| |
 |
|
Main Menu |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Search
(Coming Soon) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dachshund Info Menu |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Just for Fun Menu |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CGD's Doxie News |
|
Notice our New Site:
So, what do you think? We are going to continue to make updates
until our all our sites pages are complete! Thank you for your
patience, as there are lots of pages to update. But we'll get
there! Enjoy the pages we do have completed in the meantime!
Crème Brulée
and Brawny's
Puppies are Here
Check them out on our
puppy page! They were born on
July 5th
2008 - 5 Beautiful Patriotic Babies!!! |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
A Beginner's Guide to AKC Dog Shows |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
The
AKC offers a wide variety of resources to assist everyone from the
first-time puppy buyer to the experienced dog fancier. Many publications are
free, including the Rules Applying to Dog Shows. All exhibitors are required
to be familiar with these rules prior to entering a dog show. To order the
rule book free of charge, 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 nearly two 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 six
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.
|
|
|
Twelve-To-Eighteen
Months - For dogs twelve to eighteen months of age, that are not yet
champions.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Bred By Exhibitor
- For dogs that are exhibited by their owner and breeder, that are not yet
champions.
|
|
|
American-Bred
- For dogs born in the United States from a mating which took place in the
United States, that are not yet
champions.
|
|
|
Open - For any
dog of the breed, at least 6 months of age |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
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 "Fun 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 youngsters 10 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. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
|
|
| |
~ Click Here ~
To see Images of Correct and Incorrect Dachshund Conformation |
|
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
