The most popular show-breed dogs are often enjoyed as pets, best friends, and loyal companions. However, there’s plenty of fun and satisfaction to be had in participating in dog shows. At a local level, at country fairs and village fetes, you can have a great time with any breed or cross-breed. There will be classes for “dog looking most like their owner”, or “waggiest tail” – and who needs an aristocratic pedigree for that?
But if you’re a more competitive type, there are the larger, more serious dog shows that are only open to pedigree dogs. There are typical classes to suit all breeds and canine groups, for example, hound, terrier and so on. For this, your dog will have to exemplify its own breed standard. Some breeds, particularly the gundog types, have working and show strains. Furthermore, because in pure-bred shows the goal is to ensure the lineage of quality dogs, it is expected that your animal will not be spayed or neutered. Some shows permit it so long as you have informed the relevant kennel club, and some require a veterinary certificate.
