This article is not intended to discuss the relative merit of showing in either the All Breed ring or in the Specialty ring. This article is to acquaint newer exhibitors with All Breed dog shows and exhibiting in that arena.

If you are seriously thinking of showing your new German Shepherd puppy, the first requirement is to obtain a copy of the German Shepherd Standard. If you are reading this article, then you have "discovered" the parent club website. This site not only contains the written standard, but also has a "downloadable" copy of the illustrated standard. These are excellent study materials. You might also visit the AKC website, there is a copy of the GSD standard there, and introductory information on how "dog shows" function. Also, AKC will have a listing of Dog Show Superintendents (with contact information) and an Online Events Calendar that will give you complete information as to name of club, superintendent, location, date, judging panel and entry fees.

After studying this material, plan on attending multiple All Breed dog shows in your area. If you are lucky enough to have a mentor in the breed, have them go with you, to answer any questions you might have. Things will go smoother if you understand what classes to enter and the sequence of judging at the Breed level. Also, it is advisable to attend some "handling classes" to get the "feel" for what will be expected of you and your dog. Many local Breed Clubs, All Breed Clubs, and local trainers will offer classes that might be attended.

There are certain basic components that must be understood if one wishes to compete in the All Breed arena successfully:

1. Is your GSD good enough to show? We all love our dogs, but not all dogs are "show dogs". It will take time to develop a "critical eye" as far as confirmation is concerned; in the mean time, be willing to have your dog "critiqued" by someone more knowledgeable about the breed.
2. This is a Dog Show -- Pay particular attention to grooming, and I don't mean just brushing. Every animal should come to the ring in "good" coat and bathed. The teeth should be clean, if you start with a puppy, they can be taught to have their teeth cleaned on a regular basis. Toenails should be ground or clipped on a regular schedule. If showing indoors, where footing may be slippery, trim the hair from the pads of the feet (ONLY where the pad makes contact with the floor).
3. This is a Dog Show -- Bring your dog to the ring TRAINED. The judge's time is limited and he/she will not waste it watching your dog gallop around the ring. Also, they will definitely "smile" upon an animal which stands and stays in its stack and allows itself to be examined. Puppies often object to having their mouths examined, this is a good thing for you to practice at home, not only with you looking at their teeth, but also someone "acting" as the judge. A sidebar to training: Remember, different judges may want to see different performances -- your dog should be trained to move at different speeds -- and to do so at the handlers request. The ability of the owner to "double-handle" is severely restricted in the AB arena.
4. Showing off your dog can be enhanced by the practice of "baiting" the dog in the ring. Watch the professional handlers for techniques and types of bait. Find some tasty treat that your puppy really responds to and practice at home. This can also be done at the handling classes. HOWEVER, be aware that some judges do not like "baiting" and will not allow it in their rings. It is required that the judge gives notice at the ring entrance about his preference in this matter -- watch for signs.
5. Be prompt --be at ringside and ready to show your dog at the designated time. Judging can not start until the time designated on the judging program, after that time, the judge is not required to wait for you. Carefully watch the judges procedure in the ring, it may vary slightly from judge to judge. The judge might give you verbal directions but you should be aware of how he/she "runs" their ring.
6. All Breed shows tend to be a little more formal than Specialty shows. Weather permitting, it is expected that the exhibitor will be suitably attired, no jeans, sweatshirts, etc..., jacket and tie for the men, appropriate dress, suit or slacks for the women.

As with all things, practice makes perfect -- correctly preparing and exhibiting your dog will come with experience. Be patient and willing to learn. Ask questions and take advantage of the knowledge that the "senior" breeder/exhibitors have to offer -- they will be the first to tell you that there is always something new to learn.

At some point in time, your dog may finish a Championship. If it is a really good breed specimen and a superb showman, you might want to consider furthering its career as a "special". This is competing for BEST OF BREED and continuing on to the GROUP level. This is where All Breed showing departs from Specialty showing. In specialties, the show is completed when BOB is chosen -- in the All Breed, the competition will continue on to the Group (the German Shepherd Dog is a member of the Herding Group). Here, your champion will compete with the BOB winners from the other Herding Breeds (at this level, the dogs should be judged by their individual standards and not against each other). As with the classes, four placements will be picked. The winner of First Place will then continue on to Best In Show to compete with the winners of the other six Groups. Most dogs will never compete on this level, but it is certainly a worthy goal. Finishing a champion is a notable achievement in itself -- taking this champion on to a Group Win or Best in Show is a rare and incredible achievement and one well worth working towards.

Good luck and enjoy your All Breed Experience.