I show UKC conformation, and think it is a wonderful venue. A lot of people seem to feel the same quality isnt present as in AKC, but around here, it certainly is. Every show I go to anymore has multiple AKC CHs, including some who have won and placed at the ASSA nationals. The quality that shows up here is pretty deep.
Part of what I love about it is that politics don't seem to come into play, and unless the handler owns the dog, there are no professional handlers. There is also no use of products. They also seem to place a larger emphasis on structure and movement.
It is a very nice venue to start out in. Generally, the people are friendlier and more willing to help than at the AKC conformation shows (I've shown both), and the atmosphere is generally pretty laid back. Around here at least, all of the sheltie people who show up are generally friends. We all set up together, hold dogs ringside for one another, catch handle one anothers dogs when needed, and spend time chit chatting. It's just a nice venue.
I would highly recommend going there when you get your showdog. You may even want to continue once you have some experience. You can even start showing at most shows with dogs as young as 3 months in the 3-6 month old puppy class. It's unlicensed, so doesn't count for points, but it is a wonderful opportunity to get a young dog out and doing something in a show atmosphere right from the get go. It really is a good opportunity to present a young dog with positive early experience. I find my young ones are more confident as adults when they are out at the shows early on. Judges I've run into have always been wonderful with the puppies... Very kind, and I feel really try to make it a positive experience for the young dogs.
