We were only there for obedience (rally & utility). It seemed to be 70-80% older women handling dogs - there were only a few men there, and I didn't see any of them in the ring.
Outfits were divided into somewhat stodgy fairly formal dress (Southern ladies' church-going outfits?) for women who were handling dogs, and very, very casual (slogan tees, jeans, trainers) for those who were watching.
We really loved seeing the dogs, of course. We told one lady that we had recently lost our dog, and she brought three of her dogs over for us to cuddle and pet to get our Vizsla fix.
It was eye-opening to see how many dogs, not just in the novice classes, failed their events, given that this is the National level and so many of the trainers were at the top of their profession, and heartening to see that none of the handlers seemed to communicate any disappointment to their dogs. I asked a breeder I was sitting next to about that, and she said, "Well, at the end of the day, they're still dogs."
At the same time, I got a little anxious and wound up - I would love another Vizsla as a pet, but breeders are so focused on show and field competition, and really try to pressure you into showing your dog. I won't get a puppy from a puppy mill, so it's either a breeder or a rescue dog.
Oh, and it was indoors, at a hotel convention center, no problem with seating. And free coffee, which my husband and daughter appreciated :-).
