Showing a Hovawart.
You will never be able to buy a Hovawart pup which is a “show quality” animal. They do not exist. You can of course make it known that you intend to show the dog and ask the breeder to help you select a pup which may have show potential - all of them posses that potential, since all good breeders will strive to ensure that only the best dogs are used for breeding.
Hovawarts are a naturally elegant versatile working dog and its abilities go way beyond how beautiful it looks. Nevertheless, it is true that some are going to be potentially more “showy” than others, and unless you know a great deal about the breed you will probably need to rely upon someone else's opinion.
If you are a newcomer to showing, the best advice I can offer is to suggest that you go to some shows, listen and observe. There is no real substitute for experience, talk to some of the people there, and do not confine your interest just to Hovawarts or the other working breeds. You can glean some valuable knowledge and pick up useful tips about the art, and will certainly meet some very enthusiastic dog lovers.
Ringcraft
Think about some training - for both you and your dog. There are clubs or classes which specialise in teaching you how to prepare and present your dog so that he looks his best for the judge in the show ring.
Ringcraft clubs or classes are usually sociable groups of like-minded people meeting regularly to train their dogs. You should be able to get all the contacts and information you need in the first instance through the training club you attend. Ask about shows and certificates that are particular to the area or country in which you live.
The ideal Ringcraft club should have classes, for the beginner and the puppy before it goes into the show ring, through to classes for more experienced dogs and handlers in order to maintain them in the peak of training. They should teach the basics of socialisation with people and other dogs and offer training so your hovawart can walk on a lead without becoming distracted by people, other dogs, and noise such as applause.
A lot of effort goes into presenting a Hovawart for exhibition at a show and getting your dog to perform in the ring can be harder than it looks. From an early age it is wise to accustom the young Hovawart to having its ears, eyes, and teeth examined, regardless of showing. Firstly by yourself, then family members, friends and by strangers to the dog. Similarly, he should get used to having people run their hands over his body. Any Hovawart that slouches in the corner of the ring, or ambles around will not suitably impress the judge; the dog has to be motivated to “show off” in the show ring.
A fundamentally sound example of the breed, may be overlooked in a show ring for a lack of glamour or enthusiasm so how you present and handle the animal in the show ring is significant. You will need to train your dog to walk on your left hand side, which is the usual place for him to be in any case, and have him trot attentively alongside you, without pulling, jumping and frolicking about, and learn to keep his head up. So learn the techniques to get the best out of your dog, of how to present your Hovawart in the show ring in order to show off his finer points.
Grooming and preparing your Hovawart for exhibition
Most grooming should be completed at home before you leave for the show, but most people give their hovawart a quick brush just before going into the show ring. Acquaint yourself with any regulations regarding the preparation of dogs for exhibition – this information will probably be included in the schedule.
The Hovawart does not require any special trimming or grooming. They should of course be clean, well brushed, have their nails trimmed properly, and ears cleaned. Learn more about grooming a Hovawart Although some people trim or pluck hair from around their ears in order to accentuate the ear shape, it is not a requirement. Similarly many people trim the excess hair from in between and around the feet and pads
Types of Shows
There are many categories of dog shows, and the jargon used to describe them can be bewildering. There are single breed shows and companion dog shows, open shows and championship shows to name a few. Open Shows are a good “proving” ground for new exhibitors and young hovawarts, whilst championship shows are the most prestigious and you may be able gain qualifications with your hovie.
If you need help with making your entry, or deciding which classes to enter, just contact the secretary of the show and obtain a copy of the schedule. The schedule should detail definitions of each class. You are not usually limited to just one class, you can enter as many classes as your dog is eligible for and that you wish to compete in. It is worth finding out whether you can make your entry online.
Completing the entry form
Complete the entry form accurately and legibly. Signing the entry form creates a contract between you and the Show Society. You are declaring that your dog is fit and healthy to take part in the show, and that you will abide by the Rules and Regulations. Usually you will need to send your entry and payment well in advance of the closing date of entry to the show.At The Show most exhibitors take an interest in what the judge is doing.
Following the judging will give you an idea as to what the judge is looking for, and by observing other exhibitors you can gain insight into how to handle your hovawart more professionally, how to behave in the ring, and to become familiar with the actual “mechanics” of showing your dog.
At bigger shows you will have the opportunity to meet other breeds, and to visit trade stands selling all sorts of dog paraphernalia, from dog food to leads, grooming equipment to kennels, books and clothing.
There are many pundits in world of showing dogs and you will meet both good and bad. No matter what happens at a show or in the ring, the saying 'you always go home with the best dog', holds true. Never be disheartened by disparaging comments, or just because your dog was not first.
Faults, and what they mean, are fully described in the breed standard.
