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