Costs of Starting Conformation Showing - Page 1

After posting in another thread about the cost and paperwork involved in showing, I thought it might be a good idea to highlight some of the differences and costs to get started in conformation showing.  I usually don't want to think about what I spend on the dogs...  For the purposes of this thread, let's say we are going to start showing a 1 year old German Shepherd in conformation shows, no frills, just your local club shows.

For an AKC show:
AKC registration: $20
Show lead and collar: $40
Entry fee: $25
Professional Handler (Optional):Can range from $25-$1000+

Total for an owner/handler at a first AKC conformation show: $85


For a UKC show:
UKC registration: $25
Show lead and collar: $40
Entry fee: $25
Professional/Paid Handlers are NOT allowed.  Somebody else may handle your dog for you, but they may not accept monetary compensation.

Total for an owner/handler at a first UKC conformation show: $90


For an SV show (I will use WDA for an example, I'm sure USCA is similar)
AKC registration: $20
Certified pedigree: $35
Tattoo verification: $15
Scorebook: $15
WDA Membership: $50
Show lead and collar: $50
Entry fee: $50
Handler fee: $50

Total for an owner/handler at a first SV conformation show: $285

 

STGSD,
Why does the collar cost more for the SV show?

Moons.


P.S.
What about a crate for transport to and holding at the show?
Shampoo and brush?
Hair color and scissors?
Doggie treats and poop bags?
Gratuities for judges?

 

Using your criteria, you do not need scorebook, WDA membership or a handler Subtract $115.00

The SV shows usually have the fancy Sprenger collars that "hold the head up" those cost more than a regular hex chain slip collar.  Leads cost the same.

I didn't include things like crates or brushes or poop bags, but yes they are usually handy to have on hand.  Most dog owners already have those items for everyday use.

As for hair color and gratuity for the judges...  Well those fall into the category of cheating and bribes and while I know they happen at many shows, I can not and will not endorse or promote those activities.

It's alright STGSD,
I was only being sarcastic.
I do believe there are many other little things that drive the costs up way beyond the obvious.
I'm sure it can get very expensive.
I don't show my dogs.

Moons.

I just thought it would be a good idea for people who are new to the sport to have an idea what they are looking at for their first show.  Of course there are lots of little things that add into the price, like fuel to drive to the show, hotel rooms, food, tipping your handler if you have one, etc. etc.

I have seen dogs being colored and judges being taken out to lavish dinners, etc.  Kind of ruins what conformation shows are supposed to be for, judging which dogs are the best representatives of their breed.

Seby, you are right that if showing a 1 year old dog you don't need a scorebook or a membership, but if you were hoping to continue on with showing in the dog's life then you would.  As for a handler, well if you have people in your family, or kennel, etc. willing to help you handle your dog that's great, then you don't need to hire a handler.  But if you are alone or not in the best physical condition (because you will be running LAPS around a large field) then you will likely need to hire one.

Gas + mileage at $.53/mile.  JHC  I would go broke shortly after starting.  Nan

I showed this past weekend at a regional UScA conformation. To be eligible, I joined UScA ($100), registered my dog ($35) and entry fee ($50). So that's $185 initial cost. Kind of steep, but the membership is for 1 yr. and registration is a one time cost.

Most good handlers (WDA and UScA) charge the same as entry fee for the class ($50).

WDA and UScA have higher entry fees than AKC, but then AKC isn't bringing judges from Germany.

Not sure what AKC handlers charge now, but 15 years ago, it was a minimum $75.00 - $125.00 for the good ones, depending on class. Futurity/Maturity and the National could range from $250 to $1000+.

Rik