Characteristics

A pleasant intelligent person, helpful, considerate, attentive and of a sporting deameanour. Always willing to giv advice and assistance to newcomers, or to others needing it. Attentive to the needs of the dogs being handled, and present each dog to its best advantage.

General appearance

A neat, smart, fit looking individual, well-groomed, well shod and well-equipped, who moves freely both in and out of the ring

Temperament

Calm, confident, unhurried and friendly.

Head

Neither big nor pin headed. Skull broad to allow for plenty of brain power. Expression pleasant and smiling, regardless of judge's decisions, other exhibitors actions and the dog's behaviour. Nose small so as to not be stuck into where it is not wanted.

Eyes

Sharp and bright observant of other exhibitors location, judges hand signals and the movement and positions of all dogs in the ring.

Mouth

Usually best kept closed except to briefly answer judges questions or to congratulate successful exhibitors. Teeth clean, white and presented in a smiling fashion at all times.

Neck

Long enough to hold the head up proudly and flexible enough to turn the head as to observe everything that is happening in the ring. Should never be stuck out.

Forequarters

Shoulders broad and able to shrug off unsporting comments from other exhibitors. Arms of sufficient length and strength to extend a handshake to the winners, keep a firm hold on the dog, collect any prize cards, and give a friendly pat to the dog all at the same time.

Body

Sufficiently slim as to not impede other exhibitors leaving the ring and to not completely block the judges view of all the dogs behind.

Hindquarters

Well developed and strong so as to be able to move the dog in the ring at its optimum speed.

Feet

Firmly on the ground as this is only a sport after all. To be kept out of the mouth at all times.

Gait

Free moving and graceful, moving in harmony with the dogs speed.

Coat

Dress should be neat, clean and tidy, neither flamboyant nor immodest, but designed to allow free movement without distraction to any dog in the ring. Feet should be well shod in practical shoes to allow for easy movement.

Colour

Should be chosen to complement the colour of the dog, or if several different coloured dogs are being handled, to at least not completely hide the outline of any dog, e.g. wearing a long black skirt when showing a black dog.

Size

Exhibitors may come in all sizes and shapes, the only limitation being the ability to do justice to the dog when in the ring.

Major faults

Dirty or scruffy appearance, grumpy, vicious or flustered temperament; swollen head; loud mouth, especially when used for insulting comments or bad language; unsporting behaviour; unkempt dress.

Note

The usual Kennel Club requirement that all males have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum has been despensed with, in the interests of decorum and to avoid any sudden inspections with attendant violent reactions, while male exhibitors are attending dog shows!

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