Dog Shows: How to Get Started and Succeed

Getting started with dog shows can be intimidating, but with the right guidance, you can navigate the process with ease. First, you'll need to register your dog with the American Kennel Club (AKC) to participate in AKC-sanctioned shows.

To do this, you'll need to gather your dog's pedigree and health clearances, and pay the registration fee. You can register your dog online or through the mail.

Next, you'll need to choose a breed and learn about its specific requirements and characteristics. For example, some breeds require a certain amount of grooming or exercise.

Dog shows can be broadly categorized into two main types: all-breed shows and specialty shows. All-breed shows are held by kennel clubs and are open to all AKC breeds, making them the most common type of dog show.

Specialty shows, on the other hand, are held by breed-specific clubs and are only open to that particular breed. These shows are often concurrent with all-breed shows and tend to draw bigger and higher-quality entries for the breed.

Here's a breakdown of the two main types of dog shows:

A bench show is a type of dog show where dogs are required to be on display in an assigned location, known as a show bench, during the entirety of the show. This allows spectators and breeders to see all the entered dogs.

The purpose of a bench show is to give people a chance to see the dogs up close and personal, except when they're in the ring being judged, being groomed, or taken outside to eliminate.

Bench shows used to be the norm in the United States, but now there are only six left, including the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and the National Dog Show.

Here are the remaining five benched shows in the United States:

In contrast, unbenched shows require dogs to be present only at assigned ring times.

Crufts is a dog show that's been around since 1891 in the United Kingdom. It's officially recognized as the world's largest and most prestigious dog show.

The show has broken records in the past, with 22,991 dogs being exhibited in 1991. This was the centenary year of Crufts.

The show has consistently had a large number of dogs participating, with 22,964 dogs exhibited in 2008. This was just 27 short of the previous record.

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At dog shows, you'll typically see a variety of classes for different types of dogs and their owners. The classes are designed to ensure fair competition and to provide opportunities for dogs to gain experience and earn titles.

One of the first classes you'll see is for puppies, which are divided into three age groups: 6-9 months, 9-12 months, and 12-18 months. Sometimes, the 12-18 month class is further broken down into 12-15 months and 15-18 months.

The Novice Dogs/Bitches class is for dogs that haven't won first place more than three times, and haven't won first place in any other classes. This class is rarely entered at all-breed shows.

The Amateur Owner-handler Dogs/Bitches class requires that the dog be shown by its owner, who can never have been a professional handler or judge. This class is another low-entry option.

The Bred By Exhibitor Dogs/Bitches class is for dogs whose owner and breeder are the same person. The American-Bred class is for dogs whose sire and dam were mated in the United States and the dog was born in America.

The Open class is for any AKC registered dog, and is the only class where finished Champions are eligible to compete.

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To participate in dog shows, you'll need to register your dog with a kennel club, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC). This typically involves filling out a registration application and paying a fee.

You'll also need to choose a dog show to enter, which can be a local, national, or international event. Dog shows can be held indoors or outdoors, and some may have specific rules or requirements.

Before entering a dog show, make sure your dog meets the breed standard and is in good health. This will ensure you and your dog have a positive experience at the show.

Related reading: List of Best in Show Winners of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

To find dog shows, you can use the AKC Event Search, which has lots of filtering options, but can be glitchy at times.

The AKC Event Search also allows you to "favorite" events if you have an AKC account, which can be convenient.

Alternatively, you can use the InfoDog Ultimate Event Search, which is compact and easy to use.

The InfoDog Ultimate Event Search has filtering options on the left side of the screen, making it easy to find specific types of events.

You can filter by state, proximity to a city, type of event, breed, or even by who the judge is.

The Canine Chronicle Event Calendar is another option, although it's not as fancy as the other two.

The Canine Chronicle Event Calendar has a cluster view that some people find useful.

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Attending a dog show requires some planning, so make sure to check the Premium List for details like location, directions, COVID protocols, and camping information.

The Premium List is usually released well before the show, and it's a good idea to check it out to know what to expect.

Most dog shows are held at local or state fairgrounds or event centers, so be prepared for a potentially large crowd.

To avoid missing your favorite breed, always check the Judging Program before you go, which includes the show time, ring number, and breed entry numbers.

If you want to see a specific breed, like the Goldens, and they're showing at 9:00 AM, don't show up at noon or you'll probably miss them.

Bring folding chairs to make yourself comfortable while you're waiting for the breed you want to see to show up.

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Mixed breed dog shows are a great way for any dog to shine, regardless of their background or breed mix. In fact, the Mixed Breed Dog Clubs of America hosts dog shows that welcome dogs from all walks of life, from Labradoodles to German Shepherd Chihuahua mixes.

The dog shows are run in a similar way to other competitions, with dogs judged on Conformation, Obedience, and Rally. Conformation is a big deal in traditional dog shows, but in mixed breed competition, it's more for fun. The focus is on Obedience and Rally, which showcase a dog's training and communication skills with their owner.

