Dog Shows

Dog shows, breed shows or conformation shows are competitions where the judges either examine dogs of a specific breed or dogs of all breeds, to see whether each dog meets the breed standards or not. Kennel clubs and breed clubs conduct such shows. Shows where only specific breeds are examined are known as specialty shows.

The standards for each breed of dog are set. However, because of the wording in the standards, the judges decide what interpretation they will use prior to the show. The judges for the show use their interpretation of the standards as their criterion for determining the winning dog in each breed. Most of the standards are very specific, but a few like “full coat” or “cheerful disposition” are open to interpretation. This is why the judges discuss what they will use for a particular show. During the show, they choose dogs which match their agreed upon definition of the set standards for their breed. Not only is one dog compared with another, but each is also compared to the judge's image of a dog which meets the breed standards almost perfectly.

The objective of each dog show is to select winning dogs which match their breed standards as closely as possible. However, since each judge might have a slightly different view on the standards that are open to interpretation, different judges will pick different dogs as the one that most closely matches the standards for their breed. This has led to a number of disputes regarding these shows. To counter the possibility of judicial prejudice, most countries have stated that for a dog to become a champion of its breed, it must have been judged by several different judges and it must have gained points from several prestigious shows.

A long list of a dog’s features, called conformation points, make up the published breed standards for each breed of dog. The fur is one of the most important factors. The pet's fur colour, pattern, length, type and quality are observed carefully. The distribution, quality and quantity of the markings are also observed.

Healthy skin, with no pigmentation differences, is also one of the important criterions. The shape and colour of the head is also taken into consideration. The general attitude and temperament is noted down for each breed of dog. The jaw-line and the structure of the teeth and how they align when the jaw is closed are compared. Shape and colour of the eyes and shape and set of the ears are observed. The sizes and the ratio of the length and height are also compared. The style of walking and gait is compared. The shape of the tail and feet are closely observed. The dogs which enter such competition should be well groomed. Some judges even check for skin wrinkles and measure the flews (the pendulous flaps of skin hanging from the side of the lips of certain dogs, especially hounds).

The name of each participating dog in the show should be recorded. Every dog's registered name is attached with the breeder's kennel name. Every dog can have a registered name as well as a call name. The kennel club uses the registered name, which is usually quite long. However, the owner refers to the pet by its call name. For example, the registered name could be Trombley’s Anthony The Great, but its call name could be Tony.

There are many dog shows conducted on various levels. There are local shows, regional shows and national shows, which attract competitors from different parts of the country. Usually dog shows are hierarchical competitions. The winners earn certain points in each show. Depending on the points earned, it will determine if they are eligible for the next level of show. The dog which wins shows that are at the highest level is declared a champion. 'Ch.' is appended to the dog's name, for example, Ch. Trombley’s Anthony The Great. Such shows are called prestigious shows.

These shows only allow pets which have already won a championship in another show to attend. These shows aim to choose the best in each breed. Such shows make the reputation of the dog, breeder and kennel higher. The puppies of that particular dog are then sold for a surprisingly high price. This is because other people want to buy a pet which resembles the champion. The popularity of the breed increases rapidly. There are two such prestigious shows, The Crufts in Great Britain and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in the United States. Neither mom, dad or I have ever attended these shows. In fact I have never attended any dog show, but mom and dad have attended a number of prestigious Canadian shows and we have all watched the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on television.

If you are a dog owner, or you like dogs, you should attend a dog show or two. They are quite informative and a real “eye-opener” to observe.

Until next time,

Teia

What Every GOOD Dog Breeder Will Tell You

Before I start today's entry, I'd like to tell you a little story about a dog breeder that my mom and dad dealt with years before I was born. Mom and dad decided that they would like to get a new puppy to replace a Poodle who had recently passed away. They looked in a book about dog breeds and decided that a Bichon Frise would be the dog that they should get. They checked the local pet stores and none had a Bichon for sale. A check of the pet section of the local paper revealed one breeder with puppies for sale. Mom and dad phoned the telephone number listed in the advertisement and were told that there was only one puppy available, a female. The rest of the litter had been sold. Mom and dad found out that the breeder lived hundreds of miles away, but that she would be in the city mom and dad lived in visiting a relative. An appointment was arranged and mom and dad went to look at the puppy. It was white, cute and had a good personality. Mom and dad asked if it had any genetic defects and the breeder said that it didn't.

They agreed to purchase the puppy and paid the breeder the requested fee. Several weeks later, they noticed that “Brandy” was limping a bit on her left hind leg. They kept an eye on her and as the days passed, the limp became more noticeable. They took “Brandy” to the veterinarian and he advised that she had hip dysplasia. Mom and dad contacted the breeder to advise her of this problem. The breeder replied, “You bought a dog, not a car or an appliance, they come as is, so she's all yours,” and slammed down the phone. Mom and dad didn't want a refund, they just wanted to let the breeder know that her bitch or stud had genetic problems. Needless to say, they informed all the pet stores, veterinarians and people they knew that this breeder was selling dogs with genetic defects. This lady was not a GOOD breeder; she was only interested in making money from her dogs. Now, on to today's post.

####################

So you have decided you want a puppy? You have done all your homework to decide the breed you want and you know you have the finances, time and energy to take care of it. Next step is to find a breeder and purchase a puppy.

