What is a Dog Show?

The modern dog show started in 1859, but they’ve never been more popular than they are in the twenty first century. Thanks to dog shows airing on networks like Animal Planet and USA, more people are seeing dog shows than ever before. The side effect of this is that more people are finding themselves baffled by dog shows than ever before.

Like anything with a long history that’s steeped in tradition, dog shows can be a little impenetrable to the casual observer. This wasn’t much of an issue before they start airing on television, because the only way to see them was to be physically present at the event and if you were there, you probably already knew what was going on or knew someone who could explain it to you.

There are actually a bunch of different kinds of dog shows. The kind that most people are thinking of is called a conformation show, which is what you see if you watch the Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, and that’s what we’re going to talk about here. The second most popular type is the agility show or obedience where dogs compete in events that demonstrate physical ability and training.

In a conformation show, what is being judged is the dog’s physical appearance. These shows are either breed specific, where the dogs are, as you might expect, only competing against other dogs of the same breed, or all breeds shows, where any kind of recognized breed can compete.

The dogs are then judged based upon the agreed upon standards of their breed and how close they come to it. For recognized breeds, there is a written standard, and judges have to spend years qualifying to be able to judge the breed. Most judges are qualified to judge a few similar breeds, but there are judges who are able to judge virtually any breed.

At the actual show, what happens is that the dog is brought to the judge by its handler, who may be the dog’s breeder or a professional handler. The judge examines the dog visually, and then follows with a brief inspection by touch, looking to confirm that the coat and bone structure are correct for the breed.

Dog shows operate under a process of elimination, so the dogs first compete against other dogs of the same breed. Once they determine which dog is the best of breed, the winners are then sorted into a number of groups based on what they were originally bred for.

Sporting – Dogs bred specifically to hunt birds.

Hounds – Dogs that were bred to hunt other game, either by sight or by scent.

Working – This group of dogs were bred to do various working tasks, such as guarding property.

Terrier – Dogs that were originally bred to keep pests at bay.

Toy – Specifically bred to be pets, lap companions.

Non-Sporting – A fairly broad group that most includes dogs who don’t fit easily into the other groups.

Herding – As you might expect, these are dogs that were bred to herd cattle, sheep and the like.

The dogs are then judged against the other members of their group, where they are looking for the dog that best exemplifies the group. Again, this is a process of elimination, so what you end up with are seven dogs that have been judged to be the best of their breed and the best of their group in the show.

What the dogs are ultimately competing for is the title of best in show. This is the dog that has been judged to be the best example of the seven groups of dog. Although winning best of breed and best of group are great honors, what every dog really wants is the best in show category.

All of the above applies to an all breeds show, but there are other kinds of conformation shows. One of the most common variations is the all group show, where dogs are limited to breeds included in a certain group, like herding dogs or terriers. Even smaller than that are specialty shows, where the dogs are one of one breed or several related breeds.

If you’re interested in exhibiting your dog in dog shows, the definitive resource is the American Kennel Club, who will provide you with all the information that you need to get started. If you’re just interested in attending a dog show, check the internet to see what kind of shows are available in your area; dog shows are extremely common, so there’s bound to be one within driving distance.

Remember, if you are looking for a dog PLEASE always look for a dog at your local shelter. There are millions of abandoned purebred dogs at your local shelter. A mixed dog is just as cute, smart and can provide the same companionship a purebred dog can. AKC has a new program where you can show and compete your dog even if its neutered or spayed, mixed without a pedigree in their obedience, agility and special confirmation programs. If you have your mind made up and want a purebred, its best to buy your dog from a reputable breeder. One with good ethics for preserving the breed, health tests and gives life guarantees on the animal; these kind of breeders are all sure to be at a local dog show.