A Guide to Types of Dog Shows

Dog shows can be intimidating if you're new to the world of canine competitions. Conformation shows are the most common type of dog show, where dogs are judged on their physical characteristics and breed standards.

These shows are often divided into groups, with different breeds competing against each other. For example, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has seven groups, including Sporting, Hound, and Working.

In a conformation show, a dog's physical characteristics, such as its height, weight, and coat, are evaluated to determine if it meets the breed standard.

For more insights, see: Conformation Dog Show

There are two main types of dog shows: Open Shows and Championship Shows. Both are for Pedigree, Kennel Club Registered dogs only.

Open Shows can be All-Breed or Breed Club shows, with entries taken online or via post in advance. You can enter specific breed classes or an AV NSC class if your breed doesn't have its own.

At Open Shows, you can gain points for Junior Warrants, Veteran Warrants, and ShCEx. All-Breed Open Shows are judged on the Group System.

Championship Shows are the largest type of show, with All-Breed shows held over several days, split by breed group. You'll have an allocated bench with your ring number displayed.

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Dog shows can be a fun and exciting experience for you and your furry friend. There are several types of dog shows to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics.

Exemption or Companion shows are a great place to start, as they are fun and don't require a lot of experience. These shows often include classes like 'Waggiest Tail' and 'Handsome Dog', making them a great introduction to the world of dog showing.

Open shows, on the other hand, are a bit more serious, but still a great option for beginners. These shows are for pedigree, Kennel Club Registered dogs only, and entries can be taken online or via the post in advance.

Premier Open shows are similar to Open shows, but with a few key differences. They are also for pedigree, Kennel Club Registered dogs only, and offer more breed classes than Open shows.

If you're new to dog showing, it's a good idea to start with a Limited or Open show. These shows are more relaxed than a championship show, making them a great place to get your paws wet.

Championship shows are the largest type of dog show. They can be held over a number of days, split up by breed group.

You'll usually have an allocated bench specifically for your dog, and your ring number will be found on your bench. Classes are split between dogs and bitches so they can be judged separately.

You can qualify for Crufts by being placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in most breed classes. This is class-specific, so be sure to check the Crufts Qualifications for details.

At a Championship show, Challenge Certificates (CCs) can be awarded. CCs are breed-specific and different rules apply to different breeds.

All Breed Championship shows are judged on the Group System. Entries are taken online or via post, in advance.

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There are several types of dog shows, each with its own unique characteristics and rules.

The most common type is the conformation dog show, where dogs are judged on their physical characteristics and movement.

In a conformation dog show, dogs are typically judged in a ring with other dogs of the same breed and sex.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is one of the largest organizations that hosts conformation dog shows.

A working dog show, on the other hand, focuses on dogs that have been trained for a specific job.

Working dog shows often involve demonstrations of a dog's skills, such as herding or guarding.

Some examples of breeds that excel in working dog shows include Border Collies and German Shepherds.

A performance dog show showcases a dog's ability in a specific activity, such as agility or obedience.

Performance dog shows can be held in a variety of locations, including arenas and outdoor fields.

The AKC also hosts performance dog shows, which are separate from conformation dog shows.

A specialty dog show is a type of show that focuses on a specific breed or group of breeds.

Specialty dog shows often have more stringent rules and requirements than conformation dog shows.

For example, a breed-specific show might require dogs to have a certain type of coat or ear shape.

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To participate in a dog show, you'll need to have a puppy that meets the breed standards.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) requires puppies to be at least six months old to enter a show.

You'll also need to register your puppy with the AKC by the time they're a year old to be eligible to compete.

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At an Exemption Companion Show, you can enter both pedigree dogs and cross-breeds, making it a great option for those with non-purebred pets.

These shows are often more laid-back and fun, with classes like 'Waggiest Tail' and 'Handsome Dog' that don't require a pedigree.

Entries are taken on the day, so you can just turn up and sign up, no need to book in advance.

Some shows may still have pedigree classes like Puppy, Sporting, Non-Sporting, and Open, but the Exemption show is the base level and is a great place to start.

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Puppy classes are a great way to socialize your puppy and help them develop good behavior.

There are several classes to choose from, depending on your puppy's age and breeder status.

If you have a puppy between 3 to 6 months old, they can participate in the Baby Class.

For puppies between 6 to 9 months old, the Junior Puppy Class is a good fit.

Puppies between 9 to 12 months old can join the Senior Puppy Class.

If you're a breeder, you can enroll your puppies in the Breeder's Class, which has three levels: Baby, Junior Puppy, and Senior Puppy.

Here are the puppy classes in more detail:

You'll need to pay a $5.00 entry fee to compete for Best Bred-by in Show. This fee is a requirement for participation.

There will be a Best Bred-by in Show selection in three categories: Puppy, Adult, and Veteran.

Attending a 'have a go' dog showing day is a great way to get started, as it provides an invaluable experience and is held all over the country.

These events are perfect for beginners who want to see what dog showing is all about and get a feel for the atmosphere.

If you've already done some training, you can start thinking about entering your first show, and limited or open shows are a great place to begin.

They're more relaxed compared to a championship show, making them ideal for those who are new to dog showing.

Once you feel comfortable in the ring with your dog, you may then decide to attend a championship show.