German Shepherd Show Dogs Preparation and Care

Preparing your German Shepherd for the show ring requires a lot of work and dedication, but it's worth it. A well-prepared German Shepherd can make a great impression on judges and spectators alike.

First and foremost, your German Shepherd needs to be in top physical condition. This means a strict diet and exercise plan, with regular grooming to keep their coat shiny and healthy. A balanced diet that includes plenty of protein and fat is essential for maintaining their muscle mass and overall health.

A good place to start is by feeding a high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs. German Shepherds require around 1,000-1,500 calories per day, depending on their age, size, and activity level. You should also make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water at all times.

Regular exercise is also crucial for keeping your German Shepherd in shape. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, which can include walks, runs, and playtime in the yard. This will help keep their muscles toned and their mind sharp.

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It's essential to get your German Shepherd puppy started on show prep early, ideally from 3-6 months old, to avoid higher expectations as they mature. This allows you to learn the ropes without much at stake.

Your dog should be in top physical condition for a show, with good muscle mass and a lean, fit physique. German Shepherds are medium-sized working dogs, so they should be shown in working condition.

Make sure your dog is comfortable gaiting for an extended period of time, as SV rings are typically much larger than other types of show rings. You can practice ring training before a show, but it's better to do less than do something wrong if you can't attend a session.

Get your dog in top physical condition by keeping them lean and fit, as judges frown on overweight dogs. German shepherds, being a medium-sized working breed, should be shown in working condition.

Your dog should be comfortable gaiting for an extended period of time, as SV rings are typically much larger than other types of show rings. This means you'll need to do some physical conditioning with your dog, but the amount will depend on their age and current condition.

You don't need to train your dog to stack itself, but it should be able to hold relatively still and not be upset about being stacked. Your handler will know how to stack your dog correctly to show off its conformation.

It's essential to practice touching your dog all over, including opening its mouth to check the teeth and checking the testicles if you have a male. Your dog should be tolerant of a judge standing over it, running his hands over the body, examining the inside of the mouth, and checking the testicles.

Ideally, you and your dog should do some ring training before a show, which involves gaiting counter-clockwise around the ring. Many clubs offer ring training leading up to shows, or sometimes a club hosting a show will have ring training the day before the show.

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You'll need a show collar for your dog, and it's a good idea to have a leash on hand just in case.

Typically, your handler will have their own preferred leash/lead, but it's always a good idea to have a spare.

In SV shows, dogs are shown on one of three types of collars: the Fursaver, which is the most popular, and two others that are similar but have some differences.

The Fursaver is typically fitted more loosely/larger for showing than what you would use for training, so you may need to size up from your dog's regular collar.

A show lead is typically quality leather and 8’ or longer in length, and most handlers will have their own leash that they will attach to your dog’s collar.

You don't need a leash with a handle on the end, and it shouldn't have any hardware other than the snap where it attaches to the collar.

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Grooming your German Shepherd for a show is all about keeping it natural and clean. Unlike AKC shows, SV shows involve very minimal grooming, so you don't need to worry about elaborate styling.

To keep your dog's coat healthy, avoid bathing it the day of the show. Bathing can strip the natural oils from the skin and coat, leaving it dry looking for a few days. If your dog is clean, you don't need to bathe it at all.

Make sure to clean your dog's ears and trim or dremele the toe nails to an appropriate length. Don't trim the hair, as this is not allowed in SV shows.

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Grooming your dog requires minimal effort for an SV show. You should aim for a clean yet natural look with a healthy coat.

Bathing your dog too close to the show can be counterproductive. Bathing often strips the natural oils from the dog's skin and coat, leaving it dry looking for a few days.

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Make sure to clean your dog's ears and trim or dremeled their toe nails to an appropriate length. Trimming your dog's hair is not necessary.

A light spray of water mist or a leave-in shampoo or conditioner can help keep your dog's coat looking its best. Brushing loose undercoat with a rake or slicker brush is also effective.

If your dog is blowing coat, be careful not to over-brush and break the top coat. A well-brushed coat is essential, but don't overdo it.

SV shows take place outdoors, so be prepared for rain and mud. Brush any loose hairs away from your dog before entering the ring.

Removing eye boogies and flattening cow-licks is a simple yet important task.

You'll need to figure out who will handle your dog, especially if you're new to showing.

You don't necessarily need a top professional handler to show your dog. In fact, most experienced handlers get paid for handling dogs, so it's best to ask your handler up front about payment.

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For club shows, the handler is typically paid the same as your entry fee, so if it cost $45 to enter your dog, you would also give your handler $45. Sometimes new and inexperienced handlers will volunteer their services in order to gain experience.

You can find a handler by asking breeders, who often have a team of people including handlers, or by contacting the club hosting the show to see if they know what handlers will be present.

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Make sure your dog has ample opportunities to potty, as the host club should have a potty area and cleanup tools available.

Keeping your dog secured in your vehicle when not showing or practicing is a good idea, as the area around the ring can be chaotic with dogs entering and exiting and double handlers running around.

Most people do not feed their dogs the morning of a show, but you can feed a small meal and then feed more later after your dog's class is done and he is rested.

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Give your dog a few gulps of water and then let him rest a bit before allowing him to drink freely to avoid stomach upset.

You should keep an eye on your dog's hydration levels, but avoid letting him drink lots of water immediately after his class.

It's a good idea to let your dog stretch its legs or socialize during the lunch break, rather than keeping it with you while you watch.

As you enter the show ring with your German Shepherd, it's essential to consider the breed standard. The German Shepherd's distinctive black and tan or sable coat requires regular grooming to maintain its rich color and texture.

The ideal show dog will have a well-balanced, athletic build, with a muscular chest and well-sprung ribs. You can expect to see a dog with a topline that's level or slightly sloping.

In the show ring, the German Shepherd's movement is a key factor in determining its overall quality. A dog with a smooth, effortless gait will make a more impressive impression than one with a stiff or awkward movement.

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The breed standard calls for a German Shepherd's tail to be docked, but this is not a requirement for show dogs. However, if you do choose to dock your dog's tail, it's essential to do so carefully and with the guidance of a veterinarian.

A well-bred German Shepherd will have a confident, outgoing personality, with a strong desire to please its handler. This natural ability to focus and respond to commands will serve you well in the show ring.