AKC®
A Beginner's Guide To Dog Shows
The AKC offers a wide variety
of resources to assist everyone from the first-time puppy buyer
to the experienced dog fancier. All exhibitors are required to
be familiar with these rules prior to entering a dog show. To
order the rule book, contact Customer Service at 919-233-9767
or via email at OrderDesk@akc.org. Copies of this rulebook may
also be purchased at our online store. The following information
is intended as a general description of dog shows and is not intended
as complete information about any aspect of showing. For complete
information, see the Rules Applying to Dog Shows.
This
is the AKC
The
American Kennel Club was established in 1884 to promote the study,
breeding, exhibiting and advancement of purebred dogs. It is the
largest not-for-profit purebred dog registry in the nation.
The AKC approves and maintains
the official records of over 15,000 sanctioned and licensed events
each year.
The AKC has approximately 500
member clubs and over 4,000 affiliated clubs. These clubs are
more than show-giving entities. They are public service, educational
organizations whose activities benefit their entire community.
Some AKC club activities include public education through presentations
at schools, fairs, libraries, shelters, hospitals, rescue leagues,
scouts and 4-H; training classes; and health clinics.
AKC registration means a dog,
its parents, and its ancestors are purebred. It does not indicate
health or quality. Dogs registered with the AKC can have their
offspring registered and compete in AKC events.
The
World of Dog Shows
Showing
dogs is a great sport where the thrill of competition is combined
with the joy of seeing beautiful dogs. Dog shows are one of many
types of AKC dog events in which AKC-registered dogs can compete.
These events, which draw over three million entries annually,
include dog shows and tests of instinct and trainability, such
as obedience trials, Canine Good Citizen tests, field trials,
agility trials, lure coursing, rally, hunting tests, herding trials,
tracking tests, coonhound and earthdog events.
Dog shows (conformation events)
are intended to evaluate breeding stock. The size of these events
ranges from large all-breed shows, with over 3,000 dogs entered,
to small local specialty club shows, featuring a specific breed.
The dog's conformation (overall appearance and structure), an
indication of the dog's ability to produce quality puppies, is
judged.
Types
of Conformation Dog Shows
There
are three types of conformation dog shows:
All-breed
shows offer competitions for over 150 breeds and varieties
of dogs recognized by the AKC. All-breed shows are the type often
shown on television
Specialty
shows are restricted to dogs of a specific breed or to
varieties of one breed. For example, the Bulldog Club of America
Specialty is for Bulldogs only, but the Poodle Club of America's
specialty show includes the three varieties of the Poodle - Standard,
Miniature and Toy.
Group
shows are limited to dogs belonging to one of the seven
groups. For example, the Potomac Hound Group show features only
breeds belonging to the Hound group.
Which
Dogs May Participate
To
be eligible to compete, a dog must:
• be individually registered with the American Kennel Club
• be 6 months of age or older
• be a breed for which classes are offered at a show
• meet any eligibility requirements in the written standard
for its breed
Spayed or neutered dogs are not
eligible to compete in conformation classes at a dog show, because
the purpose of a dog show is to evaluate breeding stock.
The
Role of the Judge
Judges
examine the dogs, then give awards according to how closely each
dog compares to the judge's mental image of the "perfect"
dog described in the breed's official standard.
The standard describes the characteristics
that allow the breed to perform the function for which it was
bred. These standards include specifications for structure, temperament
and movement.
The official written standard
for each breed is maintained by the breed's national club and
is included in the The Complete Dog Book published by the AKC.
The judges are experts on the
breeds they are judging. They examine ("go over") each
dog with their hands to see if the teeth, muscles, bones and coat
texture conform to the breed's standard. They view each dog in
profile for overall balance, and watch each dog gait ("move")
to see how all of those features fit together in action.
How
a Dog Show Works
Each
dog presented to a judge is exhibited ("handled") by
its owner, breeder or a hired professional. The role of a handler
is similar to that of a jockey who rides a horse around the track
and, hopefully, into the winner's circle.