Dogs are separated into three size groups for Conformation judging: small, medium, and large. This way, dogs of similar size can compete against each other, and males and females are judged separately.

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Dog shows are a great way to showcase your furry friend's unique characteristics and talents. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes over 200 breeds, so you're sure to find one that matches your dog's personality.

To participate in dog shows, you'll need to register your dog with the AKC. This involves providing proof of your dog's ancestry and health clearances. You'll also need to choose a show that's right for your dog's age, size, and breed.

The AKC has specific rules for each breed, including height and weight requirements. For example, the Chihuahua must weigh between 2-8 pounds, while the Great Dane must weigh between 100-200 pounds.

Judging at dog shows is a unique process where judges evaluate dogs against their breed standard, not against each other. This means that each dog is judged on how closely it matches the judge's ideal specimen of that breed.

Dogs are divided into classes based on their age and eligibility, with puppy classes for dogs 6-9 months old and novice classes for dogs that have not yet won first place in their class. The classes are divided by sex, with dogs showing against dogs and bitches showing against bitches.

Judging starts with the dog classes, followed by the winners dog and winners bitch competitions, and then the best of breed competition. The best of breed winners then compete against each other in their group, with the winners going on to compete for best in show.

Here's a breakdown of the typical classes available at dog shows:

Judges evaluate how closely each dog matches the judge's interpretation of the breed standard, not against each other.

The judge asks handlers to stack their dogs for a second group profile view, and may ask them to move around the ring again, either together, one at a time, or both.

Judges may make a "cut" or two, choosing several dogs they like and dismissing the others, and then move forward with placements.

Every judge's process is different, but most go over the dogs again and/or continue moving them until they decide on placements.

Here's how the cut process typically works:

The judge continues moving the dogs until they decide on placements, which can be a time-consuming process.

Winning at a dog show is a thrilling experience, but it's not just about crossing the finish line. To win, dogs must earn points or certification towards championship titles. A dog's journey to winning begins with its handler, who must navigate the classes and order of judging.

Dogs start by showing in their eligible class, which is divided by sex. The first place winners of each class move on to Winners Dog/Bitch, and the winner of that competition earns points towards its championship. The second place dogs in each class remain near the show ring, waiting for a chance to compete for Reserve Winners.

In the Best of Breed competition, the awards are as follows:

The finished champions are eligible for any of these awards, but only if they were entered in the Open class and won Winners. The Winners Dog and Winners Bitch are eligible to win Best of Breed, Best of Winners, and Best of Opposite Sex. To win Best in Show, a dog must first win its Variety Group.

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In the Kennel Club (UK) system, dogs must receive four international Certificat d'Aptitude au Championnat International de Beauté (CACIB) to qualify for a championship. One must be won in the dog's own country, and at least two in other countries under at least three different judges. This system is considered the most difficult to earn a title under.

Judges evaluate each dog based on how closely it matches their interpretation of the breed standard.

The dogs are not judged against each other, but rather on their individual resemblance to the ideal breed specimen.

In theory, the dog that most closely resembles the judge's ideal specimen of that breed will win its class, breed, group, and even Best in Show.

Judges don't judge dogs against each other, but rather against their own interpretation of the breed standard.

The goal is to find the dog that most closely resembles the judge's ideal specimen of that breed. This is the dog that will win its class, breed, group, and even Best in Show.

Judges evaluate each dog individually, without comparing them to others. This means that a dog can win its class even if it's not the best dog in the show.

The judging process is all about finding the dog that best fits the breed standard. It's not about who's the most popular or who's the best-looking dog.

The breed standard is the key to understanding how judges evaluate dogs. It's a detailed description of what a dog should look like, including its size, coat, and temperament.

Judges use their knowledge of the breed standard to make their decisions. They're looking for dogs that meet the standard, not just dogs that look good.

Here's an example of how the judging process works:

Judging movement is a crucial part of the judging process, where the judge evaluates the dog's movement and gait.

The judge asks the handler to perform a "down-and-back" exercise, where the dog moves away and then back towards the judge. This exercise allows the judge to assess the dog's rear legs in a trot.

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The judge also looks at the dog's front legs in a trot as the dog moves back towards them. This is a key moment in the judging process.

After the down-and-back, the judge may ask for a "go-around" to get a better view of the dog's side gait. This is an opportunity for the judge to see how the dog's topline looks and if their foot timing is good.

The go-around also allows the judge to assess the movement outline of the dog, which is important for determining the breed's characteristics.

The judging process starts with the dog classes, which are divided by sex, with dogs showing against dogs and bitches showing against bitches.

Judging begins with the puppy classes, starting with 6-9 puppy dogs, and continues through the rest of the dog classes.

The 1st place winners of each dog class come back in for Winners Dog, and the winner of the winners will be chosen.

The Winners Bitch class follows, where the 1st place winners of each bitch class come back in, and the winner of the winners will be chosen.

After Winners Bitch concludes, the non-regular classes, if any, are judged and followed by Best of Breed.

