Once your a member of the Kennel Council its only a case of getting entry forms and entering the shows you chose. Each kennel control puts out a monthly journal which lists the up and coming shows. Make sure to get your entries in before the show closing date.

  Become familiar with the Breed Standard. You can obtain a copy from your state Kennel Council. This will help you understand what the judge is looking for as he is evaluating each dog.

Preparing Your Dog

  Learning to groom a westie is a long never ending process. Talk to everyone, listen to what they say. Watch people grooming their dogs. Try out what they tell you. You'll soon work out what suits your dog and what is easier for you. Don't think you'll know everything quickly, it takes time and practise.

  If you don't have anyone who can show you how to groom a westie and prepare it for showing there are many Westie books on the market. I found that "Westies Head To Tail" by Ruth Faherty has the most comprehensive information on grooming accompanied by pictures which is very useful. It will explain how to hand strip, trim and powder bath your westie ready for the show.

  There are certain items you will require for grooming and will need to be obtained before you can prepare your dog. I would suggest you talk to your breeder and find out where to get the items. Of course, the easiest and best place is a a show venue where there is usually a shop with all the items you'll need. This includes a lead which should be white in color.

What To Take

For the dog: Lead, water, bowl, tidbits, towel, grooming equipment and something for the dog to sit in/on. A dog trolley although expensive is definitely money well spent as this can double as a grooming table either at the show or at home. Travel crate is a must to ensure your pets safety should the unavoidable happen while traveling to the show.

For you: Food, drink. chair. umbrella (large enough for you and the dog) and anything else you may think you need. Oh, and by the way wear neat, comfortable, casual clothes. It's not a fashion parade however, you have your dog looking its best so should you. The color of your clothes should make the dog stand out (don't wear white). Ok, you're all set!! Now off you go. Oops....Don't forget the dog.

At The Show

  The breeds are usually judged alphabetically and within each breed you have the following classes:
Baby, Minor Puppy, Puppy, Junior, Intermediate, Australian Bred and Open. These may vary from state to state but are usually defined on the reverse of the show entry forms listing the age groups as well. Each class is judged and usually only first or second place will see you to the next level.

  Dog classes first followed by Dog Challenge. The dog placed first in each class are eligible for Dog Challenge. Don't despair if you came second as you still may be required again. If the dog you came second to takes Dog Challenge you will have to go back in the ring. After that the bitches are judged and the same happens. The dog winners are then run off against the bitch winners to decide who represents the breed in the group judging. And there's still more..... confused??? Don't worry so were we. The best advice I can give if you don't know anyone is ask the steward if and when you will be required again. Then listen closely for your exhibit number to be called. It sounds complicated but watch a few breeds or go to a few shows beforehand and you'll soon pick it up.

  Don't be disheartened if you don't win. You are paying for the judge's opinion of your dog and opinions differ from one judge to the next. Remember its a good opportunity for both you and your dog to have a social day out together. A chance for you both to make new friends (and a few enemies if you win) and socialize. If you do win you have the added bonus to your day out and some prizes and ribbons you can show your non doggie friends as well as anyone else who will listen.

Earning The Title "Champion"

For your dog to become an Australian Champion he needs to earn points, 100 points to be precise. To earn those points he/she needs to win Dog or Bitch Challenge, Best in Group or Best in Show.

Dog/Bitch Challenge = 5 points plus 1 point for each dog or bitch shown. eg. if there are 5 dogs entered, including yours, and you win dog challenge thats 5 + 5 = 10 Points
Best in Group = 25 points providing there are at least 25 dogs in the group.
Best in Show = 25 points.

The maximum that can be earned at one show is 25 points. Accumulation of these points can happen quickly or slowly but once you have them you then have to apply for its Championship and pay a small fee. In return you get a lovely certificate to hang on your wall and the honour of placing CH before your dogs registered name.