The AKC has a wonderful booklet that can answer all your questions.  The booklet is entitled: "A Beginner's Guide to Dog Shows."    This is a great booklet to read before you actually visit a dog show. 

If you are interested in getting a puppy, a dog show is a great place to see a lot of dogs of your favorite breed in one place.  Below are some tips when attending dog shows:

• You will want to know when your favorite breed is showing and in what ring.  Purchasing a show catalog will provide you with that information along with a list of all the dogs at the shows.  As you watch the show, you can mark in your catalog which dogs you liked.  You can use this as a reference if you are looking at purchasing a puppy in the near future.  If you do not wish to purchase a catalog, you can go to the Education Booth and they can tell you the time and ring your favorite breed is showing in, but they can not provide you with a list of dogs attending.
   
• Please don't bother the handlers and dogs when they are getting ready to enter the ring.  They are very focused on the job ahead of them and will not want to be interrupted.  If you wish to talk to someone about their dog, wait until after that group has finished showing and then ask the handler if you can set up a time with them to talk.
   
• Please don't block the entrance to a ring.  There are 3 other sides to the ring from which you can watch and enjoy the show.
   
• Please keep all family members outside of the ring barriers.
   
• Please ask before touching or feeding a strange dog.  Also, never let your small child hug a strange dog.
   
• Please watch where you step.  There are a lot of dogs sitting or laying down and you wouldn't want to step on a foot or tail.
   
• Looking for more information on a particular breed, breeder referral, or general dog information?  Please visit the Education Booth.  There will be plenty of people there who can help you.

If you have questions and can't stop by the Education Booth, then please feel free to  send an email to Mensona Kennel Club.