Most dogs in competition at conformation
shows are competing for points toward their AKC championships.
It takes fifteen points, including two majors (wins of three,
four or five points) awarded by at least three different judges,
to become an American Kennel Club "Champion of Record."
The number of championship points
awarded at a show depends on the number of males ("dogs")
and females ("bitches") of the breed actually in competition.
The larger the entry, the greater the number of points a male
or a female can win. The maximum number of points awarded to a
dog at any show is 5 points.
Males
and females compete separately within their respective breeds,
in seven regular classes. The following classes are offered, and
are divided by sex:
Puppy
- For dogs between six and twelve months of age, that are not
yet champions (optional class).
Twelve-To-Eighteen
Months - For dogs twelve to eighteen months of age, that
are not yet champions (optional class).
Novice
- For dogs six months of age and over, which have not, prior to
the date of closing of entries, won three first prizes in the
Novice Class, a first prize in Bred-by-Exhibitor, American-bred,
or Open Classes, nor one or more points toward their championship
(optional class).
Amateur-Owner-Handler
– For dogs that are at least six months of age that are
not champions. Dogs must be handled in the class by the registered
owner of the dog and is limited to exhibitors who have not, at
any point in time, been a professional dog handler, AKC approved
conformation judge, or employed as an assistant to a professional
handler (effective January 1, 2009) (optional class).
Bred
By Exhibitor - For dogs that are exhibited by their owner
and breeder, that are not yet champions (optional class).
American-Bred
- For dogs born in the United States from a mating which took
place in the United States, that are not yet champions (mandatory
class).
Open
- For any dog of the breed, at least 6 months of age (mandatory
class).
After these classes are judged,
all the dogs that won first place in a class compete again to
see who is the best of the winning dogs. Males and females are
judged separately. Only the best male (Winners Dog) and the best
female (Winners Bitch) receive championship points. The Winners
Dog and Winners Bitch then compete with the champions for the
Best of Breed award. At the end of the Best of Breed Competition,
three awards are usually given:
Best
of Breed - the dog judged as the best in its breed category.
Best
of Winners - the dog judged as the better of the Winners
Dog and Winners Bitch.
Best
of Opposite Sex - the best dog that is the opposite sex
to the Best of Breed winner.
The
Road to Best in Show
Dog
shows are a process of elimination, with one dog being named Best
in Show at the end of the show.
Only the Best of Breed winners
advance to compete in the Group competitions. Each AKC-recognized
breed falls into one of seven group classifications. The seven
groups are Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting
and Herding. Four placements are awarded in each group, but only
the first-place winner advances to the Best In Show competition.
The
Seven Groups in All-Breed Shows
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.
Finally, the seven group winners
are brought into the ring where they compete for Best In Show,
the highest award at a dog show.
Ribbons
Each
dog that receives an award is given a ribbon by the judge. The
color of the ribbon indicates the type of award the dog has won.
Blue
- awarded for first place in any regular class. Also awarded to
the winner of each group competition, usually in the form of a
"rosette".
Red
- awarded for second place in each class. Also awarded for second
place in each group competition, usually in the form of a "rosette".
Yellow
- awarded for third place in each class. Also awarded for third
place in each group competition, usually in the form of a "rosette".
White
- awarded for fourth place in each class. Also awarded for fourth
place of each group competition, usually in the form of a "rosette".
Purple
- awarded to the winners of the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch
classes. Since these are the classes in which championship points
are earned, these ribbons are highly coveted.
Purple
and White - awarded to the Reserve Winners; that is,
the runners-up to the winner of the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch
classes.
Blue
and White - awarded to the dog that wins Best of Winners;
that is, the better of the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch winners.
Purple
and Gold - awarded to the dog judged "Best of Breed"
in each breed competition. This is highly coveted because it allows
advancement to the Group competition.
Red
and White - awarded to the Best of Opposite Sex. This
means the best dog of the breed that is the opposite sex of the
Best of Breed winner.
