Showing The Sieger Style Dog Show

I learned about the sieger shows from another rottweiler breeder that I knew and was very intrigued to learn more about them.  I am not a huge fan of the American Kennel Club shows, I have attended a few and just found the environment there not the friendliest.  I like to meet new dog lovers and the chill in the air at the AKC shows was not for me.  My friend told me that the Rottweiler sieger shows were more laid back and the people were friendly and helpful to new comers, she invited me to tag along to a Rottweiler sieger show with her and I agreed.  Well lets just say I loved it and I have been hooked ever since.

Now don't get me wrong you still have the strong competition drives going on in everyone and you still have your chilly people but your not having to dress like your going out to a 4 star meal or the opera.  Jeans and a T-shirt are just fine here.  Like the AKC each Rottweiler dog is being judged against the Rottweiler breed standard not each other.  The Rottweiler dog that is the closest match to breed standard will win their group and then they are placed accordingly from there as second, third and so on.  Those winners will come back in and compete for Best puppy male/female, Youth Sieger/Siegerin, Sieger Male/female.  They also have kennel class and more.

The biggest difference between showing Rottweiler's Sieger and AKC is that you can't hand stack your dog and your not allowed to use food bait.  You have a helper outside the ring that can bait your dog using a favorite toy, such as a ball, a squeaky toy, etc. Each dog is critiqued by the judge over a loud speaker so that you can hear how correct your dog is to the written standard. You will also get a printed critique you can pick up and take home with you after the show.  You have to be able to check your dogs teeth and a males testicles.  If your dog wont do these simple things they will be disqualified.  There can be a bit of running depending on the judges and the age group of the dogs.  So you really need a back up runner for your dog.  You will also see many tailed Rottweilers here as this is the place that most Rottweiler people show their imported dogs which primarily all have tails.  The AKC is very anti tail.

The dogs class's are based on age with puppys starting at 4 months old until 6 months, 6 months until 9 months, 9 months until 12 months. Youth class's are 12 months until 18 months, and 18 months until 24 months,  and then you have your adults which are over 24 months and up until 7 years.  You also have your champion class's for dogs with AKC CH titles and such.

I think this is a good show venue for people who want to try their hand at showing there dog.  Most clubs bring in Judges from other countries.  I find that these shows are fair and give a newbie a chance at winning a trophy if their dog is a good representative of the Rottweiler breed.  I know there is not a lot of information out there on sieger but you can find some rottweiler breeders who will give you some information to get you started.  If there is a Rottweiler Sieger show in your area or within a driving distance you should go and have a look you may find it a fun place to be.