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All About Show Dogs

Usually, a dog will be examined to determine if it does fulfill the standards set for each individual breed during dog shows, breed and configuration shows. Regular shows are being conducted by kennel clubs or breed clubs. During specialty shows, only specific breeds are examined.

Standards set before the show by the judges of the show is the basis of judging. To execute subjective judgements is an extremely difficult task especially to choose dogs which match the set standards laid out for the show. While comparing one dog with another, the dog is also compared to the judge’s image of an ideal dog which meet the breed standard almost perfectly. Selecting a winner dog which matches the breed standards is the objective of each dog show.

All the judges get together to frame the conformation point from the long list of breed standards. Although certain popular requirements form the basis of the judging, conformation points still differ from one contention to another. The fur is the most important factor observed, over and above the pet’s color, pattern, length, type and quality. Apart from the fur, the distribution, quality and number of markings will also be carefully scrutinized.

The other aspects also considered are a healthy skin with no pigmentation and the shape and color of the head. The general attitude and temperament of each breed of dogs are also noted down. The jaw-line and the structure of the teeth and how they align when the jaw is closed will also be compared and taken into consideration. Shape and color of the eyes and shape and set of the ears are looked at including the size, ratio of the length and height also compared. The style of walking and gait and also the shape of the feet and tail, projects the degree of grooming the dog has been undergoing, which counts toward the overall judging. Every participating dog should be registered with its name attached with the breeder’s kennel name.

For the purpose of identification the kennel club calls the dog by its registered name while the owner calls it by its call name. Challengers from different parts of the country never fail to take the opportunity to participate in the many dog shows held at these different levels. The hierarchical nature of the competitions allow winners to earn certain points in each show at each level, to make them eligible for the next show.

To fulfil the aim of choosing the best in the breed, these shows at the highest level only allow pets which have already won championship in other shows. The dog shows improve the reputation of the dog, breeder and kennel making the puppies of that particular dog fetch a surprisingly high price. This is because of the popularity of the breed and the tendency of people to look for a pet that resembles a champion. There are two such important shows, Crufts in the United Kingdom and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in the United States.