Did you know that... your Shih Tzu puppy can be shown at an American Kennel Club sanctioned point show at the early age Of six months?

How to get started showing your Shih Tzu.

The forms to enter your Shih Tzu into point shows are mailed To you in a pamphlet called a premium list.

When your Shih Tzu puppy reaches the age six months your local kennel club can provide you with names and addresses of show-giving superintendents in your area. The premium list also includes the names of the judges for the Shih Tzu breed. There is a list of prizes and trophies, name and address of the show-giving club and where the show will be held. You should also receive the rules and regulations set up by the American Kennel Club which you must abide to before entering your Shih Tzu puppy.

There is a complete set of show rules and regulations that may be obtained by writing to the American Kennel Club, Inc., 51 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010.

When you write the dog show superintendent, request your name be added to their mailing list. If you request only your premium list for the particular show you want to enter your Shih Tzu puppy, you will not receive premium lists in the future. List your breed as Shih Tzu and they will send you premium lists for Specialty shows also.

The point shows are unlike a match show.

In a match show your Shih Tzu will be judged on ring behavior. At the point shows your Shih Tzu will be judged on conformation to the breed Standard. The requirements are your Shih Tzu needs to be at least six months of age on the day of the show and your Shih Tzu must be a purebred. This means your Shih Tzu and your Shih Tzu's parents are registered with the American Kennel Club. Female Shih Tzu cannot have been spayed. Male Shih Tzu must have both testicles in evidences. Any deviation from the Standard for the breed constitutes disqualification.

Allow your Shih Tzu relieve himself and groom your Shih Tzu to the best of your ability before taking him into the ring.

There is a specified area for grooming your Shih Tzu before taking him into the ring. This area is usually the show hall. Be sure to let your Shih Tzu out of the crate and exercise so the Shih Tzu can relieve himself before going into the ring. Many dog owners fear their Shih Tzu will get dirty if they let them out of the crate. Usually the first thing a Shih Tzu will do after being released from his crate is relieve himself. If you walk your Shih Tzu you can avoid this problem. If your dog is clean, well groomed, empty and leash trained you should be able to enter the show ring with confidence ready for an appraisal of your Shih Tzu by the judge.

Before you reach the point where you are actually in the ring awaiting the final decisions of each judge, you need to decide which of the five classes your Shih Tzu should compete.

The regular five classes of the AKC are: Puppy, Novice, Bred-byExhibitor, American-Bred and Open. If your Shih Tzu is undefeated in any of the regular classes, the Shih Tzu will be required to enter the Winners Class. If your Shih Tzu is placed second in the class to the Shih Tzu which won Winners Dog or Winners Bitch, hold the Shih Tzu in readiness for the judge to consider it for Reserve Winners.

If your Shih Tzu wins a class study the classes to make certain your Shih Tzu is entered in a proper class for his or her qualifications.

There are specific rules that must be followed if your Shih Tzu wins a class. No eligible Shih Tzu may be withheld from competition. It is not mandatory that you stay for group judging.

About the Author

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com