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To become a Grand Champion, a dog must win 25 points with at least three majors, and only finished Champions are eligible for these points.

The competition for Grand Champion points is intense, with up to four dogs able to win points in any given show.

In contrast, only two dogs can win Championship points in each show, and it's generally much more difficult for a dog to finish its Championship than its Grand Championship.

If a class animal wins Best of Breed or Best of Opposite, the points automatically go toward their regular Championship, but the number of CH/GCH defeated are included in the points count for the Winners Dog/Bitch.

I've seen this happen to my own dog, Eevee, who won Winners Bitch for a four-point major and then went on to win Best of Breed and Best of Opposite Sex, earning her the extra point she needed.

Grand Champion points are awarded using the same point schedule as regular Championship points, making it a challenging but achievable goal for dedicated dog owners.

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Dog shows are a crucial platform for preserving the integrity of various breeds. Judges evaluate each dog's conformation, temperament, and other attributes against breed standards.

By emphasizing dogs that closely adhere to breed standards, dog shows safeguard the distinct characteristics and heritage of various breeds. This commitment to preserving purebred lineages ensures their continuation for generations to come.

Judges meticulously evaluate each dog to ensure the preservation of breed integrity, which is a vital part of dog shows.

Dog shows are a crucial platform for breeders to evaluate their breeding stock against breed standards, ensuring the health, temperament, and conformation of the breed.

Judges meticulously evaluate each dog's conformation, temperament, and other attributes against breed standards, ensuring the preservation of breed integrity.

By emphasizing and rewarding dogs that closely adhere to breed standards, dog shows play a pivotal role in safeguarding the distinct characteristics and heritage of various breeds.

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Dog shows provide a platform for showcasing purebred dogs that exemplify the standards set for their respective breeds, promoting the health and well-being of the breed.

The commitment to preserving purebred lineages ensures their continuation for generations to come, safeguarding the breed's distinct characteristics and heritage.

Dog shows facilitate the evaluation of breeding stock, allowing breeders to select only the best representatives of the breed for future breeding.

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Chris Christensen's Contribution plays a significant role in breeding and preservation efforts. Their premium grooming products are meticulously crafted to enhance the beauty and health of dogs.

By supporting the goals and values of dog shows, Chris Christensen helps promote high standards in breeding and preservation. Their products are designed to align perfectly with these standards, ensuring that dogs are presented in the best possible light.

The quality of Chris Christensen's grooming products is a testament to their commitment to excellence in breeding and preservation. This commitment helps preserve the integrity of dog breeds and promotes responsible breeding practices.

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Dog shows are a tournament of bests, where regular class winners compete for top honors. The winners of each class compete for Winners Dog and Winners Bitch, who then face off against finished Champions in the Best of Breed Competition.

AKC breeds are divided into seven Variety Groups, each with its own set of breeds. Here's a breakdown of the groups and the number of breeds in each:

The winner of each Group proceeds to the Best in Show competition, where one group winner is chosen for the prestigious honor of Best in Show, with the judge also awarding Reserve Best in Show.

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Dog shows offer a unique opportunity for bonding with your dog, as seen in the case of Ginger Kinion, who joined the St. Louis Chapter of the MBDCA to channel her high-spirited Terr-a-poo Casey's energy.

The process of preparing for a show and participating in events creates a deeper connection and mutual trust between dog and owner. This was evident in Casey's transformation from an energetic dog to a champion, earning the highest honor in obedience, Obedience Trained Champion (MB-OTCH).

Dog shows are incredibly fun, with a unique blend of excitement, entertainment, and social interaction. They offer a range of activities, including watching dogs perform tricks, navigate agility courses, and showcase their obedience skills.

For many dog owners, the experience of preparing for a show and participating in events is a wonderful bonding experience with their dogs. This is especially true for those who adopt a dog and find that they need an outlet for their energy, like Ginger's Casey.

The festive atmosphere of dog shows, complete with vendor booths, food stalls, and various activities, makes them an enjoyable outing for the whole family.

Dog shows are a thrilling tournament of bests, where the first place winners of regular classes compete for top honors. The process starts with Winners Dog and Winners Bitch, who then face off against finished Champions in the Best of Breed Competition.

The Best of Breed winners then move on to compete against other Best of Breed winners in their Group. There are seven Variety Groups in the AKC, which are divided as follows:

The winner of each Group proceeds to the Best in Show competition, where one group winner is chosen for the prestigious honor of Best in Show. The judge also awards Reserve Best in Show, recognizing the next best dog in the competition.

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Mixed breed dogs are great for company because they're often more social and adaptable than purebred dogs.

Their unique genetic makeup can make them more resilient to stress and anxiety, which is beneficial for families with young children.

Many mixed breed dogs are also more energetic and playful, requiring regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy.

Their diverse ancestry can result in a wide range of coat types and colors, making them a great choice for people who want a dog that's easy to groom.

Research suggests that mixed breed dogs are less prone to inherited health problems, which can be a significant advantage for dog owners.

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