I have gotten the same help from others when I had more than one dog to show.
UKC shows are much more informal, generally allow entries to be made the day of the show, there are no catalogs generally, and I find their shows more like a match.
UKC shows are fun with little pressure on handlers. Fellow exhibitors are quick to offer help, congratulate you when you win, etc.
I do see dogs showing and winning at UKC shows that would not generally be seen at AKC shows because they are not competitive. This is just a part of the UKC scene, and something you have to learn to swallow if you are going to show and compete in that venue.
Having said all that, my first love is the AKC ring. It is MUCH harder to finish an AKC CH in most breeds. AKC judges must apply for and qualify for each breed they are approved to judge. UKC Judges get most breeds when they are approved for their first one. I believe UKC judges have to have more education, or qualify to judge breeds such as the APBT, TFT, and maybe the Belgian Shepherds, but I'm not certain those are the breeds.
The expectations of the handler is higher at AKC shows. Dogs who are not of good breed type generally don't get a second glance at AKC shows, and might even be excused from judging at times.
While at a UKC show it is relatively easy for a dog to finish a CH title and never compete against another dog of its own breed, this does not happen in general at an AKC show. Yes, it CAN happen. A dog can win its particular group. If it does so and is not finished, it will be awarded the highest number of points awarded in that group on the day. Obviously single entry class dogs don't win groups at AKC shows on anything that could be considered a regular basis.
I would recommend anyone getting started in showing dogs go and enjoy some UKC shows. They are fun and casual. Get a little experience, take some handling classes, and after that the AKC shows will be much more enjoyable for most people.
JMO as always.