Dog shows (conformation events) are intended to evaluate breeding stock. The dog’s conformation (overall appearance and structure) is judged against the written standard for that breed.
The judge examines each dog and then gives awards according to how closely each dog compares to the judge’s mental image of the “perfect” dog as described in the breed’s official standard. The standard describes the characteristics that allow the breed to perform the function for which it was bred. These standards include specifications for structure, temperament and movement. The judges are experts on the breeds they are judging. They examine (“go over”) each dog with their hands to see if the teeth, muscles, bones and coat texture conform to the breed’s standard. They view each dog in profile for overall balance and watch each dog gait (“move”) to see how all of those features fit together in action.
Each dog presented to a judge is exhibited (“handled”) by its owner, breeder or a hired professional. The role of a handler is similar to that of a jockey who rides a horse around the track and, hopefully, into the winner’s circle. Most dogs in competition at conformation shows are competing for points toward their AKC championships. It takes fifteen points, including two majors (wins of three, four or five points), awarded by at least three different judges, to become an American Kennel Club “Champion of Record”. The number of championship points awarded at a show depends on the number of males (“dogs”) and females (“bitches”) of the breed actually in competition. The larger the entry, the greater the number of points a male or a female can win. The maximum number of points awarded to a dog at any show is five points.
Males and females compete separately within their respective breeds, in seven regular classes (see below). After these classes are judged, all the dogs that won first place in a class compete again to see who is the best of the winning dogs. Males and females are judged separately. Only the best male (Winners Dog) and the best female (Winners Bitch) receive championship points. The Winners Dog and Winners Bitch then compete with the champions for the Best of Breed award.
At the end of the Best of Breed Competition, awards are usually given for:
· Best of Breed – the dog judged as the best in its breed category. Also may be awarded Grand Champion points.
· Best of Winners – the dog judged as the better of the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch.
· Best of Opposite Sex – the best dog that is the opposite sex to the Best of Breed winner. If Champion of record may also be awarded Grand Champion points.
· Award of Merit (may be more than one awarded) – dogs with their championship that are outstanding entries that did not win the Best of Breed or Best of Opposite Sex.
After dogs compete against others of their own breed, the best of breed winner goes onto compete against other dogs in the same group (Tollers are in the Sporting Group), and then the winner of each group goes onto compete for Best in Show.
Regular Classes
SIX-to-NINE MONTHS — Shall be for dogs between six and nine months of age, that are not yet champions.
NINE-to-TWELVE MONTHS — Dogs nine to twelve months of age, that are not yet champions.
TWELVE-to-FIFTEEN MONTHS — Shall be for dogs between twelve to fifteen months of age, that are not yet champions.
FIFTEEN-to-EIGHTEEN MONTHS — Shall be for Dogs fifteen to eighteen months of age, that are not yet champions.
NOVICE —Shall be for dogs that are at least six months of age and over, which have not, prior to the date of closing of entries, won three first prizes in this class, a first prize in Amateur-Owner-Handler, Bred-by-Exhibitor, American bred, or Open Classes, nor one or more points toward their championships.
AMATEUR-OWNER-HANDLER — Shall be for dogs that are at least six months of age that are not champions. Dogs must be handled in the class by the registered owner. This class is restricted to exhibitors who have not, at any point in time, been a professional dog handler, AKC approved conformation judge, or employed as an assistant to a professional handler.
BRED BY EXHIBITOR — Shall be for the dog is not yet a champion, and the handler is the breeder and the owner.
AMERICAN-BRED— Shall be for a dog whose parents were mated in America, and the dog was born in America. The dog is not yet a champion.
OPEN — Shall be for any dog of the breed, at least six months of age.
Four-To-Six Month Puppy Competition
Some shows may also offer a Four-to-Six Month Beginner Puppy Competition. Dogs shown in this class do not earn points towards their championship, but compete for best puppy in show. This class is designed to help young puppies get practice in a show environment.
Tips for a First-Time Exhibitor
· Make sure your dog is registered with the AKC.
· Be sure your dog is current on all inoculations.
· Start working on socialization skills from the beginning. Expose your puppy to new places and people. Your puppy should get used to new situations and noises. Encourage people to pet your dog so it gets used to being petted by strangers.
· Purchase a show lead and learn how to place it on your dog.
· Learn the proper techniques for grooming and for presenting your dog in the ring.
· Join your breed’s Parent Club, or a Local Specialty and/or All-Breed club in your area.
· Become familiar with the AKC rules and regulations for dog shows.
· Attend handling classes with your dog.
· Attend some dog shows to observe your breed being judged and how others present your breed. Get a Judging Program at the show to find out ring number and judging time.
· Use the knowledge of your breeder.
· Bring a crate so your dog has some place to rest when not being shown.
· Bring yummy treats to use as “bait” in the show ring.
· Bring water (and water bowl) for your dog and you.
· Dress for success. Your show clothes should look professional and yet be comfy enough to run in.
· Be prepared for eventualities. Outdoor shows may bring inclement weather. Always good to have an emergency kit with extra clothes, rain gear, first aid supplies, spare leashes, extra water bowl, etc.
· It is considered bad form to allow your dog to interact with other dogs at a dog show without the owner’s permission. Keep control of your dog and not let him approach other dogs at the show. Ask permission from the handler before you approach, pet, or let your dog approach another dog.
· Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
· Have Fun!
Dog Show Terms
Angulation – Angles created by bones meeting at their joints.
Baiting – Using liver or another high-value treat (hotdogs, chicken, etc.) to get the dog’s attention and have him look alert.
Bench show – A dog show at which the dogs are kept on assigned benches when not being shown in competition, so they can be viewed and discussed by attendees, exhibitors and breeders.
Exhibitor – A person who brings a dog to a dog show and shows it in the appropriate class.
Fancier – A person who is especially interested, and usually active, in some phase of the sport of purebred dogs.
Gait – The way a dog moves; movement is a good indicator of structure and condition.
Groom – To brush, comb, trim or otherwise make a dog’s coat neat.
Handler – A person or agent who takes a dog into the show ring or who works the dog at a field trial or other performance event.
Heel – A command to a dog to keep close beside its handler.
Match Show – A usually informal dog show at which no championship points are awarded.
Miscellaneous Class – Transitional class for breeds attempting to advance to full AKC recognition.
Pedigree – The written record of a dog’s family tree of three or more generations.
Points – Credits earned toward a championship.
Soundness – Mental and physical well-being.
Stacking – Posing the dog’s legs and body to create a pleasing picture.
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