What Do You Think ?

[JAX]

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On Saturday I went to a Championship Cat show with my sister. Her friend Janet was showing chinchilla Persians and won Best of breed and Imperial Champion with her girl ( meant to take camera but forgot :b )

Cat showing is very diff from dogs in that they have to all be vetted for fleas etc and you HAVE to be there very early for this as no one is allowed in till its been checked ( also they have to have nails cut too before going in ) The cats are penned all day and exhibitors ( or public) aren't allowed in whilst judging takes place ,

Of course some judges still know what cat belongs to who even though all the pens are supposed to be the same , white covers and white cat litter in trays etc ( some did have diff colour than white though :thumbsup: ) and no cat can leave till after all judging at about 5 pm (w00t) any that do leave early forfeit all wins

I digress , :wacko:

I asked Janet about Groups and Best in Show . and she relyed that they don't have one

Now , MY question is , who , apart from the chosen few, who in the world of General Championship dog showing would miss groups and Best in show ? how many of you have ever stayed to actually watch it ( apart from Crufts ?) unless you or a friend was in the group line up ?The Hound show doesnt count either

Some exhibitors dont even stay for best of breed , and ok, I know we might have other dogs at home and long distances to travel o

Ill tell you how many Ive seen,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ONE and that's cos id been stewarding all day and was too tired to go home with out a cuppa and sit down . :cheers:

Just think of where a lot of the entry money goes too ? super rosettes for the hallowed winners . who are usually the same lot week in and week out ,

Flowers and what not around the group wins for `nice pictures . and what do we `bread and butter` exhibitors get , if we are lucky , a bit of card

 

[rls22]

I've only ever stayed to watch the group when one of our dogs has been in it,(never at a champ show I hasten to add, unfortunately!!) apart from that we're normally off after BOB and we don't always stay to watch that :b

 

[WIGGY]

Sad as it may seem, but I used to show tropical fish about 25 years ago. Like the cats you were not allowed to remove them from the bench till the end and they were judged without the public being present. A fish I had won many shows and was entitled to be shown at the Alexandra Palace London (which was the fish world Crufts). It took 1st place in its group, but when I returned to collect at the end of the show it had been stolen obviously by a jealous competitor. I've even seen a judge take someones prize fish from its show tank and slap it dead on the bench and measured when the competitor questioned the judges points for its size.

 

[JAX]

Sad as it may seem, but I used to show tropical fish about 25 years ago. Like the cats you were not allowed to remove them from the bench till the end and they were judged without the public being present. A fish I had won many shows and was entitled to be shown at the Alexandra Palace London (which was the fish world Crufts). It took 1st place in its group, but when I returned to collect at the end of the show it had been stolen obviously by a jealous competitor. I've even seen a judge take someones prize fish from its show tank and slap it dead on the bench and measured when the competitor questioned the judges points for its size.

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(w00t)

thats terrible , poor fish I never knew there were/ are fish shows ,You learn some thing every day , :cheers:

 

[jinnyfizz]

OMG - poor fish (w00t) That's awful

Horse showing tends to be the same as dog showing ......... not many stay for the championship (best in show) unless they're in it. Both my neighbours show their ponies - one shows Welsh Bs and Cs and the other breeds and shows Fells. I always know if they haven't won their classes because they're home by lunchtime :lol: :thumbsup:

 

[Mini Me]

We are perhaps the strangest nation on the planet when it comes to 'showing' our favourite things in life! I am a sad git I know, but to date, I have been to shows for all of these during my time; pigeon, chickens, ducks etc, flowers, alpine plants, vegetables, hamsters, mice, rabbits, dogs, cats, canaries, budgies, train sets, toy cars, bonsai trees, post cards, photographs, artwork, cakes (mmmmmmm!), all judged! The only one of these were the public and exhibitors are IN the room when judging takes place is....yep...Dogs! More importantly, I think, the one with the most contriversy is...yep...Dogs! Never heared anyone say its the face on the end of the lead that counts in a chicken show! Anyway, I will put my tin hat on....

 

[maggie217]

Although it is many, many years since I was showing dogs, I think I remember that dogs couldn't leave the show until about 4 pm.

 

Also that reminds me of the thinking that seems to be going on at the moment about benching. In those days dogs also had to be on their benches at all times, except when being exercised or in the ring. After all they are 'Exhibits' not just competitors and they were there for the public to see, apart from being judged in the showring. Because those rules were enforced Groups and BIS were almost always well attended.

