Dress Code

I’ve been having a dig around some old documents written for our Junior Handlers at Stevenage Ringcraft by myself and my Dad (Ray McDonald). I thought I would start sharing them on this blog, no point them just staying on my hard-drive! So here’s for the first one I thought I would share. I think this was written by Ray McDonald and a few inputs from me!

Dress Code
It is well known that handlers dress smartly. There is no need to dress over the top with a dinner dress/suit but at the same time jeans and t-shirt are just too scruffy.  In all breeds the dog is presented well with most breeds being bathed and trimmed before a show and having a good brush at the show to make them presentable, so why not make yourselves presentable as well.

Also remember while looking for a suit, the colour of the dog you are showing.  A black dog gets lost against a black suit. So is not the best colour. Try and find a colour that will compliment your dog to its best, dark dogs stand out against light colours and visa versa.

Don’t forget, you don’t have to be in these clothes all day, take them with you and get changed at the show before and after you go in the ring (highly recommend for the young ones who want to play in the mud while not showing or the dry clean only suit.).

For girls:
Skirt or trouser suit or Jacket and trousers/skirt
Blouse or t-shirt
Long hair tied back in your choice. Make sure it stays out of your eyes.
Sensible flat shoes that are comfortable for running in and have grip.
The Mature ladies may want to think about investing in a comfy sports bra.

Do Not wear trainers, high heels (try running in stilettos on grass!)
Do Not wear short or long skirts.  Knee length gives you room to move and long enough to be sensible. Long flowing skirts will flap into your dog.
Do Not wear lots of dangly jewellery.

Boys:
Suit
Shirt
Tie
Trousers and shirt are ideal for the warmer weather
Waistcoat
Sensible flat shoes with grip
Long hair tied back

Do Not wear trainers
Do Not wear jeans
Do Not wear shorts

If you really want you may wear a skirt!