The best way to get into the world of dog shows is to purchase a purebred puppy from a reputable breeder, who can mentor you through the process.

The Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) has a representative body in each state. In Victoria it’s DOGS Victoria (also known as the Victorian Canine Association, or VCA). Make sure your breeder is affiliated with DOGS Victoria and that the puppy you get is both pedigreed and registered with DOGS Victoria. Let the breeder know you want a dog for a show, so they can help you select a puppy that has show potential. It must be registered on the Main Register in order to compete and not be de-sexed, so make sure you are willing to take on the responsibility of an un-de-sexed dog, which requires careful precautions.

But how do you choose which breed is right for you in the first place? I recommend attending an all-breeds Championship Show, where you’ll see the largest variety of breeds on display.

Choosing a breed is a bit like choosing a partner, really. The first step is to take a look at all those available and select a few that you like the look of. Then you can talk to those who own the breed and find out if it suits your lifestyle. It’s no good having a dig-crazy Terrier if you are an avid gardener; or a big, lazy giant breed if you love nothing more than hiking or biking all weekend. And make sure you will have time for the grooming! Some breeds need a little, and some are very high maintenance!

Whether or not you intend to show your dog, it is important to do this research to find the perfect breed for your age and stage of life.

Maybe you already have a dog that can’t be shown, or you just aren’t interested in decorating your home with Best In Show ribbons. There are still plenty of things you can do with your dog. And if you do have a competitive streak, you’re in luck!

Obedience training is recommended for all dogs, as it makes them better citizens and less likely to be naughty.

DOGS Victoria has Obedience Clubs all over the state, so visit www.dogsvictoria.org.au and click the Activities and Events tab to find clubs and a calendar of events for all dog shows and sports.

If your dog excels at Obedience, you can actually compete in it and take home those ribbons and trophies, even if you don’t have a purebred dog. It’s also a good foundation for all other sports as you do need to have your dog under control when competing.

If that sounds like too much work for you and your dog, you can always join DOGS Victoria’s Companion Dog Club.

This is a purely fun, social group who have regular get-togethers that let the dogs socialise with each other while the humans learn about different aspects of responsible dog ownership. Past events have included twilight cinema, glamour night and wine tasting as well as a monthly dog walking night.

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