Once examined, then put your dog on the ground and move in the pat- tern that the judge is using for that day. Again, with confidence, do the pattern and come back to the judge, stop and present your dog, hopefully with a good expression—if only for a moment. Getting those ears up with a toy, bait, whatever. This may be some- thing, again, that you want to prac- tice to get your animal to show off for the judge. So, as I’d started, handling or show- ing an Italian Greyhound is not un- like any other breed. What you need is your dog to trust you and have confidence in you. A well-adjusted, socialized IG will present a beautiful picture for the judge and that is what we want as breeders and exhibitors. It makes it a pleasure for you to show and handle when your dog performs. And this only happens when you have the bond, the trust, and social- ization of your animals, no matter what breed you have. Enjoy yourself in the ring, have fun, and always be a good sport!
Please practice a great deal so that they will stand for examination by the judge. If the judge is unable to go over your dog it will be hard for them to give you a placement or at least a first place ribbon to return for further competition. It is your responsibil- ity as the handler to have the bond with your animal so that it trusts you enough to stand on the table for exam and allows hands to be placed on its body. If that is not the case, then you need to work at handling classes and, when people come over to your home, having everyone going over your dog so they will stand for exam. Once your animal will stand, then return to the conformation ring competition. When it is your turn for your dog to be examined, place your dog at the front left quarter portion of the table. It makes it easier for the judge to reach and examine your animal in that po- sition. Practice on showing the dogs bite, still having control of the dog al- ways. Do not ever take both hands off of your dog on the table. You always want to have control of your animal.
you go into the ring. Be sure, when in the ring, to keep an eye on the judge as well as on your animal. You want to see if the judge motions you to move to another area or placement, so pay attention—always. And watch your dog so that it is presenting itself well, even when relaxed. So, now you begin. You are in the ring; try your best to be relaxed and have confidence in your ability and in your dog. Take your time when mov- ing and do not run with your Italian Greyhound. They are not a breed that should run around the ring. A good pace going around the ring will dis- play the action, “high stepping and free” that is the hallmark of our breed. By running, you will diminish from such movement and action. I do see many moving quickly and running, and so often this is to give the impres- sion they have great movement and side gait when the “high stepping and free” movement is not there! So move at the proper gait! Stacking your dog on the table should not be a scary time for your dog.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Before I started in AKC shows, I had a background in farming, 4-H, and FFA, so I have grown upwith animals all my life. Animal husbandry has been incorporated intomost of my entire life, except for a few years while in college. I began my dog show career in 1985 with American Cockers. I have had vari- ous other breeds along the way, notably the Italian Greyhound, my first in 1990, and French Bulldogs, my first in 1994, which I have shown as well as bred. I currently belong to the national Italian Greyhound Club of American, past president, and I am also a member of the local Northwest French Bull- dog club. We also are currently forming a Northwest Italian Greyhound club of which I am a founding member. I have handled many breeds through my career; Papillons, Shih Tzus, Ital- ian Greyhounds, Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, Brittanys, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Salukis, Siberian Huskies, Whippets, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Kuvasz, Cairns, Border Terriers, Scotties, and the list goes on. Basically, now I focus on short-haired breeds since my thumb joints are worn out from years of grooming and computer work. I exhibit in the North- west and, at times, will venture south into Northern California as well. I also take in the national shows for French Bulldogs and Italian Greyhounds. I have attendedWestminster and was fortunate to take the breed there in 2015 withmy Frenchie client’smale. I do judge Sweepstakes at various shows when asked. I judged the Canadian French Bulldog Club Sweepstakes at their Na- tional show in 2015. I judged Futurity at the 2015 Italian Greyhound Na- tional and judged the 2016 Sweepstakes at the IGCA National with an entry of 60 Puppies and 27 Veteran Sweeps total.
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