Can anyone tell me why show judges won't give a nice big but compact male staffy the time of day. I have been in two shows now and ok i am not perfect ( as i am a beginner myself ) but on both times the judge has been very surprised at my boys age. I know he is big and does look like an adult but he is a pure staff ( with papers ).

It makes you feel like you don't belong when they place you third and reserve.

Any ideas ??

I wouldnt moan about third. But as long as he is within the standard I dont see why they would set him apart from others. Does he look in your opinion different in any way to other staffords in your classes? Different judges different opinions I guess, Hammy will be able to give you more help I think!

i got third on sun - but that was against 5 dogs so i am happy

Well done on your 3rd,Our Ronnie is a big boy and we used to show him and do quite well so keep on persivereing.You will soon get to know which judges prefer bigger staffies and which ones dont.What show where you at on sunday?i went to watch a show on sunday so maybe i saw you???

It was in Leigh - there were 5 in Junior and I came third so I was happy x

i would love to show my Ruby but wouldnt know where to start - she can be a little shy.

Deb

IT WAS ONLY MY SECOND TIME

Thats excellent,to come third out of five on your second time is good.I was at the maidstone show Terry wood (bultrey) was judging so i didnt see you.Well Deb the best place to learn is your local ringcraft.If shes shy it may make her come out of her shell a little.

THANKS X X

just go to ringcraft to learn the basics and then go to a few shows ( spectate ) and see how you go - it is easy when you get going x x x

3rd is nothing to sniff at, excellent start I think. My boy is at the top end of the scale at 16.25" and is not always placed either. It could be that he is not to every judges liking, you have to do the research on what a particular judge likes and if your dog doesn't fir that image don't enter under that judge. It may also be that he has some minor faults and the ones placed before him just had less faults....no dog is perfect they all have some fault or another. I don't show my boy anymore as he has faults I was too blind to see at the time as we loved him so much we never looked at him with a critical eye and an open mind. Now that we have learned more I can see him for what he is, show wise, but wouldn't change him for the world. He is by of Ch. Valglo Casanova at Crossguns, who as fantastic a dog as he is, seems to pass on some faults that he himself doesn't have. Showing requires a thick skin, if you don't have one you soon will. Its fun and addictive and don't give up. If he's only in junior he has a long way to mature and it may be that he is a slow maturer where some of the others in junior are already there. If thats the case no worries as a slow maturing dog is usually better off in the end. Good luck in all your future shows.