A show dog must always be in good shape, neither fat nor too thin. A dog must be able to exercise enough on a daily basis, then it will have good muscles.

It is necessary to take care of the dog's coat so that the loose undercoat does not grow out in tufts and the coat looks beautiful and healthy. The dog must be clean, it is advisable to wash it immediately before the show (depending on the dog's hair type, washing is usually 1-3 days before the show). Nowadays, many salons offer dog hair treatments, a very convenient solution! It should be remembered that neither Welsh Corgi breed is a "scissor haircut" breed. On the contrary - cut with scissors, so-called. a corgi's butt is quite likely to fetch a reduced show price at a show. In addition, the dog's nails should be cut short (so that the nails do not touch the ground when standing on a flat surface); the hair on the paws is short, check that the dog's teeth are clean.

The dog must be socialized, he must be calm about being touched by a stranger.

The strap used in the show is different from the regular strap. The show belt could be narrow and match the color of the dog (and why not also the appearance of the dog's presenter). The show belt can also be a separate narrow belt with a neck chain (preferably a half frame) or a fabric half arch belt.

The dog must be registered for the exhibition in time. Registration for the exhibition usually ends one month before the exhibition. It is convenient to register your dog for Estonian exhibitions through the EKL onlines system.

What happens in the judging round of the exhibition?

Sufficient attention must be paid to circuit training, it also affects the dog's grade (just so that the judge notices your dog's good qualities). Very few dogs do well without training. Since the dog is presented to the judge in the ring for only up to 3 minutes, you must know and be able to show your dog's positive qualities as much as possible during this short time. Show trainings are mostly weekly classes where the dog owner is taught what happens at shows and how to present their dog better, the rest of the work in between is done at home. If you are unable to participate in show training, ask your dog's breeder how to show your dog and teach him yourself. You could start show training as a puppy, but nothing will happen if you want to try shows with your older dog as well. You just have to take the first step :)

When coming to the show, bring your dog's vaccination passport, water bottle and bowl, comb/brush and show leash and the dog's favorite treat. It is advisable to bring a cage for the dog or a place where the dog feels safe. For a long exhibition day, bring a camping chair, a shelter if the exhibition is outdoors, etc.

If you are there about 1 hour before your breed evaluation starts, you and the dog will have a chance to just be. Nowadays, the numbers of the participants in most Estonian exhibitions are sent by e-mail, when you arrive at the exhibition, print it out (it must be attached to a piece of clothing with a pin on the left side, number pocket on your hand, etc.) The exhibition catalog is usually published on the club's website on the morning of the exhibition day or is given in paper form at the exhibition.

When you arrive at the show, see where your show ring is and be ready when the breed judging begins. The assessment cannot take place before the time indicated in the schedule, but rarely can it be moved later. While waiting for your turn, make sure that the dog does not stay in the sun or get wet in rainy weather. You can walk the dog for a while so that he gets to know and get used to the fun of the show and other dogs.

Dogs are called around in numerical order, starting with baby puppies. There are people working in the circle who invite you to the circle based on a number - be sure to pay attention to your invitation! Try to stay calm and happy yourself when you are in the escort circle. Every emotion you have is transferred to the dog. Sometimes the judge asks the dog's age, think about it early so you don't have to start calculating in circles.

In the show ring, dogs of a certain breed, of the same sex and of the same age group move counter-clockwise in the ring. The dog walks on the show leash on the owner's left side, moving at a moderate pace.

In the circle, you have to keep a distance between the dogs and choose the right pace. The dog must move at a trot. The best pace is usually when you take a quick step. If you move too slowly, the dog starts to walk, and if you move too fast, it starts to gallop. The dogs move 2-3 times in the ring so that the judge can see the overall picture and level of the dogs. Then, at the judge's signal, all dogs line up and the first dog is called to a judge for individual review. Corgis are appreciated on the table, so it is important that you have previously trained your dog to stand on the table and allow a stranger to touch him and look at his teeth.

The dog must be made to stand on its side in front of the judge. Usually the dogs are allowed to move forward again - back, i.e. directly away from the judge and back. Sometimes the judge also asks to do a so-called triangle - straight forward, left and back to the judge. If you are asked to stand the dog in front of the judge, stand the dog so that it faces the judge and is about 2 m away from the judge's table.

If your dog got an excellent score - stay by the ring and wait until you are invited to compete. In each class, the judge ranks the 4 best dogs. If your dog was among the top four in its class (and received a "SK" or certificate award), it will go on to compete again (when all age classes have been evaluated) for the selection of the best male (female).

You may leave the ring once you have received a copy of your dog's description sheet. Don't forget to ask the circle. Those who have done particularly well may be the Best Breed, they are usually given additional prizes by the organizer - please contact the information desk.

If your dog was not chosen this time, don't let this result discourage you, maybe your dog wasn't in good show form this time, maybe you didn't present your dog well. There is always a chance to try again, based on one show you should not yet conclude that your dog is not a show dog. Each judge is different, who is stricter, who is not. Likewise, each judge may interpret the standard slightly differently..

If you have not taken part in dog shows before, it is advisable to go to the show without a dog for the first time and follow the show circuit of your breed and observe how the dogs are presented by experienced show people.

Dog show is a sport, learn to win and lose!