Benched dog shows

[blackcat77]

If you go to a benched dog show, do you have to actually use the benching or can your dog be in her crate somewhere a bit quieter?

[woofgang]

well ask the show but I think that part of the thing about benched dog shows is that the public go too and the benching is a chance for them to see the dogs....there is often something in the small print about how long each dog must spend "on the bench"
....but as I say the best thing is to check with the show organisers

[blackcat77]

ok, thanks very much woofgang - love the name!

[lankeela]

The rule is that dogs must be on their benches unless being judged, prepared for exhibition or exercised. However, many dogs never even see their benches, and people sit by the ringside with their dogs either in cages, on trolleys or on blankets. There is really no policing of this rule at any show I have been to. Provided the cages are not left somewhere in the way, such as gangways or fire exits, then no-one seems to bother. There are often polls conducted on dog sites about whether or not the benches are necessary, and I would prefer to be able to 'book' a bench with your entries if you want one (I often enter 3 or 4 dogs and could manage with just one bench for my belongings. The only show where the public really come round the benches is Crufts, at most other shows they tend to be round the judging rings.

[blackcat77]

Thank you lankeela - I'm a total novice as far as showing dogs is concerned and am wondering whether or not to enter my young Belgian shepherd for Richmond at Guildford in September as it is benched. We are doing an Open show this weekend, followed by her breed show in August - we have until July 23rd to decide so I shall see how she is behaving and more importantly, if she is enjoying herself.

[lankeela]

Go for it, it is a lovely show, and although the benching is in big marquees, you won't need to have her on the bench as there are lots of places you can set a cage up. Just go and get your ring number from the bench. I doubt very much whether anyone would even notice. If you do go, don't forget to try the Losely Park Ice Cream, they have a stall at the show and it is mouthwatering! What is her breeding?

[blackcat77]

She is a Belgian Shepherd Malinois from the Bonvivant kennel - her sire is Yachtmans Tale of Sabrefield and dam is Bonvivant Cacharelle who very sadly died earlier this year. If I can work out how to do it I'll put a photo up of her - she is gorgeous! We also hope to do some agility and maybe even some obedience with her when she grows up a bit!

[blackcat77]

I forgot to say that she is Bonvivant Quichotte, Isla to her friends and whilst looking for her father's name, realised that she is 1 year old today!

[lankeela]

Happy birthday Isla, it is also my birthday today!

I know her breeder Jan, she got Best of Breed yesterday with her Champion Bonvivant Esprit, there were six entered and she bred them all. I am sure the people in the breed would be glad to have another dog being shown, as there are so few of them.

[blackcat77]

Happy Birthday Lankeela! Hope that you have had a good day. Glad to hear that Jan is doing well - I had one of hers as I'd seen someone else showing her Malinois and then I met Jan at Crufts 2007 and arranged to have a puppy from her. What dogs do you have?

[lankeela]

I have Lancashire Heelers. Hence the name Lankeela!

[lankeela]

Well, how did you get on at the show, and have you entered Richmond?

[blackcat77]

Isla came home with some rosettes but we both were pretty appalling through it being the first time for both of us! I got there miles too early and being amongst so many other dogs it just blew her brain. It was also very windy and the tapes between the rings were being blown around a lot and I think that she found that off putting as well. I've entered her for Junior bitch at Richmond - there will be time to improve drastically before then, I hope. We'll chalk the last show up to experience!

I googled Lancashire Heelers as I don't think that I have heard of them and they do look fun dogs - what do you do with yours?

[lankeela]

I am sure you will both have learnt form the experience. Try to find a ringcraft club, you will find it a great help as she will get used to the other dogs and to being handled by the judge. You will be taught how to stand her and at what speed to move her, but also you will pick up lots of other tips such as where to stand in the ring, what you need to take etc.

Although I only show my Heelers now in the past they have
done obedience and agility and one was a PAT dog visiting an old people's home.

[kita1]

Don't know if you are interested but there is a forum for Belgians here:-

http://forum.belgiansworld.com/index.php

There are mainly Mal owners on there and it is based quite alot on working dogs from abroad.

I used to have a Groenendael (black) Belgian, she was lots of fun!!! They are a wonderful breed - I would love to have one of each colour/variety - when I win the lottery that is!

[lankeela]

I have judged Tervs and Grons on a couple of occasions, but my favourite are the Lakenois. I love their crispy curly whiskers.

[blackcat77]

Thanks for the website Kita, I'll go and have a look at that!
I agree Lankeela, the Laekenois look lovely too and I imagine has a similar temperament to the rest of the Belgians.
I've had a Malinois and two Tervs before, and just love the breed - I also have two labradors, the younger lab is 8 now but still bullied by Isla, who would really like to be the pack leader but Jack the older lab (11) won't let her. There have always been labs in the family and I think there always will be, just to dilute the Belgian Shepherds a bit. The only downside to having a Malinois is so many people think that they are young alsations - I feel like hanging a sign round my neck saying "No, she's not a German Shepherd" when we go for walks.