My Show Brags - Page of Fame
With the recent TV coverage of dog shows especially Animal Planet, more and more people are interested in showing dogs. Here’s a little taste of what’s involved with the sport of showing dogs. I evaluate my litter for show prospects at 8 
weeks of age. I compare each puppy to the breed standard and pick the puppies I feel most exemplify breed type. All puppies whether show puppies or not need lots of care and attention to help them become healthy, happy Havanese. However, I watch a show puppy a little more closely when playing outside and with others to avoid damage to their coat and staining.
Another part of showing dogs is puppy classes. Handling classes are a must for the novice and a good idea for the rest of us. Puppy matches provide a great opportunity to expose puppies to the dog show world. You always go with the attitude, “this is training”, but it’s very gratifying when you win!
Taking a show puppy to a regular AKC point show is also an important part of their training as well. I take mine to expose them to people, noise, atmosphere, other dogs, and especially for the socialization. As with puppy matches, I enter my puppies in shows for experience. I am always thrilled when a judge recognizes the quality in a young puppy and is willing to award them points.
Once a dog is a champion, they can retire from dog show competitions, or they can continue to compete in the specials class for Best of Breed and of course Best in Show! Since I prefer to owner handle, teach full time, a mom, and a wife, my “little champion furballs” retire to the couch and make appearances in the specials’ ring occasionally.
I believe a well-rounded Havanese should have titles at both ends of their name. So I am currently pursuing a Canine Good Citizen (CKC) title for all of my dogs. My son has recently become interested in Rally and Agility. So he and I will begin Obedience Classes with Gizmo and Potter in hopes of competing for Rally and Agility titles. So watch for this mother-son duo!
Current Signature Champions:
- CH Signature Whatchamacallit - "Gizmo"
- CH Signature Jam N Jelly - "Smuckers"
- CH Signature Muy Poquito - "Keto"
- CH Towlebrook Wee Bee Jammin - “Boogie"
Signature Champions in the Making: