Houston PWC Specialty

[bayoucorgi]

Cody and I went to his first dog show. It wasn't my first but it was my first in a long, long time (decades). We had no idea what 'chalking' is, he hated the blower and the rake thing to pull the undercoat off his rear. The people there were so helpful and friendly. The judges were patient and covered with puppy fur when they went over him. He did decide he liked bait. He did his best bronco imitation when he was supposed to trot. He won both his sweepstakes and regular class (don't get too excited, there were only two entries). We got ribbons, money for sweepstakes, a cool soft grooming caddy, stuffed toys and a bed pad from the silent auction. He eventually decided he was having some fun, but his best part of the day was going home to his 'dad' and laying by the couch. It didn't go to his head at all.

[Jespah]

It sounds like it was a good start for Cody and a nice refresher for you Pam. :BIGGRIN" At least you got some loot!

Are you hoping to take up showing with Cody?

Deb

[disraeli ears]

How fun for you two!

Was it the GHPWCF one? :BIGGRIN"

[taflar]

Don't feel too bad, I've had puppies act like that too. And they were lead broken and walked nicely outside the ring.

I think you did well for your first time out!

Peggy

[2CrazyCorgis]

Yay, how fun! Sounds like you both did really well. Any pictures???

[MVons]

How fun Pam. What is chalking?

[bayoucorgi]

Yes, I am dreaming and scheming of showing a little bit. In another lifetime (before kids) I showed in obedience and field (before Agility!), and took my puppies in the breed ring before sending them out to handlers. All the human children are teenagers and one is leaving for college in the fall so I thought it might be fun to show a dog again. I used to love obedience. Liam would have been the WOW obed dog. Cody is sweet, soft and not as driven. But he is smart and earnest.

Yes, it was the GHPWCF show. I kind want to go to Fort Worth next month, but maybe not. It's a long way to go with a tubular puppy.

Chalking is when you draw the white parts of their face with a stick of chalk, and then rub hair goop on all the white parts of their legs and then brush in powdered chalk so that the hair stands up and makes their legs look fat (more bone). Although everyone said Cody has enough bone anyway. It is messy business - and I had as much chalk on my black dress pants as on the wiggling puppy.

It IS fun to win and get loot!

[taflar]

Chalking is when you draw the white parts of their face with a stick of chalk, and then rub hair goop on all the white parts of their legs and then brush in powdered chalk so that the hair stands up and makes their legs look fat (more bone). Although everyone said Cody has enough bone anyway. It is messy business - and I had as much chalk on my black dress pants as on the wiggling puppy.

Sounds like you need a grooming smock. :WINK:

If I have access to power I use my dryer to blow the chalk out. I don't just do the legs though I do the chest and collar too (if my dog has a white collar). And sometimes the pants.

Peggy

[glencorgi]

Chalking is when you draw the white parts of their face with a stick of chalk, and then rub hair goop on all the white parts of their legs and then brush in powdered chalk so that the hair stands up and makes their legs look fat (more bone). Although everyone said Cody has enough bone anyway.

CHALK!!!????!!! :SHOCKED: There was chalking going on? I am shocked, stunned I tell you to hear this! :WINK:

It is messy business - and I had as much chalk on my black dress pants as on the wiggling puppy.

That's what grooming aprons and smocks are for. :LAUGH:

It IS fun to win and get loot!

Yes it is! Congratulations on a GREAT first outing with your boy!

Debbie

[manymuddypaws]

sounds like you had fun!

[disraeli ears]

Just a question or two about chalking: Do they tend to chalk at just specialty/breed shows? Or is chalking pretty common amongst all shows - say, was Carly the Corgi probably chalked at Westminster?

Are there shows that won't allow it - like considering it a "cheat"? And is chalking done on many other breeds?

[glencorgi]

Just a question or two about chalking: Do they tend to chalk at just specialty/breed shows? Or is chalking pretty common amongst all shows - say, was Carly the Corgi probably chalked at Westminster?

