Proper dog show attires depends on several things. climate, whether it is indoors, outdoors, and what breed you are showing. Above all, dress tastefully. Your clothes must be LESS showy than your dog. Your clothes should complement your dog, not clash or be obtrusive in the show picture that you KNOW you are going to get!
Wear shoes that are comfortable and that you can move in. Many of the top showing handlers wearing just the most perfect suit ensembles wear tennis shoes or tie up leather shoes of a dark color. Practical is what counts when it comes to footwear, for you must be able to show your dog effectively and you cant do that when your feet hurt or when you can't run well.
Wear clothes that have pockets. It is permissable in the Conformation ring to "bait" your dog, and pockets are great for holding the bait. (See the training page for how to bait)
Wear clothes that are washable and packable. Slick nylon stuff that won't wrinkle is great. And be sure to pack at least one extra complete outfit, even if you are not staying overnight and traveling only to one show for the day. Nothing will help if someone jostles you and spills a whole strawberry shake on you as they walk by!
Yes, ladies can and do wear pants. More of them wear pants than not. also LONG flowinig skirts are quite stylish in the ring, and if you are self-conscious about your knobby knees this looks great. Tight skirts, tight pants and mini skirts are a no no. The ONLY time short skirts are acceptable is when they are not so short as a mini..for example to just above the knee is fine but skirts that only reach down to mid thigh are absolutely unacceptable.
It is absolutely a NO NO to wear anything which even hints of your kennel name, kennel logo, your own name or your dog's name. Neither is it permissable to wear any article of clothing that bears a photo of YOUR dog.
Men can and do wear clothing other than a suit. Suits are fine, but men can also wear the newer styles of polos or long sleeved shirts , colorful clothing is great. Some male handlers are always known for their lavendar shirts or their red ties. That's fine.
- DOG FIRST AID SUPPLIES
- Ascriptin (buffered or coated aspirin) or vet prescribed pain killer
- thermometer: normal temp is 102 degrees
- Pepto bismol: administer as much as a human for the size of the dog (used for diahrea) Take Dog off of food for 24 hours, Administer Pepto bismol every two or three hours
- antibiotic ointment for dogs
- ear cleaner and ointment (if necessary)
- tweezers (for possible thorns or shards of glass in paws or elsewhere)
- vet wrap
- hydrogen preroxide (for cleaning wounds)
- vaseline
- tacky paws ( preparation to put on dog's feet to keep them from slipping)
- veterinary eye wash or artificial tears to moisten eyes or clean out "goop"
- electrolyzed water (such as Pedialite) for emergencies
- a small bottle of Bach's Rescue Remedy is absolutely necessary , this can be administered for times of stress, at the onslaught of a bladder infection....any symptoms of diarhea or excessive urination
- DOG EQUIPMENT
- grooming table if needed for your breed
- brushes and combs as needed for your breed
- baby wipes
- feeding pans
- dog food (feed lightly before the show and feed well before bedtime)
- watering pans
- water (if you give your dog his own water from home there will be MUCH less chance of digestive upsets, if that can't be done buy bottled water)
- spray bottle with plain water for at the ringside to hydrate your dog
- spray bottle with listerine and water mix to freshen your dog's odor
- hair dryer, if needed for your breed
- scissors, thinning shears if needed for your breed
- toenail clippers or if you use them, a toenail grinder
- clean wipe rags for drooling at the ringside (little terrycloth hand towels are great)
- plastic bags (big ones, little ones, and ziplock ones)
- special toys or treats or both
- any medications your dog may be on
- pads or rugs
- crate or enclosure for the vehicle and for the motel room (x pens or other)
- vaccination records of the dog
- shampoo or cleaning equipment for the dog
- sprays or coat conditioners for your breeds requirements
- dog leash and/or special collars (always have one extra for sure)
- a pen and small notebook for times when you need to write something down
- toothbrush and toothpaste for your dog
- PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
- extra clothing as necessary for weather and show reuqirements
- personal food supply, (It is expensive to buy food at the show)
- cosmetics or personal grooming kit
- eyeglasses if you wear them, and sunglasses
- maps and directions
- judging program (that always has the directions to the show)
- change of shoes
- extra cash or charge cards(there are vendors at the show site!))
- cell phone
- car keys (extra set!!) (keep them with your grooming equipment
- cooler if necessary
- medications you are on
- antacid (you can use the dog's pepto bismol!)
- business cards
- Some exhibitors actually have a "memory book" or "show scrapbook" to lay out on the top of their dog's crate at the show
Hint: if you have a black dog, wear light colored clothes so that the topline will show up well in the picture!
Shown below is the author's first Champion and first Newfoundland:
Ch Kaylar's Calypso Bear, ROM
LOOSE CLOTHES ARE GREAT IF YOU HAVE A LARGE FIGURE. EVEN IF YOU DON'T! MOVING IS EASIER WHEN YOU CAN BEND AND RUN WIHTOUT RIPPING OUT YOUR PANTS!
WHAT IS THE CONFORMATION RING?
THE GROUP RING AND BEST IN SHOW
copyright 2007 by www.kaylar.com