Following on from my other stupid questions
I have been looking at show leads and have become quite confused   The choices...half check, slip leads, show slides etc. Please help, I have no idea what I should get, do certain breeds wear certain types? what colour? I presume to compliment your dogs colour. Should it be plain or braided or have brass or chrome bits?
I can't ask my breeder as I get the feeling she is not interested...I sent photos and she didn't thank me ( I know she got them, as included with them was  the receipt that I had sent her to sign and return !!) and I have had no contact from her. Also, she wasn't  there when we bought him as she said she had to work so I didn't even meet her.
Anyway the leads, can anyone reccommend a good site that has them?

Oh yes, there doesn't seem to be any ringcraft near me, have asked both local vets and 2 nearest pet shops, so just want to go to a few small local shows to watch first to see how its done. I def. have no aspirations for Crufts LOL, but would be fantastic to have a photo of Louis with a rosette !!!

Seems theres a lot stacked against me showing him LOL ...don't drive ( will pester daughter though hee hee ) Louis' testicles (lack of ) ringcraft (lack of ) but will persevere

Are you in contact with your dogs breeder?
Ours has been very helpful, we didn't (still don't)! have a clue, she told us about ringcraft, helps with leads, grooming, show entries etc:-)

No questions are stupid, we all have to start somewhere. Have you contacted your breed club?thet are usually helpful, the Kennel Club can give you details, they also should have a list of Canine Clubs in your area(which you did not tell us). Most breeds do seem to favor certain types of lead, so have a look when you go to local events. Yes a colour to match you dog is best as it does not distract from the dog.

Yes, I should join my breed club, will do that on Tuesday

Louis is the only one of his breed at my vets, the receptionist said she'd only ever seen one before! I've never seen any others but my daughter said she drove past 2 being walked ( I would have stopped and spoken to them,  the owners as well ) There must be others around here !! I live in Croydon.
No I don't have contact with my breeder...

EDIT  AH Marion...Ringcraft trainer What lead would you use on a french bulldog?

Hi,I have recommended Sharon from Essenjay before,Tel 01736740094  or  07786018173 www.essenjayleathersupplies.co.uk for collars.But I am sure I have seen her show Frenchies at an open show.May be worth ago but she would at least recommend what collar your dog will need i nthe ring

Thanx I will have a look and try and ring her Tuesday

Hello killickchick, we use the rolled leather showset by accolade leathercraft on our Frenchies, they are super quality.  We've found the showsets are better as there's no putting the collar on then having to rumage through the show bag looking for the lead, much easier when it's together. Their website is www.accoladeleathercraft.com (sorry haven't worked out how to do the links) Our Frenchies all have the 4mm with swivel, if your Frenchie is brindle, it's best to have the black leather, when it comes to chosing between chrome or brass fittings it's just personal taste.  Nice to hear from another Frenchie owner.

I would think a fairly fine rolled leather I/2 check should work well, but whatever you find most comfortable for you dog and you are confident in using works well. I know that certain breeds have their styles the like, but is this just following the leader? No two dog show the same or move exactly the same. So why should all collars and leads be the same?

Generally people use certain collars and leads for certain breeds as these are what they look best in and don't detract from the dog.

In my breed most people use an all chain half check chain or a pretty snake silver check chain.  Very occasionally a fine rolled half check collar that hides within the coat.

With leads most people want a fine lead, but heavy enough so that it drops below the ear when on a loose lead, as too light a lead catching on the dogs pricked ear will have them flicking their ear with irritation.

On short coated breeds you do not want anything too noticeable.  Then there is the control aspect, so the leads and collars still have to be strong enough.

The all in one half checking leads with sliders are great for well trained gundogs so that they can be laid right back behind the shoulders when presenting the dog, and then the slide is pushed down again to give control and stop the dog slipping it's lead when moving.

Nearly fell off my seat !!!  A  frenchie owner - seems rare as chickens teeth around here Gosh I could ask you so much, been doing all my learning about the breed on-line...
Thank you, had a look at the web site, they look very smart and very reasonable too!!

Gosh, now i'm starstuck had a look at your website....