Chalking is common across all shows at all levels. If there was a corgi not chalked in the ring at Westminister it would have been the exception.

Are there shows that won't allow it - like considering it a "cheat"? And is chalking done on many other breeds?

UKC does not allow "foreign substances" and are stricter on enforcement. Not supposed to have "foreign substances" in the coats at AKC shows either, but go check out the vendors and you'll find a rainbow of dog color chalks. There are some judges from time to time who like to prove something on the day and they'll DQ a dog for foreign substances if they get any on their hands. The thing with chalk is getting it out after you've applied it. Say you've just taken your puppy boy out to potty before ring time and he has a little splash on his foot. You clean it off but there is still a "dingy" spot there. Brush in a little white chalk, brush it or blow it out and you've got a white paw again.

Debbie

[2CrazyCorgis]

A couple of the recent premiums I have gotten have a statement that "The use of Tacky Paw, chalk, powder or similar substances is prohibited in the Pavillion (Hall)" It sounds like a couple of the venues have gotten tired of cleaning up. I doubt it's really enforced, but I guess it could be if someone complained.

[glencorgi]

That's interesting. Pity the show committee members who act as enforcers. And yes, I can vouch for it can be a mess to clean up.

Debbie

[taflar]

CHALK!!!????!!! :SHOCKED: There was chalking going on? I am shocked, stunned I tell you to hear this! :WINK:

Yeah, yeah, right, you're shocked! LOL!!!! :BIGGRIN":WINK:

Peggy

[taflar]

Just a question or two about chalking: Do they tend to chalk at just specialty/breed shows? Or is chalking pretty common amongst all shows - say, was Carly the Corgi probably chalked at Westminster?

Nope, all AKC shows. UKC doesn't allow it but it's common at AKC shows. It's the rare dog with white on it that hasn't been chalked.

And is chalking done on many other breeds?

Oh yeah, almost any breed with white on it. And colored chalks for colored dogs.

I've shown a variety of breeds, and used black for the Keeshond's black muzzle and the schipperke's legs. I've used tan on Lacy's face as she started to go grey. (Age thing.)

Almost any dog with white on it has been chalked with white chalk. Walk around the grooming area at a show sometime. Westies are loaded with chalk. Shelties are chalked. Ect.....

The trick is to get it out. Which is why you brush or blow it out after putting it in. Enough stays for the effect you want but doesn't rub off if you touch the fur. If it comes off on the judge you can be excused from the ring.

And the joke is it's not a "foreign" substance we only use chalk made in America. :WINK: (Actually I use corn starch.)

Peggy

[taflar]

A couple of the recent premiums I have gotten have a statement that "The use of Tacky Paw, chalk, powder or similar substances is prohibited in the Pavillion (Hall)" It sounds like a couple of the venues have gotten tired of cleaning up. I doubt it's really enforced, but I guess it could be if someone complained.

"In the Pavillion (Hall)" is probably where the rings are. Chances are it's being used in the grooming area.

At the May cluster here, grooming is not allowed in the show building. Grooming meaning clipping, scissoring, chalking. "Fluffing" is allowed, meaning misting with a spray bottle and brushing the dog before going in the ring.

I'm sure that's what's happening at this show too. And yes, it's because they don't want to have to mop the floor every night.

Peggy

[2CrazyCorgis]

"In the Pavillion (Hall)" is probably where the rings are. Chances are it's being used in the grooming area.

At the May cluster here, grooming is not allowed in the show building. Grooming meaning clipping, scissoring, chalking. "Fluffing" is allowed, meaning misting with a spray bottle and brushing the dog before going in the ring.

I'm sure that's what's happening at this show too. And yes, it's because they don't want to have to mop the floor every night.

Peggy

Oh, that makes sense. It isn't allowed to be applied in the pavillion, but dogs can have it on them.

Rudy's breeder has done most of his grooming for shows, but I've never noticed her using chalk on him. Maybe not so much in the puppy classes? Or maybe I just haven't noticed it.

