Showing
The Sealyham Terrier Club organises two RKC licenced breed shows per year:
A Championship Show in April and an Open Show in September.
Although club shows are run to a high standard, the atmosphere tends to be relaxed and friendly. At the Championship Show the entry is higher allowing new members or prospective Sealyham owners to view different lines of Sealyhams and speak to their breeders.
All shows held by the STC are open to both members and non members, however, members do get discounted entry rates and of course Trophies are only available to members.
If you need any help or advice regarding the shows don’t hesitate to contact the Officers or a member of the Committee – that’s what they are there for!
TAKING PART IN DOG SHOWS WITH YOUR SEALYHAM TERRIER
Dog shows are a fantastic way to meet Sealyhams and their owners. It is a competition where a dog’s conformation are compared against a breed standard. Only pedigree dogs are eligible to compete at dog shows (this does not include companion dog shows). All shows require your dog to be over six months on the first day of the show.
Once you have made the decision to show your Sealyham, find your local ringcraft clubs. These classes are particularly good for puppies as they get to learn how to become a show dog. Your puppy, will learn to socialise with other canines, it will become accustomed to the noises associated with dog shows and it will familiarise your dog to being handled by a judge. If you would like to attend ringcraft classes but have no idea where your nearest one is, the Royal Kennel Club have a list of all societies registered with them in your area on their website (find your local ringcraft class). Once you have decided that you would like to enter your first show, the first step is to make an online entry. It is a good idea to visit a couple of local shows, to observe and learn what is expected of you and your dog. The most important part is just enjoy the experience.
Grooming and preparing your Sealyham Terrier is important. The judge, observes the dogs in the ‘show stack’ and the movement around the ring. For the individual inspection, he will examine the Sealyham's on a show table; so it's best that they are accustomed to being picked up onto a table and can stand still, they also need to be comfortable with the judge looking at their teeth to check the bite is correct. The judge will ask you to move round in a circle with other dogs in the class and then in a triangle, as well as straight up and down. If you are placed 1st or 2nd the judge will write a ‘Critique’ of your dog, what they liked about your dog and why they awarded them their place. If you achieved a first place in your class (providing it has not been beaten in a subsequent class) you will compete for the Dog Challenge Certificate (CC) or Reserve Challenge Certificate (RCC). All unbeaten puppy dogs will compete for Best Puppy Dog and then the bitches will do the same. The Best Puppy of each sex will now compete for Best Puppy in the Breed. Dogs and bitches are judged separately until the dog CC and bitch CC compete for Best of Breed.
To find the shows dates, entry closing dates and schedules, you need to look on the following websites. Always check the show schedules to ensure you dog is eligible for an entry to a specific class.
TYPES OF DOG SHOW
These are fun shows for any dog of any breed or background. You do not have to have a registered pedigree or 'pure' breed dog to enter fun classes at Companion Shows.
Open shows are open to all registered pedigree dogs and are often considered as the first step to serious dog showing. They can be an excellent place to improve your skills, as the atmosphere can be quite relaxed and they provide a good opportunity to speak to other people involved in the activity. If you win best in show, reserve best in show or best puppy in show at a general or group open show, your dog will have qualified to participate at Crufts, the largest dog show in the world.
Championship shows are the highest level of dog show in the UK. They are open to all exhibitors but there is a higher level of competition, as it is here that in certain breeds of dog can win a Challenge Certificate (also known as CCs, or tickets) and may also qualify for Crufts.
A Challenge Certificate is awarded to the dog that the judge believes is the best dog and the best bitch on the day. The judge will only award the CC if they believe that the winning dog is of such outstanding merit as to be worthy of the title of Champion. Any dog that wins three CCs (under three different judges, one of which when it is over a year old) is awarded the title of Champion, which is one of the highest accolades in the show world and it entitles the dog to carry the letters Ch at the front of its name.
A limited show is an entry level show that is restricted either geographically or by membership of a club, group, society or breed. Dogs that have won a Challenge Certificate or obtained any award that counts towards the title of Champion under the rules of any governing body recognised by The Kennel Club, are not eligible for entry at these shows.
Premier open shows are open to all levels of pedigree dogs. Premier open shows are a larger version of an open show and are run on a similar format, exhibitors can qualify for Crufts.
Other UK Clubs
Sealyham Terrier Breeders Association
Midland Sealyham Terrier Club