 

Pauline

 

[posh totty]

im still very new to showing but do try to wait til B I S just to watch and try to learn? oh and drool over some dogs too :- " however this is at local opens within say 100 mile radius, time is the factor and i have kids and dogs to see to when i get home

but very interesting to see the differences in the 2 worlds of showing :thumbsup:

did stay to watch lillybet win at the suffolk and take B I S with her ig sophia :wub:

 

[lillybet]

im still very new to showing but do try to wait til B I S just to watch and try to learn? oh and drool over some dogs too  :- " however this is at local opens within say 100 mile radius, time is the factor and i have kids and dogs to see to when i get home
but very interesting to see the differences in the 2 worlds of showing  :thumbsup:

did stay to watch lillybet win at the suffolk and take B I S with her ig sophia  :wub:

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Glad you were there hun :huggles:

I agree there are times that I would love to stay to the end especially at champ shows Perhaps if I ever get the caravan or camper van I so what I can say over and enjoy the shows

Hey Tanya fancy it :thumbsup:

Lillibet

 

[jayp]

Interesting point Jax, Heather and i have stayed to watch quite afew groups this summer, mostley coz its the only time we get any peace!!!!!!!!!

And yes it was noticeable just how many were there every week usually the same ones that were in the dog press the week before

Maybe now Pedigree no longer sponsor instead of putting entry fees up they cold save this money by losing more from the top than the bottom!!!!!! Jan

 

[posh totty]

im still very new to showing but do try to wait til B I S just to watch and try to learn? oh and drool over some dogs too  :- " however this is at local opens within say 100 mile radius, time is the factor and i have kids and dogs to see to when i get home
but very interesting to see the differences in the 2 worlds of showing  :thumbsup:

did stay to watch lillybet win at the suffolk and take B I S with her ig sophia  :wub:

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Glad you were there hun :huggles:

I agree there are times that I would love to stay to the end especially at champ shows Perhaps if I ever get the caravan or camper van I so what I can say over and enjoy the shows

Hey Tanya fancy it :thumbsup:

Lillibet

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im sure we will be investing in one for the shows and the curcuit next year, if you still want to? :thumbsup: bet leon will be glad of the peace???!!! :- " tbh i cant wait!!!

 

[anniewhippet]

Interesting question Jax... :unsure: I have to admit that I have only stayed to watch the Group/BIS at General Champ shows in recent years if a friend was in it.

Prior to that I did often stay at my 'local' Champ shows to either see the Hound Group and quite often went on another day, usually working, to watch that & shop.

But I think in those days Rachel was at home to see to the dogs, if hubby couldn't , but nowadays she too has a family and dogs to see to. :thumbsup:

So in my experience it is usually because of home requirements and of course the horrendous traffic that now stop me 'hanging around'.

As to general open shows ( I know you didn't ask this but anyway :- " ) I quite like to stay as long as other requirements allow but get very frustrated :rant: when you know the Groups/BIS could have been completed with a bigger crowd if only the organisers had kept the show running smoothly.

How many people have sat around waiting for Groups/BIS at an open show which has had empty rings, long lunchbreaks, poor organisation? :wacko:

Anyway my lengthy thoughts :sweating: on an interesting question........

 

[jok]

I've only ever stayed to watch the group when one of our dogs has been in it,(never at a champ show I hasten to add, unfortunately!!) apart from that we're normally off after BOB and we don't always stay to watch that  :b

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Always do at a General Open Show - i think it's almost rude not to.

I know everyone has other dogs, interests, family etc, but what i can't understand is these people who turn up for their class (now talking Champ shows) in MPD, then by JD, they've gone home!! How can you ever learn anything, plus it's hardly much of a day out is it!

This summer we've done a lot of the General Champ Shows and more often than not have been there to see BOB. However, with long journeys (and some slow judging) we have left a bit before. There's never many people left by this stage, so would be interested to know how few by the time it's the group.

Cat shows are even more expensive aren't they? :wacko:

 

[rls22]

I've only ever stayed to watch the group when one of our dogs has been in it,(never at a champ show I hasten to add, unfortunately!!) apart from that we're normally off after BOB and we don't always stay to watch that  :b

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Always do at a General Open Show - i think it's almost rude not to.

I know everyone has other dogs, interests, family etc, but what i can't understand is these people who turn up for their class (now talking Champ shows) in MPD, then by JD, they've gone home!! How can you ever learn anything, plus it's hardly much of a day out is it!

This summer we've done a lot of the General Champ Shows and more often than not have been there to see BOB. However, with long journeys (and some slow judging) we have left a bit before. There's never many people left by this stage, so would be interested to know how few by the time it's the group.

Cat shows are even more expensive aren't they? :wacko:

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Yep that was in ref to the champ shows.

