AKC Dog Shows Explained from Start to Finish

AKC dog shows can seem intimidating, but understanding the process can make the experience more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is the largest and most well-established dog registry in the United States, hosting over 20,000 dog shows annually.

To participate in an AKC dog show, you'll need to register your dog with the AKC, which requires a one-time fee of $49.95.

The AKC recognizes over 200 breeds, each with its own unique characteristics and traits that are evaluated during a show.

American Kennel Club (AKC) dog shows are a premier platform for breeders to showcase their dogs and compete for top honors. The AKC has a strict set of rules and regulations that govern the shows.

AKC dog shows are judged on the dog's breed standard, which outlines the ideal characteristics for each breed. This standard includes factors such as coat type, size, and temperament.

The breed standard is developed by breed clubs and approved by the AKC, ensuring consistency and fairness in judging.

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Becoming a Dog Show Expert is a great goal, and it's achievable with the right resources. The American Kennel Club's Canine College offers breed courses that can give you an in-depth understanding of your breed and its standard.

These courses are designed for judges and fanciers alike, so you can learn alongside others who share your interest. And the best part? They're free.

If you're not a breeder, the breeder-education courses on topics like anatomy are a fantastic way to learn the difference between a pastern and a stifle – that's the dog's wrist and knee, respectively.

To truly understand dog shows, you need to know what a breed standard is. It's a written description of the breed, outlining what's correct for that particular breed, such as height, color, eye shape, or temperament.

You can't just read the standard, though – you also need to know how to interpret it and prioritize its many demands. That's where your dog's breeder comes in, as they can help you understand the standard and tell you whether your puppy has what it takes to be a contender in the show ring.

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Dog shows are structured like an inverted pyramid, with the greatest number of dogs first competing among their own breed.

The initial breed competitions involve a judge sorting through non-champion dogs in what are informally called “the classes,” or class competition.

The judge selects the best male, called Winners Dog, and then best female, called Winners Bitch.

Winners Dog and Winners Bitch can earn points toward their championships, depending on the number of dogs they defeat.

Reserve Winners Dog and Reserve Winners Bitch are also selected as runners-up.

The most important ribbon awarded by the judge is Best of Breed, which is given to the top dog in each breed.

The American Kennel Club recognizes seven groups, with breeds classified according to function.

These groups include Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Herding, and Non-Sporting.

In each group, the judges select their top winners, placing them one through four.

The first-place winners from the seven groups then move to the Best in Show ring to compete for the top ribbon.

Here's an interesting read: List of Best in Show Winners of Crufts

Before attending an AKC dog show, it's essential to know the unspoken ground rules. Ask permission before petting or greeting a dog, and don't approach handlers to talk before they are about to go into the ring.

Take a seat ringside and watch the goings-on, as this is a spectator sport. Typically, handlers enter the ring when their armband number is called, and you can observe the process from there.

For another approach, see: Dog Handlers for Dog Shows

Getting started with socialization and training is crucial for both you and your puppy. Even a basic puppy kindergarten class can expose your puppy to new stimuli and teach them the value of working with you to get rewards.

The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program is a great choice for socialization and training. This program can help your puppy get used to the presence of other dogs and learn valuable lessons for the future.

You can enter a 4-6 Month Beginner Puppy Competition, which is a relaxed and low-key event that's perfect for both you and your dog to get accustomed to the sights and sounds of a real dog show.

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Attending your first dog show can be an exciting experience, but it's essential to know the unspoken ground rules. Ask permission before petting or greeting a dog, and don't approach handlers to talk before they are about to go into the ring.

Take a seat ringside and watch the goings-on, as this is a spectator sport. Handlers enter the ring when their armband number is called, line up with their dog, and trot as a group around the ring.

Typically, handlers will then await their turn to "stack", or pose their dog for the judge. Once that individual exam is complete, the judge will usually ask the handler to trot the dog in a straight line to a corner of the ring and return.

After all the dogs have been examined, the judge makes their placements. Every judge has a slightly different procedure, but watching carefully will help you pick out the patterns that are commonly followed in the ring.

Recommended read: Dog Show Judge

Specialty shows are a big deal for dog enthusiasts, and for good reason. Every breed has a national specialty, a large annual show where only dogs of that breed are shown.

Some national specialties can be week-long events, featuring conformation, obedience, agility, and even breed-specific performance events like Lure Coursing for Sighthounds or Field Trials for Sporting dogs.

If you're lucky, you might even get to attend one with your breeder, who can share their expertise on handling, presenting, grooming, and breed knowledge.

Related reading: I Want to Breed My Female Dog

Conformation is the official term for dog shows, and it's not just about looking pretty – it's about how closely a dog conforms to its breed standard. This is important because dogs that closely match their breed standard are more likely to produce puppies that meet the standard too.

To compete in a conformation show, your dog must be a purebred, unaltered by spaying or neutering. This is because the goal of conformation is to identify the best breeding stock, and altered dogs can't produce puppies that meet the breed standard.

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Conformation events range from small local shows featuring one breed to large all-breed shows with over 3,000 dogs entered. These events are a great way to see dogs of all breeds and sizes competing and having fun.

One of the key things to know about conformation is that judges don't compare dogs to each other – they evaluate each dog individually against its breed standard. This means that every dog is judged on its own merits, rather than being compared to its competitors.

To get started in conformation, it's a good idea to attend a show in person to see how it works. Then, find a class at an AKC Club to learn how to handle your dog in the show ring and prepare for your first experience.

On a similar theme: Conformation Dog Show Classes

Specialty shows are a great way to learn about your breed and see dogs competing in their specific breed. Every breed has a national specialty show, which is a large annual event where only dogs of that breed are allowed to participate.

You can find these national specialty shows on the website of your breed's club, along with a detailed schedule of events. If your breeder is active in the sport, they'll likely be attending the show, and you can spend some time watching a segment together to learn about handling, presenting, grooming, and breed knowledge.

Some national specialty shows can be week-long events, featuring not just conformation but also other activities like obedience, rally, agility, and breed-specific performance events. These events can be a lot of fun to watch and learn from.

To make the most of your experience, try to attend a segment of the show with your breeder and ask them questions about handling, presenting, and grooming. This will give you a chance to pick their brain and learn more about your breed.

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The Crab Orchard Kennel Club is a dedicated group that's been promoting the sport of purebred dogs since 1958. They're passionate about advancing, promoting, and protecting dogs of all breeds.

Their annual AKC Dog Show is a big event, held at The Pavilion in Marion on the first weekend of August every year. Over 100 breeds will be vying for a spot in the Best In Show ring.

You can also take advantage of some convenient amenities while you're there, like a hearing clinic for your dog or nail trimming services. It's a great opportunity to get your dog's grooming needs taken care of while you're at the show.

The show also features vendors selling a wide range of dog-related products, from treats and toys to beds and blankets.