A DAY AT THE DOG SHOW - written from a toy breed perspective
AKC “Conformation” dog shows may seem like a
beauty contest but the purpose of confirmation showing is to evaluate
breeding dogs.
If you have never been to a dog
show and want to know more about them and how they work, Here is my account of a dog show and how it works.
This was written for beginners just to
give an idea of what to expect.
Most people who show dogs typically
fall into one of three catagories-
PROFESSIONAL HANDLER - A person
who travels around the country showing one or many dogs for other
people. To these people this is their job and how they make a living.
Handlers are very professional about what they do. These are the people
you need to watch in your chosen breed to learn how your dog should be
presented.
BREEDER - OWNER - HANDLER - A
person who bred the dogs they show and have been showing dogs anywhere
from 2 - 50+ years. Most of these people consider breeding and showing
dogs a hobby.
NEWBIE - A person who has been
showing dogs for a short time and is trying to learn the etiquette of
showing as well as how to groom and present their dog to look the very
best it can.
At a dog show the biggest award
you can achieve is Best In Show. Most exhibitors are happy with winning
Winners bitch or winners dog as this is where your dog can accumulate
enough points to become an AKC champion of record.
To be eligible to compete in AKC
conformation shows your dog must:
Many dog clubs offer classes to
attend during the week so you can practice and learn how to play at the
dog shows.
Tian Mi
Shih Tzu uses Bead Leads exclusively for all our leash/ lead needs. In
and out of the ring.
STEPS LEADING UP TO BEST IN SHOW
- BIS - (Maybe one day for me.... if lightening strikes!)
1. You must register your dog
for the show weeks in advance before the show registration closes. You
can register via mail or online. Online is much more covenant and you
can get a list of all the shows with dates and closing times at www.infodog.com
- Southern states
3. The class you enter in
depends on the age and sex of your dog. Make sure to look at the classes
offered and select which class your dog qualifies for on the date he/
she is being shown. EXAMPLE - If you have a seven month old puppy boy -
you would enter the 6-9 month dog class. If you have a 7 month old puppy
girl, you would enter the 6-9 month bitch class (it may sound bad but if
you show dog slong enough it will roll off yoru tounge without a second
though! LOL)
2. You will receive your judging
schedule in the mail the week before the show. This shows you what
number you are as well as what ring and time you will show. It also
gives you an entry breakdown which tells you how many dogs and bitches
are entered so you will know before you go how many points your dog
could win.
3. The day before you start
preparing your dog for show. Pick your attire for the next day. Business
suites are preferred. Skirts for woman and ties for men. Remember, you want to look professional. Pack a
bag with all the things you will need while you are at the show.
Combs, brushes, bands, bows, sprays........ This list can go on forever.
4. The day has finally arrived.
Today your showing your dog. You arrive at the show and find the gate to
enter. Some shows have specified unloading area for grooming. You can
ask the attendants if there is an unloading area. You will be directed
where to go. Unload your things and find a grooming spot, set up your
things and groom your dog. This might be a good time to take a minute
and go explore the show site to find where your ring is located. Be sure
to allow yourself plenty of time before ring time to make your dog look
their best!
5. Gather your dog and things you
will need ringside (a small bag is nice to carry easily to the ring) and go to the ring at least ten minutes before your
judging time. If your schedule says there are 10 or more dog before you,
you can wait until exact ring time to go.
6. Find the ring steward. This
person will be located at a table just inside the ring you show in. You
have to check in. Tell them your breed and point in their book to your
dog and number. You will be given a number. Normally there are bands
ringside to use to hold your number on your LEFT arm.
7. Now its time to wait for the ring steward to call your number. Pay close attention to
who is in the ring and who they are calling for. Dog (boy) classes go
first. Once all the dogs are done, bitch classes will go in the
ring.
8. When they call your class and
number enter the ring (usually in catalog order) Pay attention to the
other exhibitors numbers. You place your dog after the number before
yours. Stack your dog and make him/ her look the best they can look. The
judge will walk down the line of dogs and get a first impression of the class.
First impressions mean a lot!!!!
