Thanks so much for your story! I know alllll about the politics! lol You gave me some very helpful advice and a good path to start out on...so thank you!

I got my first bulldog less than a year ago from Arkansas as well!
If you can find the judging schedule online at the superintendents then you will know where to go and what time. AKC has the events online so you can find out more info.
I have shown horses for years. Now I can put my bullies in my car and go to shows for a fraction of the cost of showing horses. Still the same politics but a lot more fun!
I went to several dog shows to watch to see if it was something I could do and if my puppy was competitive. I met some other bulldog owners at the shows who were very encouraging and helpful. After meeting with the other bulldog show people I was able to take Cleo to a show for some of them to evaluate and give me some pointers. They were all so helpful and have encouraged me along the way.
Find your local kennel club and see if they have handling classes. Even though they may not be bulldog specific they will be very helpful in ring etiquette.
Join your local Bulldog division club and go to matches and if close enough they might have handling classes as well.
I am located way far out in the sticks and away from any other bulldoggers, by several hours drive, so make do with figuring it out as I go along and with tips and info passed along at the shows.

Sherry, Cleo and Katie
http://www.isadorabulls.com

Oh my goodness! That's a LOT of bullies! lol I hope I'm able to go...at least one day..maybe Sunday I can get down that way.

We been there and done that (all of it, I think, actually!) Have fun, no matter what.

Perserverance isn't a long race.
It's a series of short races,
ran one after the other.

Whatever you do.. just enjoy yourself, win or no win.
Not many people have their first dog go on to be the number 1 dog, or even finish a championship.
If he finishes, super. If he never does, hopefully the experience will encourage you to continue with the sport and get a new dog from a well-researched breeder.
Good luck!
e

Yes, Salem is close to Roanoke. The show site is the Salem Civic Center. There are over 50 Bulldogs entered 4 of the 5 days!

Is Salem down by Roanoke? Off of 81?

Bulldogers are easily approachable and helpful. Wait unil after they are done in the ring and then start asking questions. let them know your interested in showing and that you have a dog etc..
Most Bulldogs are handled by thier owners but we do have handlers out there who handle Bulldogs. Just not alot. Its more of a owner handled breed.

Best of luck, have fun!


Rhiann,Mia,Roland and Oy
RIP Samson & Karma

Foster mom to:
Chloe-10
Angel- 9
Blaze-6
Dante- 6?

Thank you for the kind words regarding Mack. I completely agree with you in terms of the "majority opinion" aspect of showing. I definitely have had experience with "paying for an opinion" while showing horses! lol Sometimes they like you and sometimes they don't....as long as he is on the same playing field as the others and I'm not shoving him into something for which is not suited, I'll be able to accept the judge's decision. Thank you again for your advice and help!

www.thebca.org
The Bulldog Club of America website should have a contact for the division you are in. Also there is The Illustrated Bulldog Standard. This may give you a visual guide to help you see if your baby(who is a nice looking bulldog) is a show "prospect". The true purpose of conformation showing is to proof your breed stock. Then you must be ready for what the majority confers. Either he's a pet, or a potential champion. Either way, he's your baby, and love him either way.

Perserverance isn't a long race.
It's a series of short races,
ran one after the other.

Hello,
I'd be happy to help you find someone to evaluate your baby, if you'd like to email me privately, at bulldawglady@hotmail.com. I'm the current president of The Capitol Bulldog Club which covers Northern VA, MD, and DC. I'm in the process of moving back to southern VA - so I have the area pretty well covered! LOL
There is a very large entry of Bulldogs at the Salem, VA shows, July 29- August 2. Robin

Mack comes from Arkansas (my home state). I sent the breeder an email today asking the same thing and am waiting for a response...we'll see! His sire is a champion (which I know doesn't mean anything in terms of what he'll be capable of), but I know she is familiar with the show scene. I am planning to become a member of the Virginia Bulldog Club, but even looking at their website, I get no leads on contacts for guidance. And although I may seem quite aggressive in my search, I am actually quite shy when it comes to approaching strangers and coming off looking like a fool, so I'm not sure I would have the courage to just show up at a show and start approaching people. I would just rather have him evaluated and looked at by a professional in a private setting. If I HAVE to go that route, I will. I'm just hoping to avoid it...lol Thank you for all your advice thus far. I am very grateful to each of you. I have added some pictures of Mack...maybe you guys can tell me from your standpoint if he even closely would have a chance. Although I want you to be honest, please don't be cruel if he isn't a perfect speciman. I love him dearly and it would break my heart to hear people cutting him to shreds. It's kind of like someone telling you that your child is too ugly to be in a beauty pageant when they could have just said something kinder and gentler...lol I'm sure all of you are way to classy and genuine to resort to bashing and flaming, however. The first picture is the first day we had him. He was 4 months old. The second one is from 4th of July weekend....he is almost 6 months old in it. Thank you all so much once again. ~Stacy

member? Do you have a local Bulldog Club you can get involved with? I would suggest attending a show without your dog and talking to some of the bulldog people. What about your breeder? Do they show?

There are many of us that used to show horses including myself that are also involved with dog showing (it's cheaper ). I have actually done both for about 40 years.

Also, if you have a bulldog club neaby, it would be a good thing to join.



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post some pics of him here.. and tell us where abouts you live.
I cannot help much since I am still hoping my boy will be showable .