Dog shows have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up surrounded by Borzois and Tibetan Terriers, as my mother was a passionate breeder and exhibitor. When I turned ten, I finally had the chance to enter the ring myself as a junior handler – and that moment marked the beginning of my lifelong journey as a handler, breeder, and canine enthusiast.

Over the years, I’ve participated in various handler courses and gained in-depth knowledge about presenting, grooming, and training dogs. In 1997, I moved into my own home with my husband Tommy and got my first Chinese Crested Powderpuff. At the time, my hobbies included both dog shows and agility, which had only recently become established in Finland. Soon, Poodles entered my life – and with them, the challenge of mastering show grooming techniques. Since there were few local groomers in Ostrobothnia who specialized in show trims, I had to learn it myself. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to learn from some of Finland’s top professionals.

While I loved the cheerful temperament of Tibetan breeds, I found the smaller size of the Chinese Crested to be more practical. That’s when I discovered their smaller cousin – the Lhasa Apso. Our first Apso joined our home in 2003, and ever since, this breed has captured my heart.

What Makes Dog Shows So Special?

Dog shows are about more than just appearance. They are a celebration of well-bred, beautifully groomed, and well-behaved dogs. They remain an essential tool for breeding today, allowing breeders to network, compare breeding lines, and introduce new blood to their programs. Receiving feedback from judges and seeing your dogs alongside others provides invaluable insight into your breeding work.

Networking is also a major part of dog shows. You meet fellow breeders and exhibitors, share ideas, and discover new opportunities for cooperation and learning.

Why Dog Shows Are Great for Every Dog Owner

Even if you’re not a breeder, dog shows can still be a fun and educational hobby. Participating in shows can:

• Deepen your bond with your dog through shared training and goals

• Teach your dog to behave calmly in busy and unfamiliar settings

• Introduce you to a supportive community of fellow dog lovers

• Encourage regular grooming, which improves your dog’s health and comfort

• Offer exciting weekend adventures full of new people, places, and experiences

Many new exhibitors are surprised at how rewarding their first show is – the excitement, the camaraderie, and seeing your dog shine in the ring is unforgettable.

Why I Encourage My Puppy Owners to Try It

As a breeder, I hope my puppies go to homes where their full potential can be realized. Dog shows provide a great opportunity to evaluate a dog’s development, gain feedback, and proudly showcase your companion. Every dog in the ring tells a story of its breed – and its breeder.

For me, breeding is a matter of the heart. That’s why I’m always happy to support my puppy owners – whether it’s with grooming, training, or show handling. A shared hobby can deepen your relationship with your dog and bring new friendships into your life.

If you’ve ever been curious about dog shows, but don’t know where to start – just ask. There’s room for everyone in the ring – and even more outside of it.

Previous blog posts