I bought my first Ently with the intention of showing in conformation; therefore I have been able to show my dogs in other venues. The first show I went to was an ARBA (American Rare Breed Association) show in Michigan when Hanna was about 12 weeks old. Hanna was the first Ently that most people had ever seen. I was impressed with the different dogs that were there. I had been showing in AKC shows for the past twenty years and going to a rare breed show very interesting. I only knew about a handful of breeds that were there. It was very interesting. I highly recommend attending a rare breed show to see the different breeds of dogs that show. At ARBA shows they offer a puppy class for dogs under six months of age and they offer a Puppy "Best in Show." This is a nice way to get your new puppy out and socialized and familiar with dog shows. Well, to our surprise, at Hanna's first dog show she won a "Best Puppy in Show"; we were hooked! I must also mention that you meet the nicest people at dog shows. I have met many new friends from all of the country and we have had so much fun. I have attended ARBA shows all over the country. I believe that my dogs, Hanna and Bello, are the first Entlebuchers to win "Best in Shows" with ARBA. In 1998, my dog Bello was the #7 dog in points rating for all breeds, for the year. We went to Washington DC in 1999 where Bello received his award at the Cherry Blossom Circuit Show, one of the largest shows that ARBA puts on. The Outdoor Life Network filmed one of the shows there and my dog, Bello, was on TV. Unfortunately I have never seen the program, but have been told that my dog looked really nice.
This past year we decided to go to a UKC (United Kennel Club) show. We attended one in Illinois and we had a blast. The people were very nice and the atmosphere was very relaxed and supports camaraderie. Once again we met new friends who helped us with the UKC rules. Every venue has it's own rules. One that I was not familiar with was the banning of bait in the ring. I have always used a treat to get my dogs attention in the conformation ring. Food is strictly prohibited in all obedience rings. Well, in a UKC show, bait and squeak toys are used exclusively by the judge to get the dogs attention. My nephew, Matthew, also shows Bello in Junior Handling. He really enjoys it and it is a pleasure to watch the two work as a team in the show ring. It is fun watching a group of Junior Handlers in the ring. Matthew actually showed Bello in the UKC shows. He loves showing Bello and I encourage his showing. Bello won two "Reserve Best in Shows" and completed his UKC Championship.
There are also other Dog Clubs in which you can show your dogs. Ently's also enjoy Agility, Tracking, Carting, Flyball and other dog sports. I had the privilege of watching three Ently's compete in a Flyball tournament in Las Vegas. I was on vacation and found out about the tournament. The dogs were having a ball, pardon the pun. The people appeared to be having as much fun as the dogs. I looked into it when I returned home and unfortunately, flyball is not available in my area. I would suggest getting involved with your dog; it tightens the dog/owner bond. There are so many things in the dog world that you can do with your dogs that anyone can find something that they enjoy. One of my favorite sayings, when I teach an obedience course is, "You get out of your dog, what you put into it." I am a 4-H advisor and teach obedience and Junior Handling to kids aged 9-18. It is fun watching the kids work their dogs, and competing in shows. I think I am more nervous than them when they are showing! 4-H is a wonderful organization for youth. I was a 4-H'er and that is what started me in my love of obedience and conformation with my dogs. I cannot say enough about 4-H. If you have children, I would suggest getting your kids involved if there is a club in your area. My nephew, Matthew trians my male, Bello as his 4-H dog. He has taken him to nursing homes and given demonstrations to the residents. He also participates in parades with Bello pulling a wagon usually full of chickens and rabbits. We do have fun with our dogs!

I have listed links below for the different clubs and sports available to show your
dog.
ARBA - American Rare Breed Association
AKC - American Kennel Club for Purebred Dogs
UKC - United Kennel Club, Inc.
United States Dog Agility Association, Inc.
North American Flyball Association
The National 4-H Web Site