Dog shows are a great option for maximum socialization, which is exactly what a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog needs. By visiting dog shows, a dog meets many other dogs of varying ages and sizes, and many unknown people as well. Among all this commotion the owner and the dog can also practice and strengthen the dog’s obedience. From this perspective, the show turns to be a great opportunity for socialization, which is especially important in the early stages of the dog’s development. The youngest age of the dog at which you can visit a show is 3 or 4 months (the dog must be vaccinated against rabies). We suggest that you check a dog show and see what it looks like before you decide to compete in it with your dog.

                 Puppy Loyd at dog show                  Brina at dog show (competing for BOB title)

Teach your puppy to show its teeth and the ‘stop’ command (the latter is easier to teach during brushing), after that you're almost ready for the first show. The judge at the exhibition will also evaluate the dog’s movement, which you can also practice at home - the dog should run in trot next to your leg for a few meters and then also in a circle. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs don’t require special care and preparation for the show. If necessary, we can brush or wipe the dog with a damp cloth prior to the exhibition.

The list of shows in Slovenia for the current year is posted on the website of the Slovenian Kennel Club. The dog has to be signed-up in advance (follow the application closing dates) according to its age.

Judge is checking teeth to Rona - the bite must be correct

Dogs up to 9 months of age (in categories "puppies" and "youngest") can only receive the title "very promising", "promising" or "not promising".

After 9^th month of age (junior class) the dog can already compete for the JCAC title (Junior Winner, in Slovenia known as PRM). We need to gather 3-JCACs (that is three victories in the junior class), so that the dog becomes a junior champion of individual country.

After 15^th month of age the dog can compete for the CAC (candidate for champion of individual country) title, which is awarded in the classes "intermediate", "open" and "champions". The dog has 366-days or a few days more to collect 4 CACs (i.e. four victories in any of the above mentioned classes) awarded by four different judges to become a champion of individual country.

VIDEO: Our Klark Zgornjesavski winning European champion 2010 title (click)

EXHIBITION GLOSSARY

JCAC = junior winner or candidate for junior champion of individual country (in Slovenia known as PRM)
CAC = candidate for champion of individual country
RCAC = reserve candidate for champion of individual country
CACIB = candidate for international champion
RCACIB = reserve candidate for international champion
BOB = best of breed
BOG = best of group
BIS = best in show