Shar Pei Resource / bearposhsharpei Winnipeg Manitoba Canada

My husband and I took Aurora to a dog show in Red Deer on Saturday. She wasn't entered. We went there to chat with Linda Yasinski. She had "Vegas" entered.  Just being there was so fun. We are now seriously considering showing Aurora. Any info on getting started would be very much appreciated.         

Susan,

You may want to contact Andrea and Sharon first. The simply reason is this. If I am not mistaken Aurora was purchased on a Pet Contract. This contract means Aurora will need to be altered/spayed in the very near future. This would eliminate you from being able to show her.

The reason SOME, not all, puppies are sold on Pet Contracts is that the puppy may not conform to breed standard in one area or another. IE; poor this, poor that, too small, too whatever......A breeder evaluates a litter and sells the pups accordingly. A pet is also sold for less money on average then a show quality puppy. This is because the breeder knows the puppy will be altered and never bred.

I think the best bet is this, ask Andrea and Sharon if you can show your puppy. Then go from there. If they say yes, great! If they say no have them explain why not. I would assume they will tell you their reasons. Same as those listed above I would expect. If you don't ask, you won't know. Good luck!! It's work, classes, conditioning, time, money and politics! But it can be fun too!!

PS: these are just my thoughts on the subject, it is up to the breeder to say yes....

Devi

Hi Devi, I did talk to Andrea and she thought it was a great idea. Aurora was sold as a pet  primarily because of her low birth weight.  Not sure she will make standard on height but might be fun to show her as a puppy. Linda Yasinski encouraged us to show her. Just need to figure out how to get started.

I spoke to Sharon today...She told me Andrea said yes to showing. That is terrific!

First and foremost, get into comformation handling classes. Research who in town is GOOD and also who shows. You want someone that can really teach you. It does not take long. An 8 week course should see you ready to show. You need to go once a week.

Showing can be fun if you stay away from the politics of others.

No dog is perfect. It's always best, in my opinion to know what you have at the end of your leash, and work with it the best way you can. Classes will help you in this area.

Showing her yourself is the best way to go. No need for a handler. You will learn with her as a team.

Alberta has lots of shows. Both in Calgary as well as close by. You will likely see the same Shar Pei at every show. There are a few that show, but I think only about 3 regulars. (as far as I know)

For showing you will need a nice show collar, show leash, show crate, (wire, not to big, and easy to carry), water dish for the show, bottled water, bait ( dog treat to have in the ring) hand towel to wipe her down at ring side, a small brush maybe. ( I don't brush at shows myself ) As for you? Dress cloths. IE; blazer/jacket, dress top and pants. You want to look nice! It's a dressy event to most handlers. ( Today I bought 2 new show jackets myself ) You want at the very least 3 outfits. Most shows are 3 days long, some are 4.

Anyway, the bottom line? Call around NOW and start handling classes. Then look towards shows in your area for mid-june and beyond. Your dog does NOT have to be ring perfect. 8 weeks of classes should have her ready to rock!

Have FUN!!!!!!

I am soooooooo happy Andrea said yes to showing! As far as I am concerned there was no reason to say no, but one can never guess what another will say.....

Good luck!!

Devi