Can I enter dog shows with a neutered dog?

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Hi everyone! I’m really interested in entering my dog into beauty shows once he’s an adult. However, since he’ll have to be neutered, I’m a bit unsure... is he still allowed to compete?

He’s a long-haired miniature dapple dachshund :)

Thanks!

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    • Emma1975
    Emma1975 Icon representing the flag French
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    The actual time in front of the judge for the breed assessment only lasts about 5 minutes, but you'll often be waiting a long while for your turn. Your dog needs to be fairly calm. It’s a good idea to practise at home, getting your dog to stand still without too much fidgeting and ensuring they’re happy being handled by a stranger (ask a friend to help, for example) to check their bite, feel their testicles, and so on. You’ll soon see if it’s worth going through with the official confirmation (there is a fee for the assessment, usually around £25 to £60 depending on the event). There are some very "handsome" dogs that don’t pass: if they don’t meet the Breed Standard (you should be able to find the full details through your Breed Club), it can come down to something as small as an imperfect bite, being a couple of inches over the height limit, or poor behaviour (if the dog won’t keep still, for instance). You can find upcoming shows that include assessment sessions on websites like the Kennel Club or Fossedata. As for showing itself, it’s not as easy as people think; you need a lot of practice, and it’s a very professional environment. There is a lot of hanging around before you actually get into the ring. The dog needs to know how to hold their "stack" (which really isn't that simple!). Anyway, go along to a show as a spectator first—ideally a Breed Specialty for your dog's breed—and you’ll be able to see for yourself how it all works.
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    Sirelvis54 Icon representing the flag French
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    Thanks Emma, yeah, the motivation for the breed assessment is just personal really :) The dog shows are just an added bonus. He isn’t necessarily reactive with other dogs—at least not aggressive—but he can get quite over-excited. The "stay" command is going to be the hardest part (especially with so many distractions); I’ve been in touch with one of the organisers and they told me it only lasts about 5 minutes in total. Thanks so much for the detailed info. Maybe I could enter him into some shows (if he’s judged to be show-quality) just to get some feedback without worrying about the prizes... if he’s neutered. I’ll definitely go along as a spectator in any case! :)
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    Emma1975
    Emma1975 Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there, You can certainly get him confirmed (though I’m not entirely sure what the motivation would be... maybe to show he meets the breed standard to help the breeder’s reputation?). You could then follow that up with neutering. Just be careful if your dog has any behavioural issues: confirmation takes place in very close quarters with other entire males (so if your dog is reactive, it could get a bit hairy). He’ll also need to behave well on the lead, stay in a "stand" without moving for several minutes (it feels like ages), and let the judge handle him—checking his teeth AND his testicles—without making a fuss. You might also have to keep him standing while they measure him. And to answer your other point, no, dog shows are generally reserved for entire males. They check that both testicles are in place. Dog shows are primarily intended to highlight potential breeding stock. Perhaps you could get a special dispensation from the Kennel Club? ... but in any case, you’d never actually place. I think it’s a bit of a pipe dream to expect "Excellent" ratings from judges for a neutered male. I’ve never seen a single neutered male at a show, personally. Go along to a local Championship show as a spectator; it’ll give you a bit of an idea of the requirements and the general atmosphere.
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    Sirelvis54 Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi everyone,

    I’m wondering the same thing.

    I want to get my Frenchie’s pedigree confirmed, but I’ve got to have him neutered (he has some behavioural issues and even a neurological hyperactivity disorder, so I’ve decided against breeding him because of that :( ).

    He’s a stunning boy, I get nothing but compliments (including from his pro breeder), so I was thinking he might be able to win some rosettes at dog shows :D just for a bit of fun :)

    So, even if he’s a registered pedigree but neutered, is that a no-go for showing? :/

    Thanks

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Power teckel, I love it. It immediately makes me think of a sausage dog with a jet pack.

    :')

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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Power dachshund, love it. It instantly makes me think of a sausage dog with a jet pack.

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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    The minimum age for shows is 4 months. And before the intermediate class (15 months), it’s not really worth it.

    Plus, your male will reach sexual maturity—and therefore be able to mate—from six months old...

    If you really don't want to spay your females (because a determined Dachshund can mate with a dog much larger than himself), your dog isn't going to have a career in the show ring.

    Actually, just for the record! A determined Dachshund can indeed mate with a female Rottweiler. What do you get? A "power-Dachshund" or a "Dachsweiler":

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lan9ZaiQjtQ]

    This dog is quite something. He has endless energy; he just runs and runs and runs (the Dachshund in him, I imagine). He seems to think he's more fragile than he actually is, which explains his submissiveness (you don't see it in this clip). But he's got plenty of spirit with other dogs and loves playing rough and charging in (the Rottie side).

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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Thanks everyone for your replies! :)
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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    The minimum age for shows is 4 months. But honestly, it’s not really worth it until the Intermediate class (15 months).

    Plus, your male will reach sexual maturity—and therefore be able to mate—from six months onwards...

    If you’re really set against having your females spayed (and trust me, a determined Dachshund can manage to mate with a dog much larger than himself!), your dog won't have much of a show career.

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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Thanks for the replies. Also, is it possible to enter him into shows before he’s a month old?
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