We are going to the Seattle Kennel Club show next weekend totally as spectators. I'm not showing Rudy and I didn't enter Bella in agility or rally. I can't wait! It's a fully benched show so I will be paying attention to the chalking situation :BIGGRIN". Our breeder isn't entering her dogs either because they have puppies due next weekend!

[glencorgi]

It's a fully benched show so I will be paying attention to the chalking situation :BIGGRIN".

Now a lot of exhibitors with "natural" breeds will chalk at home and then use sprays and such at the show to get it out. :WINK: Just take a good glance at the tack boxes and grooming bags.

Debbie

[bayoucorgi]

I was shocked too. I don't remember chalking Goldens. We did dress and powder for bone, but it wasn't like this. They had two tables set up in the parking lot as a designated chalking area and no chalking was allowed in the building. It is very cool that Corgis leave whiskers on. Cody's whiskers are black on one side and white on the other. Do they trim eyebrows? It seemed like the specials didn't have eyebrows. I am looking for one of those rake things to pull out undercoat, and a lighter chain collar, and so on and so on...

[bayoucorgi]

Oh, I did have an old lab coat to cover up for grooming but I totally forgot it on my chair. I was so happy I remembered the chair and the 'stuff' you have to schlep to a dog show. Off to Craig's list to look for a used blower and grooming table...

[LaRogue]

Enough stays for the effect you want but doesn't rub off if you touch the fur. If it comes off on the judge you can be excused from the ring.This is what I've never understood about it. The judge knows it's there and can feel the dogs bones in any case, so it just used as a brightening for the white and a more pouffy look? I would think that if someone used it to make their dog look like it had more bone, the judge would immediately know (feeling the dog) and judge be insulted the exhibitor tried to pull one over on them?

Is it hard to learn to do? Seems like it might be.

[disraeli ears]

Cody's whiskers are black on one side and white on the other.

So are Andy's (and Rhys's were, too)! People who notice that think it is so cute. :BIGGRIN"

[glencorgi]

It is very cool that Corgis leave whiskers on. Cody's whiskers are black on one side and white on the other. Do they trim eyebrows? It seemed like the specials didn't have eyebrows.

Every now and then you might run into someone who will trim whiskers, but they are rare. I like that they leave the whiskers on too. I don't know of anyone that trims eyebrows either.

I am looking for one of those rake things to pull out undercoat, and a lighter chain collar, and so on and so on...

Don't go for the Furminator on a show coat <IMO>. No I have used one to strip out some undercoat on a Cardi, but overall they would damage the coat. Rakes you can find at the local PetsMart, Petco, etc. The show weight chain collars - vendors or on line. Now comes the fun time when you start seeing all that stuff you just can't live without. Kangaroo leads, Plush Puppy brushes, newest bodifier ... <LOL> And the more you find you just have to have in your grooming bag, the more stuff you get to schlep with you. <LOL>.

Debbie

[mtoy]

All I can think of when you mentioned trimming whiskers is OUCH when the sharp ends hit the face of the human snuggler.:ARG:

[taflar]

Oh, that makes sense. It isn't allowed to be applied in the pavillion, but dogs can have it on them.

Right!

Rudy's breeder has done most of his grooming for shows, but I've never noticed her using chalk on him. Maybe not so much in the puppy classes? Or maybe I just haven't noticed it.

Some breeders don't use it or not as much. And some don't groom puppies as much as adults. Just depends.

We are going to the Seattle Kennel Club show next weekend totally as spectators. I'm not showing Rudy and I didn't enter Bella in agility or rally. I can't wait! It's a fully benched show so I will be paying attention to the chalking situation :BIGGRIN".

Benched? Really, I didn't know that Seattle had a benched show. I thought that Westminster, one in the Cow Palace (CA), and one in Chicago.

Benched means the dogs have to be on their "bench" for exibtiton for the duration of the show, except for when being shown, groomed or exercised.

Walk through the grooming area and just watch people groom.

Peggy

[taflar]

I was shocked too. I don't remember chalking Goldens. We did dress and powder for bone, but it wasn't like this.

