Straight From the Center of the Ring - Introduction to the Dog Show

Introducing...Straight From the Center of the Ring!

I’m so excited to welcome my Good Breeder family to one of our exciting new resources here at Good Dog...Straight From the Center of the Ring! This new monthly column will answer all of your dog show and event questions. No question or topic is too small. Questions on how to fill out an entry form, how to find out when and where a dog show near you will happen, how to count championship points or, heck, what even ARE championship points? You name it, we’ll cover it here!

The Basics...What is a Dog Show?

“The first modern dog show, on 28–29 June 1859 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, (England) was an added attraction to the annual cattle show. Its country character was clear, as only setters and pointers – sporting breeds – were shown and the prizes were guns. It was a low key start to what would be, by the end of the century, a hugely popular pastime, with dog owning fashionable among all classes of society, and which had huge implications for canine breeding.” Pemberton, Neil, & Worboys, Michael. “The surprising history of Victorian dog shows.” BBC History Magazine, June 2009 History Extra

Dog conformation shows were developed as a way to sort “breeding stock” of animals with the goal of improving the animal’s form and, thereby, the function, of the animal and the breed in question. Conformation dog shows today are a competitive arena in which purebred dogs are judged against the written standard for their breed. Each purebred dog breed has a standard of perfection in appearance, written by the breed’s “parent club.” The breed’s appearance was dictated by its “job” and the specific location around the globe in which it was developed. We call this idea “form follows function.” Many of the breed standards are, in essence, unchanged from the earliest descriptions of the breed. In conformation dog shows, the dog judged to most closely meet its respective breed standard is declared the winner. 

Why Should my Dog and I Participate in Dog Shows?

Owners and breeders of purebred dogs enjoy the competition and camaraderie of a shared hobby and passion. Some exhibitors are professionals, paid to transport multiple dogs, train, groom, and present them to the judges. Others are owners who show their own dogs, enjoying the challenge of learning new skills.

A dog that defeats enough competition to be noted a champion indicates that objective opinions, typically a minimum of three trained professionals, have judged the dog to come closest to meeting the standard of the ideal member of that breed. The title indicates the dog has a sound enough temperament to be handled by strangers, encounter loud and busy venues with confidence, and be trained to stand still and trot on leash next to the handler. A champion designation also indicates the dog is physically sound moving at a trot, and that its basic structure, or “conformation,” adheres to a commonly agreed upon measure of physical soundness.

Judges study for years to understand the breed standard of each breed, including the structure and gait. Dogs are judged by comparing them to the written breed standard. The dog closest to the breed standard, in that judge’s opinion, on that day, is selected to win championship points, Best of Breed and other placements.

Each Best of Breed winner goes on to compete in its respective group, with group winners ending the day in the Best in Show ring. While each of the show-giving organizations has slightly different rules, they all operate on these basic principles.

What is Required to Compete in Dog Shows?

In order to compete in a dog show, dogs generally need to be registered with the show-giving organization. A purebred dog will come from his or her breeder with registration paperwork. Either the dog’s owner or breeder must submit this paperwork to the appropriate registry. 

In most cases, dogs must be six months or older to compete in shows, although some “baby puppy” classes may be offered. 

What are the Show-Giving Organizations?

The American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC) and International All Breed Canine Association (IABCA) are purebred dog organizations that sponsor dog shows throughout the United States. To learn about upcoming events and to find information on how to enter, visit their websites.

When Do Dog Shows Take Place? 

Luckily for all of us, it is possible to find a dog show somewhere in the country every weekend of the year. I will add that, like much of the world, dog shows have been limited during this last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Where Are Dog Shows Held?

AKC shows are organized by hundreds of local kennel clubs located in every state. Events are held at fairgrounds, parks, expo centers and even polo grounds. All are open to the public, although exceptions have been made during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which time only a limited number of people are allowed on show grounds due to safety precautions.

Excited to hear more? 

Check out Straight From the Center of the Ring next month, where I’ll be discussing the concept of “points”...what they are, how they are earned, how many a dog needs, and more! Plus, be on the lookout for some exciting Facebook Lives where we’ll discuss all things dog shows. Have any topics you’d like to hear covered? Request them in a post on the Good Breeder Group on Facebook. I’ll see you next month!