Show info

Photo: Riitta Viitala

The original purpose of dog shows is to back up breeding. The judges in dog shows value dogs in comparision with the breed standard. Nowadays dog shows are also much more as a hobby. It is possible to see many such breeds in the shows that one would not see so often otherwise. Therefore dog shows are an excellent occasion to learn to know bulldogs. At its' best the dog show is a nice social event for everyone interested in dogs, where people can exchange information and gain more knowledge of different dog breeds.

If you are interested in dog shows as a hobby, come along with an open mind. Nobody is entitled to demand you to know everything as a beginner, not to speak of your dog. Give your dog time to get acquinted with dog shows, and to not expect him to behave like a professional in his first dog show. Be also prepared for the fact that your bulldog is not necessarily a big show star although you may think that he is perfect and has no faults. There are many schools of judges when judging bulldogs comes to question, as there are in judging other dog breeds, too. You should not be disappointed if your dog doesn't get good judgements from all judges. All bulldogs are personalities of their own, although they do not bring home all the prizes from the dog shows.

A bulldog with no faults does not exist. You can sometimes try do cover the dog's faults, but an experienced judge sees the dog as he is, with his good and bad sides. How he or she values the different sides, is another matter of itself, and it is just that point that makes dog shows such an interesting hobby.

Getting acquinted with dog show rules and training with your bulldog for the show ring make it easier for you do start the dog show hobby. The best way to train your dog is to make training a game. After all, going to dog shows should be fun for the dog!

When you have learned the show rules, follow what others do at the dog show and continue training with your dog. If you can ask your breeder for advice, do it. You can also ask for advice from the other dog owners attending the show. You should also get acquinted with the breed standard. In Finland and other Nordic countries the dogs a given a written judgement at the dog show. The judgements give useful information to the dog owners. The dog show judgements of bulldogs in Finnish dog shows are published in the club magazine of the Bulldog Club of Finland.

Keep in mind that you should always attend dog shows on the terms of your dog. If your dog gets stressed at dog shows or becomes aggressive or afraid in the shows, do not take him to the shows. Never take a dog in bad condition to the dog show.

Dog show hobby gets interesting when you have the change to travel to shows in other countries. You can see more dogs and maybe even bring home new prizes! And, what is most important, you always learn something new.