Red,
White and Blue - only one of these is awarded, at the
end of each show. It is given to the ultimate award winner, the
Best In Show.
How
Do I Get Started Showing My Dog?
The
best place to start is by joining a local kennel club, whether
an all-breed kennel club or a breed-specific specialty club. A
listing of clubs by state can be found on our Club Search page
or through our customer service department by calling (919) 233-9767.
Local clubs will have information
on training classes for the show ring, and for obedience and agility
classes. Even if the show ring is not your ultimate goal, the
relationship that training forms between you and your dog will
be very rewarding to you both. Local clubs also have "Matches"
where you and your dog can test your skill in the ring.
Handling your dog is an exceptional
and enjoyable experience. From the grooming table to the show
ring, you and your dog will develop a bond. While training classes
offer the best hands-on way to practice for the show ring, attending
shows and observing your breed is also a great way to gain understanding
of what judges and other competitors do.
If you do not wish to handle your
dog yourself, or have a friend or family member do it, you may
contact a professional handler who charges a fee for showing your
dog.
You're
on your way! You are entering a sport that will bring many hours
of enjoyment and education to every member of your family. You
will make many friends in the sport, and will enjoy your dog and
your new hobby for many years to come.
Junior
Showmanship
The AKC offers children 9 to 18
years of age the opportunity to compete with others their own
age at various AKC events. Juniors competing in conformation events
are judged on how they present their dogs.
Tips
for the First-Time Exhibitor
• Make sure your dog is registered with the AKC.
• Be sure your dog is current on all inoculations.
• Learn the proper techniques for grooming and for presenting
your dog in the ring.
• Join your breed's Parent Club, or a Local Specialty and/or
All-Breed club in your area.
• Become familiar with the AKC rules and regulations for
dog shows.
• Attend some dog shows to observe your breed being judged
and how others present your breed. Get a Judging Program at the
show to find out ring number and judging time.
• Use the knowledge of your breeder.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions.
• Attend handling classes with your dog.
Tips
for the First-Time Spectator
• If the grooming area is open to spectators, visit it and
talk with professional groomers to get tips on keeping your dog
looking his best.
• However tempting, do not pet a dog without asking for
permission first. The dog may have just been groomed in preparation
for being judged.
• At each dog show, you will find vendors and information
booths. Many club booths offer helpful information to the general
public.
• Wear comfortable shoes - you'll be doing a lot of walking.
Unless you bring a chair or arrive early, be prepared to stand
most of the time, as seating is usually limited.
• If you are considering getting a purebred dog, talk to
the breeders and exhibitors - they are experts in their breeds
• If you bring a baby stroller to a dog show, be careful
that you do not run over any dog's tail, and that your child does
not grab or poke the dogs it can reach. Avoid having them near
ring entrances, which are especially crowded. Some shows prohibit
baby strollers.
Dog
Show Terms
Angulation
- Angles created by bones meeting at their joints.
Baiting
- Using liver or some treat to get the dog's attention and have
him look alert.
Bench
Show - A dog show at which the dogs are kept on assigned
benches when not being shown in competition, so they can be viewed
and discussed by attendees, exhibitors and breeders.
Exhibitor
- A person who brings a dog to a dog show and shows it in the
appropriate class.
Fancier
- A person who is especially interested, and usually active, in
some phase of the sport of purebred dogs.
Gait
- The way a dog moves, movement is a good indicator of structure
and condition.
Groom
- To brush, comb, trim or otherwise make a dog's coat neat.
Handler
- A person or agent who takes a dog into the show ring or who
works the dog at a field trial or other performance event.
Heel
- A command to a dog to keep close beside its handler.
Match
Show - A usually informal dog show at which no championship
points are awarded.
Miscellaneous
Class - Transitional class for breeds attempting to advance
to full AKC recognition.
Pedigree
- The written record of a dog's family tree of three or more generations.
Points
- Credits earned toward a championship.
Soundness
- Mental and physical well-being.
Stacking
- Posing the dog's legs and body to create a pleasing picture.
©
American Kennel Club®