To a novice, a dog show can seem like quite a complicated gathering. How are the winners chosen? How can the judge decide between dogs of the same breed—ones that look almost identical? The winning dog is much more than just a fluffy tail and a pretty face! The show is really quite easy to understand once you know the basics.

The AKC

There are two main types of dog shows: conformation and obedience. The conformation show judges the look and movement of the dog against the breed standard. The majority of the conformation shows held in the US are sanctioned by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC is a not-for-profit club that promotes the advancement of purebred dogs. The club maintains the registry of purebred dogs and the records of sanctioned shows across the country. When someone says that his dog "has papers", most often he is referring to the registration from the AKC. Registry papers do not guarantee health, temperament or quality, however. They are proof only of the parentage of the pup. There are other registries as well, such as the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA), and their shows follow the same basic structure as the AKC.

The Breed Standard

Every breed has a standard, which states how the ideal dog of that breed should look, move, and in some cases behave. Standards will often state allowable coat color and texture, maximum and minimum sizes for the breed, and faults which may eliminate it from competition. Anyone interested in showing must become intimately familiar with his breed’s standard and how each dog compares to it. The breed standards for AKC registered breeds can be found in The Complete Dog Book, by the staff at the AKC

In a show, the dog is judged, not against the other dogs in the ring, but against the breed standard. This is especially apparent in the "Best of Show" ring, where dogs of many breeds are shown together. Those new to the show world often wonder how on earth a judge could pick the best dog from so many different types. But the judge is not comparing one dog to another. He is comparing each dog to his breed standard and then choosing the dog that most closely represents the ideal.

Groups and Classes

The dog show is basically a simple process of elimination. The early stage of dog shows often seems to be a maelstrom of activity, with dogs competing in several rings at the same time. At the beginning, many dogs are completing until, at the end, one best in show is chosen. In an all-breed show, the dogs must first complete against the others of their breed, in groups. The AKC divides the breeds into seven basic groups: Herding, Working, Sporting, Terrier, Hound, Toy and Non-Sporting. Additionally, the competition is divided into six different classes:

Puppy: 6-9 or 9-12 months

Twelve – Eighteen months

Novice—Never won a blue ribbon, or less than three ribbons in a Novice Class

Bred by Exhibitor—the exhibitor bred the dog

American Bred—The dog’s parents mated in and the dog was born in America

Open—Any dog of that breed

The dogs are divided by sex, males competing with males and females with females. After all the classes are judged, the winner of each class will then go on to compete. The winning male is awarded Winners Dog and the female is awarded Winners Bitch. They then go on to compete with the champions for "Best in Breed".

Best in Show

The winner of each Best in Breed competition will next compete for the Best in Show, the highest award in the competition. The Best in Show competition will include all the dogs judged that day to be Best of Breed. Keep in mind that the remaining dogs are judged against their standard, not against each other. The dog chosen will gain the title "Best in Show"

Champions

Points are given to the Winners Dog, Winners Bitch and Best of Winners according to criteria set forth by the AKC. The criteria will include things such as how many dogs were entered and the class. The more dogs entered, the more points awarded. A total of 15 points must be won under at least three different judges. A three to five point win is considered a "major" and two major wins are required for Champion. Once this has been achieved, the dog has earned the title "Champion" and has the letters "CH." before his registered name.

Attending a Show

If you choose to attend a show and want to see a particular breed, it is best to arrive early. In most shows, after the judging of a breed, those that did not win are free to leave. When you arrive, purchase a show catalogue for names of the dogs being judged and for times.

Most breeders and handlers are very happy to discuss their breed with you and a show is a good place to find out more about a breed that interests you. Be respectful of their time however. They are very busy with getting the dogs groomed and in the ring. Also never pet or feed a dog without permission, never distract a dog in the ring and always keep children under control.

Many shows are outdoors so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and sunblock if necessary. Then sit back and enjoy the fun! Showing dogs is a fascinating sport and can be addicting! Start out with caution –before you know it you could be spending all your spare time "going to the dogs"!

Suggested Reading:

The Complete Dog Book, American Kennel Club Staff; Format: Hardcover, 768 pp; ISBN: 087605047X; Publisher: IDG Books Worldwide; Pub. Date: Dec. 1997

The International Encyclopedia of Dogs, Anne Rogers Clark, Andrew H. Brace; Format: Hardcover, ISBN: 0876056249; Publisher: IDG Books Worldwide; Pub. Date: Oct. 1995

Show Me! A Dog Show Primer, D. Caroline Coile; Format: Softcover, 152 pp.; ISBN: 0812097106; Publisher: Barrons Educational Series; Pub Date: Jan. 1997