Powder, chalk, same thing. :WINK:

It is very cool that Corgis leave whiskers on.

When I started in 1980 they didn't.

Do they trim eyebrows?

I never did, and still don't.

Peggy

[taflar]

This is what I've never understood about it. The judge knows it's there and can feel the dogs bones in any case,

Remember judges were exhibitors once too. (And some still are.) Many judges used to be professional handlers. They know all the tricks.

so it just used as a brightening for the white and a more pouffy look?

Right.

I would think that if someone used it to make their dog look like it had more bone, the judge would immediately know (feeling the dog) and judge be insulted the exhibitor tried to pull one over on them?

Yes, and no. If you have a large entry much of the time it's what the judge sees in the line up. And from there, the dog can look better than he she really is.

Is it hard to learn to do? Seems like it might be.

No, not really.

Peggy

[glencorgi]

Benched? Really, I didn't know that Seattle had a benched show. I thought that Westminster, one in the Cow Palace (CA), and one in Chicago.

Portland (Rose City Cluster) has one too I think.

The judge knows it's there and can feel the dogs bones in any case, so it just used as a brightening for the white and a more pouffy look?

Some of the dog show venues, to be blunt, the lighting stinks - so brightening the dogs up a bit to be better seen can help catch a judge's eye. Also the first impression one makes with their dog is in the first few seconds you walk into the ring with it and sometimes decisions are made then too.

I would think that if someone used it to make their dog look like it had more bone, the judge would immediately know (feeling the dog) and judge be insulted the exhibitor tried to pull one over on them?

It is really so common a practice that really isn't an issue.

Is it hard to learn to do? Seems like it might be.

To really be good, effectively utilize it to enhance one's dog does take some practice. Practice also helps you keep from getting chalk on parts other than the white.:WINK: From grooming tips, tricks and secrets then it is always helpful to befriend Sheltie people.:BIGGRIN" In all seriousness, even though it isn't necessarily hard, it is kind of like hair styling. In coated breeds that require some scissoring, it takes talent (and practice) to take a pair of shears to a coat and have it come out looking natural and not scissored/choppy.

Debbie

Debbie

[Jespah]

I'm pretty sure that I heard one of the comentators at Westminister say there are 8 benched shows in the USA. I was surprised that there weren't more.

[manymuddypaws]

when I took Pixel to her show last month I benched with the collie people- oh my, the stuff they do. It is pretty amazing...

I didn't use any chalk or anything in Pixel- just "mousse" to puff up her chest and neck hair. But when I was showing Wicca she was chalked- with white and tan.

Some show people/breeders are pretty diehard and do all sorts of weird things to their dogs- all to give them that "edge." I know poodle people in my area who dye their dogs- a lot.

At the last show I was walking around and saw some interesting things..

I saw a Malinois being jiffy marked (to make the black blacker)
Creative grooming to make a bad topline look better on Collies (thin out the butt and shoulders)
Shoe Polish on rottweilers...

People are funny!

[taflar]

Portland (Rose City Cluster) has one too I think.

Nope, I've been to that one. It's unbenched.

From grooming tips, tricks and secrets then it is always helpful to befriend Sheltie people.:BIGGRIN"

I can assure you it is very helpful! (Since I do hang out with Shetie people!) I have learned tons!!

In coated breeds that require some scissoring, it takes talent (and practice) to take a pair of shears to a coat and have it come out looking natural and not scissored/choppy.

I agree there. And the caution is that you never try anything the day of the show. Try it at home first well ahead of the show so you can bathe it out if need be. And for scissoring, try it on a dog you're not showing if you have more than one. Or try it at the end of the show season so it can grow out if you mess up.

Peggy

[taflar]

I'm pretty sure that I heard one of the comentators at Westminister say there are 8 benched shows in the USA. I was surprised that there weren't more.

A benched show takes more space. The dogs are required to be there and on their benches all day. You can't leave when you're done showing.

At an unbenched show (which is what most are) you can come and show and go home after if you want.

Show sites are hard to come by. So finding one with enough room for benching is even harder. That's why unbenced is the norm now not benched shows.