Be warned, purchasing a puppy from a breeder can be fraught with risks. As in any business there are those breeders who are genuine, who care for their animals and whose reputation is important to them. Others, often known as backyard breeders or puppy mill owners, are only interested in making a fast buck. It is now up to you to find a reliable and honest breeder. Fortunately, because of the Internet, it is much easier today to conduct this research than it was prior to the introduction of this electronic marvel.

Do some research before contacting any breeders. Contact the kennel club of the breeds you are interested in and request a list of their breeders. The Internet can also be a good source to find and research breeding kennels. Ask friends who have dogs of that breed where they purchased them from and if they are happy with their chosen dog.

Shows are another place where you can meet breeders and see their animals, both in a show environment and in kennels before and after the show. Just remember this is a busy time for the breeder and they may not have a lot of time to chat. Get their details, observe their animals and contact them at a less busy time.

Visit the breeder’s facilities before choosing a puppy to see how the animals are cared for. Do not buy the first puppy you see. A good breeder will want to ensure you are a suitable owner just as much as you want to ensure they breed quality animals. Look for clean facilities with healthy, clean dogs that are free of parasites. The dogs should behave in a manner you would wish your future dog to exhibit, e.g., if the majority of the dogs appear to be timid and afraid it is a safe bet any pups will be of a similar disposition.

Ask the breeder questions such as:

- How long have they been breeding dogs?
- What is the pedigree of the animal you are considering purchasing?
- Are both parents at the kennel?
- Are there veterinary certificates available for both parents and offspring?
- What screening has been done for any common health issues for the particular breed?
- What guarantee will they offer if the pup proves to have any major health issues within a short time of purchase?

The breeder should also ask you questions like:

- Do you have a house/yard suitable for the animal?
- Do you have the time to care for a dog?
- Are you fully aware of what is required to care for the animal?
- Will the dog be a pet or for breeding/showing?
- Do you have children and if so, what are their ages?
Breeders are well within their rights to refuse to sell a pup to anyone they consider not suitable as an owner of their dogs.

A sales agreement should be signed by both parties outlining the obligations of both purchaser and seller.

The good breeder will usually offer advice on feeding, grooming, health care and list any equipment you may need, as well as a schedule for all necessary immunizations.

A reputable breeder will also ensure you do not take your puppy home too early, to ensure it gets early socialization with its siblings. A puppy removed from its litter too early may fear other dogs for the rest of its life. While six weeks is the time many puppies are taken to new homes, many breeders prefer to retain the pup until they are around nine weeks old.

Once you have collected your puppy keep in touch with the breeder as they will be a fountain of knowledge for you regarding your new dog and they often like to keep track of their animals.

If you do all your homework and purchase from a reputable breeder, you will have a dog that will be a wonderful part of your family for the next 12 to 15 years.

Until next time,

Teia

Things You Should Know Before EnteringYour First Dog Show

You have a beautiful pedigree puppy and would like to see if it can become the next Cruft's Champion. What do you have to know and do to start in the dog showing world?

The first thing you should do is visit some Shows and watch what goes on. Do not be afraid to ask those sitting at ringside to explain what is happening. After you have watched a few shows, then enroll in some “Ringcraft Classes.” These classes are offered all around the country and will get you and your dog ready for the Show Ring. In addition to helping you train your dog to stand still while being examined by the judge, they will also help you learn to move the dog in a straight line. You should also join a breed club for your breed of dog, as other members can provide helpful information for beginners.

When you feel confident enough to enter your first show, you can find out which shows in your area are advertised in the “Dog Press.” These papers are available from news agents. There are also sites on the Internet that have all the information you need and you can even enter most shows online. If not doing it all online, you will need to obtain the schedule for the show and also the entry form, which must be filled in correctly and returned to the show secretary before the closing date. To enter your dog you will need to have the information on your Kennel Club Registration Certificate (date of birth, registered name, names of parents and the breeder.)

There are different show classes to enter, ranging from Minor Puppy to Open and Veteran. It is advisable to enter the first class that you are eligible for, which if your dog is less than nine months, will be Minor Puppy. You can enter as many classes as you want, as long as your dog is eligible for that class. For example, if you dog is less than nine months old, you can enter Minor Puppy, Open and Veteran if they are available at the show you are attending.

Before the day of the show, make sure the dog is clean, preferably bathed and without any tangles and knots in its coat. Its ears and teeth should be clean and if necessary the nails trimmed. Different breeds have different requirements for presentation, so make sure you know what is required for your breed.

On the day of the show, make sure you have a bag packed with the grooming equipment you need for your breed, a towel in case the dog gets wet and a show lead and collar. You should also bring a bowl and some water and “clean up” bags in case of an accident. If the show is benched, you will need a benching chain, a non check collar to prevent choking and a blanket. If it is going to be a long day, bring some food and water for the dog. You will need some sort of clip/pin for holding your number, which you wear in the ring. Finally, if you have been sent any paperwork for the show, make sure you take it with you. Some shows have a removal order and if you cannot produce that at the end of the day, it may prove very difficult to take your dog home!

Finally, get to the Show early because it is not fair to you, or your dog, to be rushing in minutes before you are due in the ring. Let the dog experience the atmosphere and you need to get your nerves in check and get ready to enjoy your first show.

Until next time,

Teia