I plan to enter our HV bitch in some companion shows this summer to get a bit of experience in the ring and see whether I want to take it any further. Anyway, my question is what class(es) could she go in for at an open or champ show, taking into account that she is 6 this June and has never been shown before! The training is going well, she stacks nicely and can be very 'showy' when she wants(and when she has space!). Thanks........

At open shows enter her into the Post grad or Open class...but at champshows enter her into postgrad, open will be the class containing the champions and limit is dogs which have done abit of winning...normally champions to be...but not always...

Rox

Thanks Rox, but from the small range of classes(if any) that vizslas have at open shows she would have to go into the open class, would this reduce her chance of winning? I know winning isn't everything but it doesn't seem fair that us newbies would have to compete against champions!! Suppose its all part of the experience!!!

You will find that at open shows the breeds are often given 3 classes, these differ from one show to another, but at most there will be a post graduate class. So don't despair if there is only a Junior and Open class as everybody else will be in the same position as you, and you are right the company of fellow enthusiasts and the pleasure of looking at the breed you love at their best in the show ring is just as enjoyable as winning a piece of card.

Have a schedule in my hand now and your breed has Junior - Post Grad - Open and I think you will find that is what most will be. It's Milton Keynes if you are interested.

The thing I would be cautious about if I was a judge was having a 6 year old bitch entered in a Post Grad class, that would say to me that this dog has not won a thing if it's that age and still in the class.

I would try Limit at Champ shows and open at open shows.   Thats my opinion anyway!

Even Show Champion's/Champions have off days or aren't the judges "ideal", that's what makes dog showing interesting...................sometimes!