My Weekend at the Carolina Foothills Cluster Dog Show

Attending the Carolina Foothills Cluster Dog Show in Greenville, SC, was an eye-opening experience. Hosted over four days by the Piedmont Kennel Club and the Greenville Kennel Club, the event was a whirlwind of activity, excitement, and learning opportunities. While I didn’t register King Wrex to compete this time, I spent Saturday and Sunday soaking up everything I could about the world of dog shows. My goal was simple: meet a handler, watch her in action, and learn more about what it takes to show French Bulldogs.

The Overwhelming Energy of the Show

Walking into the venue for the first time was overwhelming. Unless you have someone guiding you, the energy and bustle can leave you spinning. I was prepared for a busy environment, but I was still amazed by the sheer scale of the event.There were French Bulldogs everywhere. I was thrilled to see so many Pieds, Fawns, and Black Brindles, with Fawns making up the largest group. Most of them looked like they had been crafted from the same mold, each one staying close to the smaller end of the “standards” size chart. Watching them, I started to feel that tug-of-war in my mind: “to show or not to show?”

The Grooming and Preparation Zone

The grooming area was an entire world of its own. There were rows of crates, more than 200 grooming tables, Ryobi battery-powered fans, and enough brushes and sprays to stock a small store. The sight of dog hair blowing across the floor like tumbleweeds was both impressive and hilarious.In the ring, handlers were all business. They had brushes tucked into their belts, cooling cloths draped over their dogs, and treats stashed in every imaginable pocket. I couldn’t help but wonder how they transported all this equipment from their vehicles to the show floor and where they store it all when they get home. Then I glanced at the parking lot filled with Mercedes-Benz, GMC, and Ford Sprinter vans. Another lot had massive RVs from across the country. Clearly, this is a go-big-or-go-home type of sport transportation need.

Vendors and Valuable Resources

The vendor area was just as fascinating as the show itself. There were plenty of booths selling sparkly, blinged-out show gear, but I also found some great holistic products and supplements. The vendors were helpful, explaining what I actually needed and steering me away from unnecessary purchases. Of course, grooming products were everywhere, each promising to help your dog shine just a little brighter.Dog shows are also a perfect opportunity for OFA testing. If you book an appointment in advance, you can take care of specific tests that might otherwise be difficult to arrange locally. Since moving to Greenville, I’ve struggled to find a vet who can handle “sperm bank” services, but I was lucky enough to meet a great provider at the show.

Observations and Highlights

Even without Wrex by my side, I managed to accomplish all my goals for the weekend. I watched countless dogs and handlers, each demonstrating incredible skill and focus. The Junior Handlers especially impressed me. They showed multiple dogs with such confidence and talent, and it was inspiring to see their dedication pay off in the ring. Also, the Junior Handlers do not get paid for their efforts and time, however, they do compete for scholarship dollars. As for the other handlers, some professionals and many owner handlers. On a side note, the gentleman handlers, (my opinion from this particular show) definately wore the casual business attire much better than majority of women. **I sat alongside many rings, and witnessed some sites I'm certain I should not have had to observe. The female handler I was interviewing laughed at our sites, and mentioned she never goes in the ring without her athletic shorts on under her skirt or dress! A note many should remember. Me, personally, I wore a causal suit with pants, like the men do!

Final Thoughts

If you ever have the opportunity to attend a local show or one relatively close by, I highly recommend going, even for a couple of hours. It is a wonderful opportunity to see beautiful dogs strut their stuff, fully aware of what is expected of them, moving like true champions. Congratulations to all the participants. Just getting to the point where you can step into the ring is an accomplishment worth celebrating.