Dog Show Information
Where to Start?
Estrela Mountain Dog Club (UK)
Our SECOND Members Limited Show
After the great success of our first ever show in 2020 we are proud to announce our second show for 2022!
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To find out more information, enter and more please visit this page.
Sourced from the Kennel Club UK
What is Dog Showing?
Dog showing or exhibiting is an exciting competitive activity where dogs compete against each other for prizes or awards. It is a competition where a dog’s attributes and conformation are compared against a breed standard for its breed. Whilst it can often be taken very seriously, it can be a fun pursuit that people and their dogs thoroughly enjoy.
What do I Need to Know?
Ensure your dog is registered with The Kennel Club on the Breed Register. Only pedigree dogs are eligible to compete at dog shows (this does not include companion dog shows, where crossbreeds are allowed to compete)
In order to compete, your dog will need to be at least 6 months of age or over on the first day of the show. However training can take place before it reaches 6 months of age
Go to a local ringcraft class to learn the basics of how to show your dog in the ring
All breeds are shown differently, so you will therefore need to understand how you can show your dog in a breed-specific way. Try to go to an open show or championship show and watch how your breed is shown
Speak to exhibitors who are around the ring side. No question is a silly question - we were all new once, so ask away! Just remember not to disturb or distract someone who is just about to go into the ring
Health is of paramount importance, so before taking part in dog showing, make sure your dog is fit for function, fit for life
Familiarise yourself with The Kennel Club's show regulations
Attending your First Dog Show
Once you have decided that you would like to try dog showing, the first step could be to attend one of Kennel Club's 'have a go' dog showing days. These are held all over the country and provide you with an invaluable experience.
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Have you already done some training and think you might like to enter your first show? Learn more about attending your first dog show.
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Once you are ready, you can begin to think about entering your first show. Limited or open shows are a great place to start. They are more relaxed compared to a championship show. Once you feel comfortable in the ring with your dog, you may then decide to attend a championship show.
Are there any Training Classes I can Attend?
Yes, these are called ringcraft classes and are highly recommended. Ringcraft clubs are usually very sociable, where groups of like-minded people meet on a regular basis and have a great time together training their dogs.
To find a club that holds ringcraft classes in your area, please visit Find a Club.
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Some ringcraft clubs not only run training classes for your dogs, but also hold competitions such as matches, which are like a mini dog show so that members can see how they are progressing.
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Ringcraft classes can also be used as the basis of training you and your dog on how your dog should be handled and presented even if you have no thoughts of entering the ‘show scene’. They are not just for people wanting to show their dogs but for everybody with a dog, and they will teach the basics such as:
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socialisation with people and other dogs
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training your dog to walk on a lead nicely without becoming distracted by people or other dogs
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training your dog to allow people to examine and assess them by putting their hands on them, as a judge would
Where can I find and enter shows?
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There are so many shows.... Which one shall I enter?
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There are:
Limit Shows where you will need to be a member of the organisation who is running it to compete.
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Open Shows are open to anyone with a Kennel Club registered breed. The Estrela Mountain Dog has classes at some of these shows, however if not listed you can enter Any Variety Not Specifically Classified (Pastoral).
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Open Show Premier are similar to Open shows however allow qualifications for Crufts,
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Championship Shows are open to anyone wanting to compete their Kennel Club registered dog. A placing from 1st to 3rd will see you qualify for Crufts. These are the shows where dogs can gain Challenge Certificates and Championship Status's (The Estrela Mountain Dog is not eligible for this.)
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Note: The Estrela Mountain Dog is eligible to enter rare breed classes too.
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I have decided on the show, but which class do I enter?
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Within each show, you will see a break down of classes. First of all they'll be separated into groups: Working, Pastoral, Hound, Toy, Gundog, Terrier and Utility. The Estrela Mountain Dog falls into the Pastoral group.
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Under each group will be breed classes. The Estrela Mountain Dog has classes at most Championship Dog Shows.
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Dog and bitches are often judged separately (however can be judged together)
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Under the Estrela Mountain Dog Classes you often see the following classes:
MINOR PUPPY- For dogs of six and not exceeding nine calendar months of age on the first day of the Show.
PUPPY - For dogs of six and not exceeding twelve calendar months of age on the first day of the Show.
JUNIOR - For dogs of six and not exceeding eighteen calendar months of age on the first day of the Show. YEARLING - For dogs of twelve and not exceeding twenty-four calendar months of age on the first day of the show. GRADUATE - For dogs which have not won a Challenge Certificate/CACIB/CAC/Green Star or four or more First Prizes at Championship Shows in Graduate, Post Graduate, Minor Limit, Mid Limit, Limit and Open Classes, whether restricted or not, where Challenge Certificates were offered for the breed.
POST GRADUATE - For dogs which have not won a Challenge Certificate/CACIB/CAC/Green Star or five or more First Prizes at Championship Shows in Post Graduate, Minor Limit, Mid Limit, Limit and Open Classes, whether restricted or not, where Challenge Certificates were offered for the breed.
MID LIMIT - For dogs which have not become Show Champions under Kennel Club Regulations or under the rules of any governing body recognised by the Kennel Club, or won 3 or more CACIB/CAC/Green Stars or won five or more First Prizes in all at Championship Shows in Mid Limit, Limit or Open Classes, confined to the breed, whether restricted or not, at shows where Challenge Certificates were offered for the Breed.
LIMIT - For dogs which have not become show Champions under Kennel Club Regulations or under the rules of any governing body recognised by the Kennel Club, or won 3 or more CACIB/CAC/Green Stars or won 7 or more First Prizes in all at Championship Shows in Limit or Open Classes, confined to the breed, whether restricted or not, at Shows where Challenge Certificates were offered for the breed. OPEN - For all dogs of the breeds or varieties for which the class is provided and eligible for entry at the Show. VETERAN - For dogs of not less than seven years of age on the first day of the Show.
SPECIAL BEGINNERS - For owner, handler or exhibit not having won a Challenge Certificate or Reserve Challenge Certificate, or for those breeds not allocated Championship Status, Best of Sex or Reserve Best of Sex at a Championship Show.
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If you would like to attend a show, you can also enter as not for competition too.