9. Normally the class will walk
around the ring and the first dog in the line will be placed on the
table. When its your turn to place your dog on the table, take your time
and make sure your dog is stacked and looking their best so when the
judge turns around from watching the other exhibitor he/ she will see a perfect specimen standing before them on the table. Always be
confident in the ring. Your dog is the best and you know it, no matter
what you see. You don't know what's under the hair of the other dogs
shown. Remember it is every exhibitors job to make their dog look their
best. That includes hiding any flaws the dog may have with grooming!!!
10. As the judge approaches many
will stand to get a snap shot of the side view and come to the front of
the dog for a front view. Smart judges will put their hands up for the
dog to smell as they approach and usually start examining the dog with
the head. If your dog starts to back away, firmly place your hand on the
shoulders to reassure the dog and hold them in place. Some judges may
ask you to show the bite. You gently pull the top lips up or crack the
bite slightly so the judge can get a good look.
11. After the judge goes over your
dog, they will instruct you to go down and back. Take your time to brush
your dog out and line them up so the judge gets a perfect look at your
dogs movement. Taking your dog off the table behind the judge's back or
to the side is usually a good idea. You then have a minute to gather your
dog and fix any imperfections out of view of the judge. When you go
down, if your dog starts to shake or act up turn around and start over
calming your dog. Again, you want the judge to see your dogs perfect
movement.
12. The judge will look at your
dog when you come back and send you around the ring to stack your dog in
line. Take this time to perfect how your dog looks again. The
judge will intruct you where to stand (usually behind other exhibitors) After all
exhibitors have gone down and back the judge will normally send them all
around together and make his/ her final selection.
13. Classes are presented to the
judge with the youngest going first, dogs and bitches are separated.
Example 6-9 month puppy dogs go first, the judge will pick 1 dog from
each class to move forward to the winners dog class.
Once the judge has made
his or her selection from each class of dogs, all of the dog winners
will go back into the ring to compete in the winners dog class. The
judge will make a selction from this group of dogs for winners
dog.
This is the boy dog that
gets points for the day.The judge will them start the process over with
bitches. The
judge will narrow them down to one winner from dogs and one winner from
bitches. Winners Dog and Winners Bitch.
The Points toward a Championship
shall be awarded to the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch of each breed or variety
based on the actual number of dogs or bitches competing in that breed or
variety https://www.akc.org/events/conformation/point_schedule.cfm
14. The very last class to go in
is the breed class. In this class the judge will select Best of Breed,
Best of winners, Best of Opposite, Select dog and select bitch. Dogs
that are already champions, AKA specials, will enter the ring first followed by winners
dog and winners bitch. The dog that wins Best of breed will continue on
to the groups later in the day to have a chance to compete for Best in
Show.
15 There are seven groups of
dogs. if you win Best of Breed your dog will go in the appropriate
group.
Sporting
- These dogs were bred to hunt game birds both on land and in the water.
The breeds in this group include Pointers, Retrievers, Setters and
Spaniels.
Hounds -
These breeds were bred for hunting other game by sight or scent. These
breeds include such dogs as Beagles, Bassets, Dachshunds and Greyhounds.
Working
- These dogs were bred to pull carts, guard property and perform search
and rescue services. Among the breeds in this group are the Akita,
Boxer, Doberman Pinscher and St. Bernard.
Terrier -
This group includes breeds such as the Airedale, Cairn Terrier and
Scottish Terrier. Terriers were bred to rid property of vermin such as
rats.
Toy
- These dogs were bred to be household companions. This group includes
little dogs such as the Chihuahua, Maltese, Pomeranian and Pug.
Non-Sporting -
This diverse group includes the Chow Chow, Bulldog, Dalmatian and
Poodle. These dogs vary in size and function, and many are considered
companion dogs.
Herding
- These dogs were bred to help shepherds and ranchers herd their
livestock. The Briard, Collie, German Shepherd Dog and Old English
Sheepdog are some of the breeds in this group.
Ribbons for first second, third,
and fourth are awarded in the groups. The first place dog moves on to
compete for Best in show and Reserve Best in Show. At the end of the day
one dog is selected to be the big winner of the day.
16. Go home, wash brush and
repeat. ;o)
Bailley's
Blog - Bailley was diagnosed with Cushing's
in November of 2014. We lost Bailley 8/15/17
This
is a record of our journey and how I chose to treat her. It is my hope
others will find comfort and answers.
