Instructions
Assess how closely your "min pin" matches the official breed standard of the American Kennel Club. Judges will assess your dog and determine wins and losses according to the stipulations of this standard. The breed standard relates the characteristics that represent the qualities of the perfect miniature pinscher; some of these include a hackney-like gait and catlike feet. It also states that min pins that are under 10 inches or more than 12.5 inches in height at the withers will be disqualified.
Register your dog. All miniature pinschers that participate in conformation must be registered with the American Kennel Club. Once your dog is at least 6 months of age, it can start participating in shows. Spayed or neutered dogs, however, are not allowed to take part in these dog shows.
Attend a few dog shows, both with and without your miniature pinscher. Going alone allows you to gain familiarity with the entire affair: The swarm of tents and dog crates, the smell of grooming products and liver or chicken bait and the formality of dress expected from handlers is quite a bit to take in. Taking your miniature pinscher along with you is the perfect way to expose it to the environment. It's best to make the first trip a short and extremely pleasant one. Elongate your stays over time, and always maintain an energetic and positive attitude around your dog. Top show dogs exude confidence and bravado, qualities not fostered by being bored or frightened when near a ring.
Decide on handling duties. You can show your miniature pinscher yourself and join the ranks of owner-handlers. However, dog shows are a competitive environment where even an error or two can result in a loss. For a fee, you can arrange for a professional, experienced handler to exhibit your min pin in order to encourage a win.
Educate your dog for the ring. Besides having friendly, starry personalities, show dogs must learn how to stack, gait, remain calm and turn on the charm, all on command. Min pins are natural hams, but their love for the spotlight is best shaped in conformation classes. Handlers also need a complex skill set; their ultimate goal -- one which requires years of practice -- is to simultaneously disappear and glorify their dog. Visit the Miniature Pinscher Club of America to locate your nearest local club, which can put you in touch with the best training classes around you.
Register for a dog show. Organizations like Jack Onofrio Dog Shows and InfoDog handle the registration for individual dog events. It costs between $25 and $35 to register for each conformation show, and the deadline frequently falls two weeks in advance of the event.
How Do I Get Started Showing My AKC Miniature Pinscher?
The prestige of a dog show frequently overshadows the fun and camaraderie also found in the event. Miniature pinscher owners looking to enjoy the glamor and glee of conformation dog shows will find participation well worth the effort. The American Kennel Club governs these events and maintains criteria important to consider before getting involved. Not every "min pin" is fit to be shown. It's best to verify your dog's qualifications and readiness for the ring well in advance of taking part.