Here is a topic you'll think back and wonder "how did I get into this". There is a world of purebred "dog people" involved in the sport of exhibiting dogs. If you love dogs, competition, travel, hard work, no sleep, busy every weekend and periodic bouts of uncontrollable anxiety, this might be for you.

Showing dogs is fun, exciting and nerve racking all at the same time. Depending on the quality of your dog, the judge that day, your ability to show your dog or have them shown, is very subjective and can be very political. If every dog has it's day must be true even for some of the least likely participants. I saw an ad once in dog show magazine, "If All the World Loves a Winner, Has Never Won at a Dog Show". My first dog won right away with the breeder showing him for me. I began showing my dog and he still won so I kept on showing him. It takes time to understand the schedules, classes, points awarded and judges at the dog shows. Only AKC registered, purebred dogs are eligible to be shown in AKC conformation shows. There are obedience, agility, rally, hunting and coursing events, to participate in with your dog instead of, or along with conformation events.

Conformation - is based on the American Kennel Club, French Bulldog standard as supported by the French Bulldog Club of America (FBDCA) breed qualifications. Check Breed Standard on this site and is the same on AKC.org. There is so much to learn and experience even ten years is not enough. I think I've expressed more private excitement and disappointment, but more public aggravation towards others including handlers and judges. That's the part you learn to control and some, never do. Ya gotta be thick skinned, but it can also be a family affair and a fun weekend to share. Rule one, have a nice dog of exceptional quality and a desire to participate in dog shows. You need to know you have a correct breed specimen with an outgoing personality and correct gait. Next decide if you will learn to show your own dog or if you will hire a professional handler to show your dog. Have you ever watched the Westminster Kennel Club dog show on TV? Well many of the people showing the dogs are professionals paid by the owners or groups of owners that have an interest in the dog. Oh and by the way, MONEY TALKS. However in short some people call conformation "beauty pageants" because it is based on the physical quality of the dogs', breed type in comparison with the breed standard and not on a specific performance, tasks or challenge.

I try to encourage people they can show their own dogs. In my opinion, I feel there is no reason to be intimidated by it. You are just following a simple set of instructions described by the judge that day. This typically consists of your dog standing still so the judge can examine your dog.

Next you may trot or "gait" the dog in a pattern, the judge decides and will convey that to you.
Showing your dog off is the name of the game. It's not hard, you lead your dog around the ring a couple of times until the judge makes a decision. However, many people find it too nerve racking and intimidating just to do that. This is often why many people hire a professional handler instead.
I say, just get out there, you can do it!

Handlers - I've met helpful and friendly ones and I've met some you'd think were heart surgeons and can't be bothered. Still I've met some handlers that stand out as just helpful and nice people. I prefer to hire those handlers when necessary. In any case some are starving handlers and some six figure handlers. Most people that usually hire handlers sit back and excite over their dog's wins. They may spend upwards of $10,000 a month including advertising, in dog show publications. You will defiantly feel the chill often from professional handlers until you hire one. A professional handler's fee on average ranges from $65.00 to $125.00 per show. Added expenses depend on rates that vary per handler. Check out www.professionalhandlers.com or the AKC registered hander program for more information about professional handlers. Not all handers are members, many are just as accredited and are quite recognized, in the sport of showing dogs. However be aware of situations you could run into About Unscrupulous Handlers

I have hired handlers before. Typically, I show my own dogs for the most part. There are advantages to hiring a handler one; many judges were handlers for years before becoming a judge. Often when they started in dogs they assisted other handlers and then became handlers themselves. Another reason to hire a handler is if you can't physically be in the ring weekend, after weekend or if you have a physical disability. The first one, handlers often have relationships they've established over the years with some judges and judges, understand about being a handler themselves. This is the handler's living, win or loose you still pay the handling fee and you can't be in debt with one handler then turnaround and hire another. Be aware if you're asked to sign a contract before testing your dog with that handler, making sure they are the right handler for you to hire, for your dog.

The faster the dog finishes their championship sometimes can be an indication you've got a top winner on your hands. It also means the handler has more ability, and or, the better advantage showing your dog. It can also mean your dog's timing is just right considering the other dogs in the ring at that time. The more your dog wins and the higher the wins, the more bonus fees you'll pay the handler for those top wins. This is often when the dog has exceeded their AKC championship requirements beyond the basics and is called "specialing or campaigning". Every dog at Westminster must first be an AKC champion to be eligible to participate. So the handler you choose is to represent your dog and show off your dogs, best qualities and distract from any negative qualities. This is the handlers expertise.

Know how to choose the right professional handler - I'd choose one with a presence in my breed or a popular, big winner. And, since this is about showing French Bulldogs, choose a handler that exhibits Non-Sporting dogs. The Non-Sporting group is in the sixth of of seven groups recognized by AKC in which French Bulldogs are categorized and represented in. However at the same time, if a handler has more Non-Sporting dogs they don't always have the opportunity to show your dog every time. Handlers use assistance too. They may have ring, time conflicts, that can't show more than one dog at the same time. It all depends on how much they take on. The preceding top, clients typically take priority. Some handlers specialize in Working, Terriers or Toy breeds and not French Bulldogs or Bull breeds.

