Carsan Cavaliers
Showing your Dog
Depending on whether you've chosen your dog for a pet ... or perhaps even to show, here are a few pointers. I won't go into too much detail as after 45 years of breeding and showing I'd need another website to describe both my accomplishments and experiences ... but to begin with showing can be great fun. It's a sociable event with like minded people, some extremely knowledgeable about the breed, and nearly all would like to think their dog is the best ... BUT, it will be judged accordingly!
Truth is a lot of dogs are merely mediocre in show terms, but go for the day out and enjoyment of the breed. No problem ... we have some great days out ... and some perhaps not so great.
Firstly to be in with any chance of an award, see my page on the standard. It has to be as close as possible ... and yes, as the dogs age they change, some for the better, others not so. Regardless your breeder, if they show themselves will advise you accordingly, and about their particular lines of breeding and its attributes. It can be a long road to success, but hey it's a great past-time and hobby.
Ring Craft Classes
Before you consider showing itself ... ring craft classes help you to not only socialise your dog, but also help it to mentally mature, with obedience and a level of skill in showing how it moves, with training and treats, but most of all ... making it FUN. Cavaliers are a tender breed and NO amount of chastisement will do any good whatsoever. In fact in real terms, it destroys the dogs playful but happy demeanour. The last thing you want to do is destroy the puppy's spirit, it will remember bad times so you make sure to be patient, loving and kind in order to "bring about" the dog's natural instinct and that is ... to please you! There are lots of clubs and ring craft classes. Google is always your friend.
Dog Grooming
As stated elsewhere, one of the most important aspects of dog health is cleanliness and thus ... grooming. Your dog should be inspected all over on a regular basis and adequate protection against fleas and mites, as well as ticks! and especially if they roam into long grass regularly. But when you're taking them to a show, it's literally a whole new level. And with it, experience is needed and acquired only by the passing of time, and advice from others. The last thing a show judge wants to do is stroke, feel and go over a dirty, greasy unkempt dog! Watch the video
HERE.
The Show Ring
Try to choose your shows (and even judges) carefully ... for various reasons, but unfortunately that knowlege comes with time and experience. e.g You don't wanna be dashing off to John'O Groats on a no hoper! ... save the fuel and headache for another day. Maybe stick with local open shows to be begin with, feel your way, make friends and watch, look and listen. Eventually you'll get to learn ... a lot ! So try and benefit from the experiences, both good and not so good.
The Rewards
It's a funny ol' world, as dog showing in monetary terms is not very rewarding ... unless of course you're an accredited breeder and your stock is high in demand, because you've taken the trouble to breed very seriously. You've done all the health testing, perfected your breeding line, thus your show dogs meet the Breed Standard ... and start to win their classes. You can spend copiously in fuel and vehicle maintenance, even hotel bills to attend national championship shows ... to get qualified at differing levels of age. Patience, time and experience will eventually reap reward and you win best in show at a National or get your day on the green carpet at Crufts. But it IS fun ... Good Luck!
Our 2024 Show Team
Gill and myself will be showing wherever possible this year the young dogs in the picture ... two young dogs just out of yearling
classes, and a new puppy. (weather and diaries permitting).
Carsan In Your dreams (Logan) Black & Tan puppy dog.
Carsan Hot An' Tasty (Woody) Blenheim dog.
Carsan Richie Rich (Ricky) Tri-colour dog.