Alex was talking to a lady at work who shows her cats and she was surprised how cheap the entry was for a champ dog show (assuming Alex told her roughly the right amount that is!) I think she was paying about £30 for her cats

 

[ROSIE MEADOWS]

Although it is many, many years since I was showing dogs, I  think I remember that dogs couldn't leave the show until about 4 pm.   

Also that reminds me of the thinking that seems to be going on at the moment about benching.  In those days dogs also had to be on their benches at all times,  except when being exercised or in the ring.  After all they are 'Exhibits' not just competitors and they were there for the public to see, apart from being judged in the showring.  Because those rules were enforced Groups and BIS were almost always well attended.

 

Pauline

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Lots of rules seem to be relaxed at all levels of shows nowdays. Went to an open show with a friend and everybody was busy spraying and chalking, double handling was rife. One darling boxer was having his eye make up applied without even blinking. Surely the rules should either be amended to allow all of this (what's sauce for the goose) or be enforced! Not for me to complain to the authorities as I was merely a spectator.

 

[maggie217]

Although it is many, many years since I was showing dogs, I  think I remember that dogs couldn't leave the show until about 4 pm.   

Also that reminds me of the thinking that seems to be going on at the moment about benching.  In those days dogs also had to be on their benches at all times,  except when being exercised or in the ring.   After all they are 'Exhibits' not just competitors and they were there for the public to see, apart from being judged in the showring.  Because those rules were enforced Groups and BIS were almost always well attended.

 

Pauline

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Lots of rules seem to be relaxed at all levels of shows nowdays. Went to an open show with a friend and everybody was busy spraying and chalking, double handling was rife. One darling boxer was having his eye make up applied without even blinking. Surely the rules should either be amended to allow all of this (what's sauce for the goose) or be enforced! Not for me to complain to the authorities as I was merely a spectator.

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I do think that rules should be enforced or what is the point of having them. It also means everyone is competing on a level playing field. I am sure that people argue that they have a long way to travel, other animals to see to etc. but that always was the case. I didn't drive when I used to go to Champ shows, often travelled by train but we still had to stay at the show ground all day and make our travel arrangements to fit. I remember travelling overnight on the train from Yorkshire and the 1st morning tube to Windsor and then travelling back overnight again, but if you wanted to show thats what you had to do.

 

Pauline

 

[Seraphina]

The difference between cat and dog show here in Australia is that public pays to come to see the cats, so it would not be very fair if half the cats were gone before the people could look at them. Dogs are there just for the competition, once they are finished there is no reason why they should have to stay. I really do not care if people stay or not when we make it into the group judging. And i do not feel it to be disrespectful if i leave before the end of the show.

By the way, few years ago the judging of cats have also changed here. It is done in front of the public. Also maybe the cats are not judged in "groups" as such but I have noticed that in the shows I attended they are judged in different categories and just about every cat would win something, some would have several sashes and certificates on their cages.

 

[meddling]

Doesn't it make you glad that you're involved with dog showing - not Fish :lol: Poor fishies

Cat showing strikes me as a little boring too :- "

 

[JAX]

The difference between cat and dog show here in Australia is that public pays to come to see the cats, so it would not be very fair if half the cats were  gone before the people could look at them.  Dogs are there just for the competition, once they are finished there is no reason why they should have to stay. I really do not care if people stay or not when we make it into the group judging.  And i do not feel it to be disrespectful if i leave before the end of the show.
By the way, few years ago the judging of cats have also changed here.  It is done in front of the public.  Also maybe the cats are not judged in "groups" as such but I have noticed that in the shows I attended they are judged in different categories and just about every cat would win something, some would have several sashes and certificates on their cages.

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Non exhibitors at our Champ shows , also have to pay entry fee so the public are getting a short deal I suppose , At one time you couldnt leave before a certain time here, but I dont think even that rule applies any more . apart from Crufts of course :- "

At cat shows the classes are even in colour , eg Burmese have classes for Lilacs :wub: Chocolate , torite point etc , so its VERY easy to make up a champion ( my Ambrose was a champion Lilac Burmese and I think he only ever beat about 6 other Burmese at the most. Quite a hollow victory really

 

[jakers]

We are often still around for group/best in show as we go as 'group' so have many different breeds competing, but I can see that people do leave after there class if the are not placed 1st.

Although it does get disheartening when you can predict the outcome of the results and when it's nothing to do with the dog, many friends of ours will not show for that very reason or they do show know who's going to win so what's the point in staying till the end?!. (I talk in general about limited, open and champ shows)

We have been discussing this quite often about how you can 'keep' people. Maybe a limit should be put on how many shows a particular dog can win at and then it's compulsory for that dog to have a show or two off. But is that fair and how would it be managed....... Or maybe a JW class or champion class so at least like are competing with like.... who knows. :wacko: