Showing Chihuahuas

If you are looking to show a Chihuahua in agility trials please return to the home page where agility is the primary topic of this web site. Just click on the jumping Chihuahua to the left and he'll take you there straight away. The Agility Chihuahuas page was the beginning of Agility Ability as a tribute to all the agility fun I have shared with Samson. Samson taught me a great appreciation for this game little breed. This page deals with showing the Chihuahua in Conformation, or breed shows.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is an organization made up of many breed parent clubs, or national clubs. The Chihuahua Club of America is the parent, or national club for the Chihuahua.

To get started in showing Chihuahuas in breed shows you will need to familiarize yourself with the Chihuahua Breed Standard. This is the specifications "manual" which explains what makes a Chihuahua a Chihuahua, or its breed type. A study of anatomy and gait creates an understanding of what makes a healthy and sound Chihuahua. Nearby Chihuahua Clubs or All Breed Clubs often have members quite willing to help newcomers along. You can search for these clubs on line at the AKC web site. Once you have located and joined one you will find a wealth of information among the membership. There are also a number of seminars held around the country that discuss handling and breeding issues.

The Event Calendar at the AKC web page will help you locate upcoming shows near you. When you arrive at a show they will be able to tell you at what time the Chihuahuas will show and in what ring. Prior to showing their dogs the exhibitors will often be too busy to talk to you. It is best to wait until the completion of judging. You can exchange business information and agree to talk at a later time.

Related Publications

The New Dog Steps by Rachael Page Elliott
A better understanding of dog gaits through cineradiography (moving X-rays)
Howell Book House, New York
ISBN 0-87605-521-8