Who joins Dog shows?

It is NOT a way to make money, let me tell you. I've just finished adding up my expenses from the last three years and they have totaled in excess of $10,000. (yes, ten THOUSAND). You do not make ANY money showing dogs unless you are a professional handler, and that only comes after years of working under people. Dog show entries are expensive ($50-60 a weekend), grooming and conditioning your dog are expensive, traveling is expensive, training is time consuming. However, if you have a dog worthy of showing, you might take it into consideration if you plan on breeding the dog. Dog shows are a great way to connect to other dog breeders, some that have a lot of knowledge to offer a newbie. If you love dogs and can justify spending the bucks its a wonderful hobby with its own rewards. . they just aren't monetary.

Dog shows are a fun hobby, but killer money-maker they are NOT. With entries ranging from $25-$60 per show (there can be up to 6 per weekend), plus travel expenses, motels, etc, and with cash payouts rare and usually only for the top prizes (Group 1st and Best in Show) it's not something you get into expecting to get rich. Especially when you take into consideration that a show quality purebred dog will run you between $400 and $2000 for purchase price ALONE! But if you like spending time with your dog, you're competitive and you like meeting new people that have like interests, dog shows are a ton of fun. I've been into the fancy for 15 years, starting with Siberian Huskies, but branching off into a lot of different breeds, and I wouldn't trade my time in it for the world!

I think it would be fun! I think it is more of a hobby than a career though. I'm not sure how much money you could make doing it. You have to invest tons of money into the care of the dog. Plus you won't always win. My neighbors have 10 Bassett Hound showdogs. They do it because they love the breed. I don't think they ever win much.

I was going to have my dog be in shows, but decided against it. Think of what you want out of your pet. Do you want him to be a pet, or a neurotic show dog? Also, you have to usually pay a lot more for a show dog, and they do not live as long since you can not have your dog neutered or spaded (altered) I decided that I would just rather have a pet who loves me. You should always have your dog trained by taking a class with your dog. If your dog is trained, your dog can enjoy a lot more freedom.

I was raised going to dog shows while growing up. My parents both enjoyed showing the dogs, being at the shows and breeding them. I don't believe there's really a lot of money to be earned by going to them, but it can pay off if you end up with a champion dog who you want to use for breeding. A lot really depends on what your purpose is for showing. It's a great hobby, and if it's something you enjoy can be really lots of fun. It can also be a lot of time and work depending on how much you want to put into it. It often involves travelling around to the shows, and I know a few breeders who get really into it and travel all over Canada and the USA to the various shows. That takes time and money. Might be a good idea for you to start attending some shows, talk to breeders and get some information and advice. Also talk to the American Kennel Club or Canadian Kennel Club...where ever you are. I'd say it really depends on what you mean about it being worth it. If you have a champion dog it can pay off in the use of breeding, but you might also attend a lot of shows and walk away with nothing. I personally love going to the dog shows when I'm able to, and just getting the chance to see the other dogs, people, and enjoy those with similar interests even though I dont' own a show dog. I tried showing my one dog when I got her, but she didn't like the show ring, and wasn't what the judges liked. That's ok because it didnt' matter to me one way or another. I go when I can, but I don't make it my life like some people do, and I just don't see myself being able to afford to do it as there can be a lot of costs involved. Is it worth it to YOU? That's something you need to decide and check into. Good start asking others.

Hi there! There are a lot of different competitions people with dogs can join. Can I assume you mean conformation? Conformation concentrates on how well the particular dog's characteristics most match the breed's description. More money is spent on finding the right puppy from the right breeder, training, equipment, foods, vitamins, handlers than could ever be won. Most people do it because they love the particular breed and the competition. If you're looking to make money-I wouldn't recommend it. There are other ways of competing other than conformation. Lots of people enjoy agility, obedience, freestyle, tracking, retrieving and even a game called flyball. I'm sure there's some I missed, but you get the point. If you'd like more information, I'd suggest you contact your local AKC club.