Hi All,
We have a 9 month old Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla dog, who we keep being told we should show, where do we start, there seems to be a variety of classes that cover his age,  also at some shows the are Any Variety Gundog classes, can we show him in more than one class at the same show, and can we enter him in Any Variety classes as well,
Thanks in advance

Mark

Hi,
I would start by doing limit shows, there is no pressure and you can enter as many classes as you like. We have the smooth haired variety and took our 6 month old pups to a limit show today. Gets them used to all the noise, strange dogs and complete strangers looking in their mouths etc. Good luck..

i would start by looking for a ringcraft class in your area. a good class is invaluable. they can show you how to stack, prepare you and your dog. it is also good socialisation for both of you too. a good chance to meet other people in your breed and learn from them too. they will show you how you can hide your dogs faults (of which there will be) and how to draw attention good points. i would also sit at the side of the ring at champshows and take note of how the exhibitors handle their dogs, the leads they use, the way in which the dogs are turned out etc. i say champshows because there will be a better turn out of your breed as they are not a "common" breed.
showing can be very disheartening at first but also very addictive.
i wish you the best of look xx

Mark where are you located near as we should be able to between us all point you in the right direction for some ringcraft classes.

If you want to get right in there then open shows i would start off with, not seen many shows unless gundog open shows to have classes for your breed. Normally AVNSC Gundog puppy would be the best for you i would of thought.

The people are ringcraft should be able to go through with you show schedules and which classes you can enter and which are best for you too.

also ask your breeder for advise

Whereabouts are you? I am sure I will be able to put you in touch with someone local to you who shows a Wire
Diane

we are in Hinckley on the leicestershire/warwickshire border, i think sky blue connexions in coventry would be nearest, but i haven't had a reply from my phone message,
We are entered into the Leicestershire Gundog Society (13/2),Coventry and District Gundog Society (27/3) and the HWVA open (18/4), as all have Wire classes, i wasn't sure if we should complete against other breeds from the start, or
Diane, was it you and your husband on the Discover Dogs stand at Cruft in 2008, if it was, it was you who got us into this fabulous breed and we thank you whole heartedly

Mark

I think we might go to the manchester show on sunday, is anyone going to be there who might have time to spare to talk to us?

I cant remember if OH was On DD. I was showing ( took BD and Res BB).

I havent entered Manchester but am thinking of going to watch...dogless. Might see you there. Does your breeder show?

Diane

Nice one,
Hopefully we can meet up at Manchester then, I'll PM you my mobile number if we go,
Monty's Father is Farnfield Cock Robyn and his mother is a silvanus owned by the chrissies, so he has hopefully got good showing genes!!

Im positive that The Chrisses will help and guide you with showing, they are regular showers themselves with Wires and Welshies and there are several  of your litter in the ring.Possibly see you at Manchester,

Diane

Hi, fantastic breed aren't they.  I think my pup was on DD in 08 so perhaps he impressed you too...

Your breeders are very active in the HWV Association.  Lots of very good breed information there, including a list of Open shows with breed classes.  If you notice some shows are missing just email the club and they'll add them.

As previously mentioned, your breeders should be your best resource for showing advice: did you get Monty as a show prospect?  Some breeders run ringcraft sessions for their show pups, which often include a quick lesson in show entry forms (tricky aren't they!). 

Safest bet is to stick to the lowest age breed class available and the same with AVNSC Gundog classes where there are no breed classes available.  If Post Graduate is the lowest age you'll generally find other pups in there with you.  As Diane already mentioned, some of them will be your own litter - there were several at LKA in December.  It is still a rare breed (although CC's in 2011) but you'll generally find a few at most Open shows and the Gundog shows are well supported too.  Even if you are there on your own you'll find that other breed owners in NSC are very happy to point you in the right direction , particulalry if they realise you're new.  Good luck