Peggy

[taflar]

Ok, just looked up "benched dog shows". These clubs have benched shows:
Westminster Kennel CLub
Detroit Kennel Club
Kennel Club of Philadelphia
Ladies Kennel Assoc. of America
Golden Gate Kennel Club
International Kennel Club

There may be two more as mentioned but I haven't been able to find them. Now remember there are dog shows every weekend of the year except Christmas and I think New Years. Multiple shows across the country. So for there only to be 8 that are benched is very few.

And this shows what I mean by benching http://www.angelfire.com/ca2/pawprintboxers/benched2008.html

Peggy

[taflar]

when I took Pixel to her show last month I benched with the collie people- oh my, the stuff they do. It is pretty amazing...

Benched with or set up with? Most benched shows seperate the dogs by breed.

You weren't benched unless you were assigned a specific spot on a bench area to set up your crate (NOT grooming equiptment). And when benching you have to have your dog on his bench at the beginning of the show and you can't leave until the show is over. If you were free to come when you wanted to and leave when you wanted to it was not a benched show.

Peggy

[glencorgi]

Nope, I've been to that one. It's unbenched.

I think I confused the Seattle show w/the Portland show. I knew there was on in the PNW. Some of the Corgi-L people have talked about setting up there and decorating the benches.

Debbie

[mtoy]

Detroit has a benched show:
Detroit Kennel Club Dog Show (http://www.detroitkennelclub.com/)
It's this weekend! I'd go but it's at Cobo Hall, an armpit of a convention hall. I wish they'd move to a better place. What Peggy said about the lighting is true, it's horrible there.

[2CrazyCorgis]

Sorry for the confusion, I just re-read the premium for Seattle and it looks like it is not benched. I think maybe when they first moved it into Qwest field events center, they did a benched show because they suddenly had enough space for it. They are doing Meet the Breed, where selected breeds each take an hour or so in a designated ring to talk to people about their breed, and clubs can have breed booths there as well. I remember when I was thinking of getting a Corgi, I walked through the grooming area at this show and talked to lots of different people about their dogs. I don't really know if it was actually benched then, but the grooming area was very accessible to the spectators and folks were readily available and willing to talk with you about their dogs.

They've added so many great things to this show, it is jam packed even in this huge facility. Not enough Pems are entered for it to be a major this year, but I know of at least 5 who are competing in agility, and I think the herding demo will include a Cardigan. :SMILE:

[manymuddypaws]

sorry- i meant set-up. In agility language we call set ups- benching... :o)

[travelers]

Laurie, the show sounds like so much fun I ALMOST wish we were back up there.
Tell Rudy Fiona's toothies are getting better so she will have to respectfully decline his offer of pre chewed bones.
Beth+DAF1+

[taflar]

I think I confused the Seattle show w/the Portland show. I knew there was on in the PNW. Some of the Corgi-L people have talked about setting up there and decorating the benches.

Might have been a different one in Portland. Or could be Seattle. It was Carolyn Cannon that decorated, now that you mention it. I thought she went to the Cow Palace in CA? I could be wrong...

The Rose City Classic is the shows in Jan. One of them they televise on Animal Planet a couple months later. There is a 3 day cluster in WA the week before I think. Also not benched. Trixie went to that cluster with John Wilcox one year (years ago!) and came back with a 5 point major. :)

I took Lacy and Morgan to Portland in 2003. Mostly went to meet a couple of boys that might have been (but weren't) suitable as boyfriends for Lacy. And we ran into the worst fog on the way home, so have never gone back. Not a good time of year for traveling!

Peggy

[glencorgi]

Carolyn was who I was thinking about, but I won't swear to which show. :WINK:

Debbie

[taflar]

Turns out Debbie and I were both right. There used to be a benched show in Portland but it wasn't the Rose City Classic (in Jan.)

It was one that was in Dec. then moved to Oct. There were only a couple shows after it moved to Oct. My source says she thinks it was too expensive for the club to support.

Peggy