I think it really depends on what you want, how soon you want it and what you're willing to spend. Set goals for what you want the dog and the handler to accomplish. Know a head of time, what you'll be paying for. Very important, make sure your dog is a quality dog of merit (show prospects should be). Get constructive opinions from a few seasoned professionals and advise from your breeder. Some handlers take your money to show a dog, that may be a poor example of the breed. In many cases they still win and in some cases, they may know the judge. The judge may also recognize handlers from showing other breeds and advertisements. In many cases handlers don't know all breeds much beyond becoming familiar with the standard. Unfortunately, many judges don't know the breeds they are qualified to judge, including French Bulldogs, well enough either. This does not contribute to the quality of the breed or sport and only gives a false impression of your dog. It disrupts other breeders and owners and miss-educates handlers, judges and newcomers to the breed. Showing dogs is very political, judges don't always judge their exhibits fairly and often depends on who or what else is in the ring on that day.

Get what you pay for - When purchasing a "show prospect" from a breeder. I call them show prospects because they are only potential show dogs, they are also not a potential show dog. A breeder in Oklahoma or New York may have different understanding of what wins in their area verses another. Some areas the competition is tougher. If a breeder in Ohio, is selling you a show prospect and you live in California, that does not necessarily mean it is so, compared to the dogs competing in California. You can send your dog out, with a handler to another area, if your show prospect cannot compete in your area. I suggest you purchase only show prospects from experienced breeders that compete and produce winning dogs. You may pay a little more, but that Breeder's reputation is on the line and they better know what they are selling you in a show prospect. If I placed a show prospect and the dog didn't turn out, but the new owners showed it anyway, it would not make me happy. There is no perfect dog, but what are the faults, minor I can live with but major I'd be mortified.

The good part about showing your own dog, is all exhibits are on the same level when judged. You may need years of practice to become a good handler but having a great dog, that is deserving, is all that should matter. If you don't learn to show your own dog, sometimes the breeder may offer to show your dog. Otherwise, pay for a top handlers if you're really serious especially if you're intending the dog to compete on a national level and if you can afford it. Sometimes this can influence the breeder to make sure they send a very good prospect. They should want their dogs represented by top handlers and to do well and win big. If the breeders stays on your dog's registration papers as an owner and if your dog is to be shown, consider a reduction on the cost of the dog or the breeder's, participation in the dog's show career. I don't think that is unreasonable at all. If the breeder shows the dog for you is a considerable contribution.

Some of the small, time handlers can also do well finishing your dog. It really depends on the quality of your dog, the judges decision on that day. If you've paid top dollar for a show prospect and the dog ends up with a wry mouth, I'd expect a huge discount or a replacement of better quality. In the case you are in love with the wry mouthed pet, you'll probably keep it, otherwise place the pet and either buy from another breeder or offer to return the pup for a better one. Lean to be honest about what you have and accept your dog's faults or you'll be sadly mistaken. If your not willing do that, spend a long time and a lot of money showing the dog yourself, or spay, neuter the pet you love and be happy with your Frenchie as is.

Learn to show your own dog - it's not hard really. Follow the leader basically, put your dog on the table let the judge go over your dog and look in his mouth. You should train your dog to "stand for exam". Next put your dog on the ground and trot "gait" him in a pattern the judge describes, e.g. straight up and back, or a triangle. Next wait until the judge tells you what to do such as go around in a small circle or to the end of the line behind the other dogs. It is very important your dog and you have fun together. He will show better for you if he's up and happy to be in the ring. There are handling classes available for you to learn and train your dog that can be found on kennel club and dog show superintendent sites.

To learn more about dog shows become familiar with dog show superintendents and kennel clubs. These are businesses, representing groups that organize and host American Kennel Club, sanctioned dog shows in your area. Since I show in southern California, Arizona and Nevada the superintendents are Jack Bradshaw Dog Shows and Onofrio Dog Show superintendents. Visit their web sites at http://www.jbradshaw.com/ and http://www.onofrio.com/ and have a look around. You will find all sorts of doggy stuff, events and information you didn't know existed.

Points - It takes 15 points awarded to complete your dog's AKC championship requirements. These 15 points are made up of a combination of at least 2 major wins. Two major wins start with 3 points, called "majors" and require that your dog must defeat a certain number of dogs in order to obtain those points. The points are decided by the AKC and are separated by regions. For example in California, region 9 it takes 3 males dogs for 2 points and it takes 7 male dogs for a 3 points (as of May 2005), females are separate often with a slightly different range. The points may go up or down from year to year depending on the popularity of the breed in that region.

I am not even going to explain the different ways to achieve major wins. Briefly, if your dog (male) wins, defeating the rest of the males entered and there are enough males shown for a major win. Another way is if the male entries are not enough that day, for a a major win but there are enough entries for "bitches", if the judge awards your male "Best of Winners" gives him the same points as in bitches. If your dog wins over all the males and there are only five and you need seven for a major. If there are two male specials (champions) in the ring and your dog wins best of breed, he will have defeated enough "dogs" to receive a major win. It can get even more complicated. The points required for each sex are listed in the catalog provided at the shows for each breed. But, when your dog has accumulated at least 2 major wins and a total of 15 points, you'll have a finished champion. Beyond that, if your dog continues and wins best of breed even from the classes, counts towards national points for dogs defeated. It can get pretty confusing. It may take a few shows and it may take a year or more to finish your dog's championship.

More on dog shows check out the American Kennel Club.