How Old Is Too Old To Start Showing Your Whippet

[turb065]

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was recently chatting to someone and they said you should start showing your whippet as early as possible. wondering what peoples opinions are and how old is to old for a whippets first show?

 

[Vanna]

I wouldn't say there was ever a top limit. I know of one bitch who was never shown until she was 5. Her owner found that she really loved it and she did well with her well into her veterean years. I think the reason people say as early as possible is perhaps to get them used to showing while still a puppy, when everything is still part of learning about life. Also a judge is more likely to forgive a puppy being sily because they are not used to it, than an older whippet as they would assume that the older one should know what they're doing. However, my advice is go for it. If your whippet hates it, then don't force it to show, however if it likes showing, it doesn't matter how old or young they are - you'll both have fun! :thumbsup:

 

[marier05]

My Tara was 3 when i got 'bitten' by the show bug and we have never looked back since. 2 years on and she could do it without me even being in the ring with her! (w00t) She absolutly loves it. (so do i ) :-

 

[rubywhip]

Hi

I started showing a Basset Hound that I rehomed when she was 5years old, she loved it ! ! if your thinking about showing , go on take the plunge, you may enjoy it

Heather

 

[alfie]

At the Whippet Club show next Saturday, I am going to be showing my sister's 12 year old (w00t) bitch Wilma for the first time at a 'proper' show! She has been to a couple of companion shows, but is looking so good that we thought why not?! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

So I would say that they are never to old to start showing!

Liz and the Monellis

 

[aslan]

Ditto - never too old I reckon, as long as they like it.

But perhaps go through the same process as you would with a pup to introduce your dog to showing: some ringcraft first and some companion shows to see how he/she enjoys it, then go for it at champ shows. :luck:

 

[turb065]

yeah i have been to "fun days" at the whippet greyhound club in sa and entered her in best whippet aand she came first in her first year and was top 4 out of about 50 whippets last year so i think se is liked , i just dont know how well she'd heel around a ring. she stands well on the table so i'm not sure what to do :S

 

[aslan]

Didn't realise you were an Aussie! Had a look at your profile and topics and saw the pics of Crispy. She's sweet.

The first thing you need to do is talk to the breeder you bought her from ... particularly if that person was a registered pedigree breeder and if they sold her to you as "pet quality". That means that at that time the breeder deemed her not quite good enough to go showing. If this is the case, it is respectful to contact the breeder and let him/her have a look at Crispy now to see if they think she will be competitive in the show ring now, rather than just doing it without their knowledge. They can then help you with joining the SACA and being eligible to show.

If you bought her from a pet breeder (not registered with the SACA) and you do not have papers for her then you won't be able to show her.

You can go to some "OPEN" shows - where you don't have to be a member of the SACA in order to compete - (but your dog still must be a registered pedigree whippet) - there is less pressure at these shows - the judges are trainees and there are no championship points on offer so there are fewer competitors and a more relaxed atmosphere. That way you can see if you and she like the showing game and then you can decide to get more competitive and enter the championship shows.

Good luck Brad - let's know how you get on.