The original reason for showing dogs was to judge which ones displayed the structure that made the dog ideal for its typical tasks. The way this is done is by judging each breed based on a standard, which defines the "perfect dog". No dog is perfect of course, but the ones closest to perfection were the ones that were highly sought after as breeding stock. Today dogs are not used as often for the tasks they once were. For example, Siberian Huskies are most often pets rather than essential sled dogs in the far north of Siberia. So today we judge them on the same standard, but more towards improving the breed and of course getting the prestige that comes with calling your dog a champion.
There are two different types of conformation shows (Conformation is the dog show as opposed to an obedience show or others which we will get to later). The two types of conformation shows are Specialty Shows and All-Breed shows. They are both run the same way in terms of judging and there are two different types of conformation shows (Conformation is the dog show as opposed to an obedience show or others which we will get to later). The two types of conformation shows are Specialty Shows and All-Breed shows. They are both run the same way in terms of judging and classes, but a specialty show deals only with one breed of dog (for example a Siberian Husky Specialty or Rottweiler Specialty) while an all-breed show means that any AKC registered breed can participate. Usually depending on the size of the all-breed show, you can expect to see around 70-100 or more different breeds. This is a great place to go if want to see many different dogs all at once.
A dog show is based on classes. There are five possible regular classes involved in a dog show. The classes include: puppy class, 12-18-month class, novice class, American-bred class, bred-by-exhibitor class, and open class. Frequently the puppy class is broken down into two classes; the 6-9-month puppy and 9-12-month puppy. Not all classes are used but all classes are available to be used. For instance, I can't recall anyone ever using the Novice class at a dog show, but they could if they wanted to. Dogs (males) and bitches (females) do not compete against each other in the regular classes. The dog classes always go first then the bitches. In addition, there is the Special's Class and at some shows you will see a veteran's class. These will be explained now.
Now each class is judged with first to fourth place ribbons given out if there are sufficient entries. For example, one class may have only 2 dogs so only a first and second place ribbon is given out. If there are more than 4 dogs in a class, only the first four will place "in the ribbons."
After each class is chosen, the winners of each class go back into the "Winner's Ring" to determine who will be winning dog. There may be as many as 8 dogs in this class, depending on how many classes had entries. The judge then decides who the Winner's Dog will be and that dog receives points based on the number of entries. More on points later...
Next up a runner up dog is chosen... This is done in the following manner: The second place dog from the same class as the winner's dog goes back in the ring with the other class winners and a second place dog is then chosen. This prize is known as reserve winner. In essence it states that if the winning dog is later disqualified (an extremely rare event), the reserve winner would then receive the points.
After the winner's dog has been decided, the bitches are judged in the same manner with a winner's bitch emerging. Now that the winner's dog and bitch have been decided they will return to the Special's Ring where they will meet champions of their breed (the Specials) and compete for the coveted Best of Breed ribbon. This is the only time that dogs and bitches are together. The "Specials" (dogs and bitches that are champions) come first followed by the winner's dog and bitch. The judge will then make the determination which is Best of Breed. If you can win from the classes over champions, this is considered very prestigious. This is where the Specialty Show ends.
While you have been showing your dog, others in other breeds have been doing the same thing so now you have best of breeds dogs from each of the breeds entered that day. Next up is the group judging where dogs compete against other best of breeds for all seven groups. The groups are Working, Sporting, Non-Sporting, Terrier, Herding, Hound, and Toy although not necessarily in that order. For each group, there will be a first through fourth place winner. You will normally hear the term, Group 1, etc. Now for the last step.....
This is where the 7 finalists meet to determine the best in show dog. This is the greatest and most prestigious prize that any dog can acheive at the all-breed show.
The way the point system works is probably one of the most confusing part of a dog show. A dog can earn anywhere from 0-5 points based on a number of different circumstances. Let's delve into this further... The AKC works on a system of points. In order to become an AKC Champion, a dog must earn 15 points under at least three different judges. Two of those wins must be "major wins". A win is considered a major when the dog receives 3 to 5 points at the show. The two majors must be won under different judges. The point system is complicated as it is not the same for every dog or even region. There are 9 separate regions and each has its own points schedule. Please refer to the AKC points schedule page for more info. For a dog
show perspective, please see my fictitious account of Tenaya and Kluane at a dog show.
Here is a little more information and some links to further your knowledge... A dog has to be registered with the AKC in order to be shown at a dog show. It also has to be at least 6 months of age. Furthermore, the classes are only for dogs that have not become champions. If they are champions, they are entered in the Specials class.
For more information, visit the AKC site regarding rules and regulations for dog shows and visit Jack Onofrio Dog Shows for more information on points. There are also some excellent books out there available that I would recommend: Dog Showing for Beginners , The Winning Edge, Dog Showing: An Owner's Guide , and for the advanced, I highly recommend Born To Win, Breed to Succeed. This probably the best book ever written regarding the breeding program and what it takes to make a winning kennel. Looking for other books on dog showing? Click here.