Match show, 4 May

On a beautiful Saturday morning we went to Match show organized in Tartu to get a bit of experience in the dog show standing and moving. 

Match shows are dog show like events, but the breeds are not important. Also mixed breed are allowed. There are 7 different classes: puppies (4-11 months): small and big separately, grown ups (1-8 years): small and big separately, veterans (over 8 years): small and big separately, and mixed breed class.

The competition works in a way that in every class 2 dogs enter in a ring based on their number and the judge is giving them either blue or red ribbon. After all the dogs are judged, all the blue ribbon dogs get into the rings and 4 best is chosen. Same than for red ribbons.

The competition ends with a Best In Show ring where winners of all the classes (blue and red ribbons) in  goes together. So you'll have 4 puppies, 4 grown ups, 4 veterans and 2 mixed breed dogs together. And from the 14 dogs 4 best are awarded. 

I had no memories of going to match shows previously, but it turned out that I have participated before in 2007 with Glenn (6 months) and 2011 with Orr (1.5yr). And now with 5 month old Minnie. I had done exactly 1 show standing training before. Minnie did what she does the best - surprised me with her professionalism. 

In the first ring she got quite distracted when she was put on the table. But she was calm and friendly. She moved nicely. We got blue ribbon. 

In the blue ribbon ring she was standing like a pro. I was very surprised that she can do it so long. And we got 1 placement! Great!

Then we had a long wait for the Best In Show ring. She was resting in the cage or walking around or meeting other dogs or playing with kids. 

Finally the last ring time came. We had to stand and move in the ring very long time. And we got shortlisted. Wow. 

And then we got 3rd place overall. Second place was small veteran and 1 place was big grown up dog. I was very happy!

But I must admit that I have no clue what were the judging criteria :D :D