Help deciphering AKC conformation venues? - Page 1

Hello all, I haven't stepped into an AKC showring in nearly 20 yrs, and at that time I didn't have a clue what I was doing really, just having fun with my AmStaff. Now I would like to be a little more serious, so, could those with the knowledge please explain to me the pros and cons of Specialties, All breed, and do you need to qualify for the National Owner Handler Series? I have a German SL male who just turned two in May. Cisko von der Koenig Haus. I show him in SV, and am hoping to achieve his IPO 1 later this year, but have been wanting to do some AKC showing also. Maybe even explain to me what types do better in what type of show? Thanks, Theresa

Hello sheesh. Guess your boy is turning out nice.

I haven't shown much in a few years and my last AKC show was a couple of years ago with a German dog. You probably know that there are 2 type shows, AKC All Breed shows and GSDCA Specialty shows.

The specialty judges usually have owned/bred GSD. Specialties are all about side gait and shoulder, extreme side gait. If your dog does not have this then it's not going to win. These shows are similar to SV type shows, usually outdoors with larger rings.

The all breeds used to be more about type and ring training. Dog clean at both ends, plush and pretty, and presented well. Didn't have to be as extreme a mover. The judges may have never owned a GSD and I think you will often see just put up the handler.

A dog with a roach or moves low in the wither will not do well in either.

I think in either case, you will see some sad examples of a GSD. But best of luck.

Rik

Thanks Rik! Tha was exactly what I was looking for. Yes, Cisko is doing very well. I am very pleased with his progress, despite my limitations as a trainer/ handler. :-)

Currently there are few nice GSD's in the AKC ring. 

So Blitzen, for the more German style look, which type of show are they doing well in?

sheesh, I'm not Blitzen,. But if you are serious, you need to do AKC All Breed shows.

Rik

Got it Rik. I sincerely appreciate the advice! :-)

Yeah, all breed shows under judges like Gleason, Smith (maybe), Wagner, Goldfarb (maybe) and some others. Having said that, Gleason did put up Plank's sable GSL, Waiko, at a GSD specialty show. Goldfarb dumped him the next day at another specialty and Smith dumped him a few weeks later at an all breed show. IMO unless an owner uses a well-known AKC handler who dresses like an AKC handler, no jogging suits or hot pants and tanks,  he or she may as well save the money. And don't show a GSD with a roach at an AKC show.

Smith just finished a Fiemereck female, he is showing a GSL class male, Waiko is still being shown, and there a few sired by German dogs that are doing well.

Thanks Blitzen! :-) no pro handler for me, just me and my boy. If we do well, great, if not, that's alright too. And NO roach back on him at all. T

That was always my feelings too. I never hired a pro, did OK, even won a specialty(not GSD's though, that breed is tougher). Good luck, if you get to any shows in FL, let me know.

No roach is a very good thing everywhere .