Dog Shows

Dog Shows are viewed by most as a fantastic opportunity to talk to breeders, handlers and groomers about a specific breed of dog. After all, all dog owners do need to know a lot about the dog breeds so that they can make good choices both for the benefit of the breeds in not buying from breeders who might be perpetuating genetic problems or unwanted dog personality traits just for short term wins at the shows.

If you are interested in a breed but don't know much about them, it has always been true that you should go find where they are showing and talk to some folks. Dog shows are a means of evaluating breeding stock, and each entry is judged against its breed standard . Dog shows are organized to award honors to breeders who have managed to cultivate the best in the standard, and show it off to the world as near perfect as the standard can stand to be.

There is nothing better than seeing each different breed displayed with top of the line attributes and being rewarded for all the hard work it took a breeder to get to that point in his hobby.

My friend is a great dog owner, a breeder and a fan of many breeds. She tells me that her own reason for participating at dog shows is simple: "I like the people. It seems to me the people who are attracted to dog shows are both people and animal-oriented. Its fun, and why not!

But, in truth, dog shows are important for other reasons, one being simply economical and commercial. A dog show in the US, with around 1,000 entries brings in about $750,000 dollars daily to the community in which it is held. Yes, dog owners do spend money, and they are commercially a very good to sell them other services and goods in the area.

But, again, those in favor of dog shows, say that they are an useful option since the breeders that attend these shows are either showing their dogs or are there to see the performance of a dog that they bred and sold in the past. When you meet and then choose to buy a dog from a breeder you met at a dog show you know a good deal about that breeder. For one, their presence at the show shows a commitment to their dogs, which is very a positive sign that you might want to do business with this breeder. The first thing you want to know about a breeder that you might buy a puppy from is whether they are just in it for the money. or because they truly like and love their animals, if it is the latter then their dogs will be a much better buy than a simply commercial breeder who only really wants the money.

Dog shows are busy, noisy and crowded, and people can easily become separated. Pick out in advance a time and place to meet up in case anyone gets lost.

Dog Shows are held all over the country and provide a good way to see lots of dogs and meet lots of owners. If you subscribe to the AKC Gazette you will receive their events magazine which contains a schedule of upcoming shows. Dog shows are held to determine which dogs can relate the most closely to their breed standards. A dog's conformation is a factor in determining how well that dog may do it's job.

Breeds that have been selected for one or a few particular traits may be more at risk of developing undesirable variation for those behaviors. This does not mean that dogs selected for protective behaviors are more aggressive than dogs for which this selection of trait is absent.

It is always true that breeding and genetics determine how a puppy will look at adulthood. I describe the purchase of a show potential puppy as an educated risk, but do undertake some homework first before you consider a breeder and check whether they are AKC listed and better than that, such as accredited etc.

Breeder lists generally take one of two forms: Either the list is composed of those who ask to be included. Or the list is based on a general database, such as a membership list, and may include non-breeders and novice breeders as well as experienced breeders.

Do pick the best breeders all the time. To do that you will need to do some web based researched and beyond that you might want to seek out other breeders in their area to obtain their views by email.

Do chose carefully because there have been some surprisingly cruel genetic breeding incidences recently. Breeders can go too far to oblige the judges for some features, and select too extensively for this feature, leaving the breed damaged. One example is pugs with eyes that bulge so badly their lids scarcely meet well enough to wipe the eyeball clean. The poor dogs undergo a lifetime of chronic conjunctivitis, that eventually scars over the cornea and blinds them. This is not good, in fact it is deplorable, so please take care not to unwittingly buy one of these animals, breed form the dog yourself unwittingly perpetuating the problem.

So. what do we ask of the dog show fraternity?

Judges must please be careful at all times at shows to assess specimens of all breeds objectively, regardless of personal favorites. In some breeds, the males and females of the breed have decidedly different appearances, and it is often the males who have the quintessential look of the breed, make due allowance.

Finally, breeders please take note that obtaining a Championship win does not mean necessarily that your dog has the qualities necessary to become a candidate for breeding. Remember, a dog show is about a dog's outward physical appearance and not its ability to produce a genetically high quality litter. Please think long-term for the good of all your breeds. Provided breedes do this, then we will be alright, and dogs shows are to be applauded

Tips For Showing Your Dog

Many people enjoy showing their dog for either championship levels and recognition for their kennel, for enjoyment of seeing their dog succeed, or for the experience it provides for the dog.

There are two different types of shows; those that are for purebred animals based solely on conformation to breed standards and trials or events that are open to all dogs regardless of lineage and are judged on the dog’s ability at a particular event or activity.

For purposes of this discussion the focus will be on showing dogs in the ring, that is working with purebred, registered dogs to have them compete against other dogs of the same breed or against the standards as developed by the nation kennel club of the various countries. Most countries including Canada, Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom have their own kennel clubs that hold shows and events on local, national and international levels.

Each kennel club also establishes the breed standards for the various breeds that are registered or recognized by the kennel club. Some breeds may be in different classes in various kennel clubs and some breeds may be recognized by one kennel club but not another. Mixed breeds, hybrids or designer dogs are not recognized by any of the national kennel clubs although some other organizations do register these crosses.

When showing a registered purebred dog there are some tips and strategies that will help you prepare both the handler, who may or may not be the owner, and the dog.

1. Read and study the breed standards for the specific breed of dog that you wish to show. Be sure that you only use breed standard trimming or grooming techniques or you will be disqualified. Pay particular attention to breeds that cannot be clipped in any fashion or those that can only be stripped (a particular type of hair thinning method) prior to competitions.

2. Know the judges preferences. Since most judges will judge the same types of categories and classes be sure to attend several events that the judges are working on. Watch how they judge the dogs, how they prefer the dogs to be presented, and what comments they make when selecting champions and winners in the class. While the judging is objective in that they use the standards as a guideline, there is still an element of subjectivity.

3. Wash and groom the dog the day before the show to prevent any last minute stress and possible delays. Trim nails, clean teeth, and ensure that the dog is looking in tiptop shape prior to the event.

4. Stay calm and positive with the dog. Take them for a good long walk before entering the ring and ensure that they have gone to the bathroom. This is a nervous time for dogs and to avoid any embarrassing moments a good walk is a wonderful idea.

5. Always socialize your dog as much as possible. If it is an option be sure to get your dog to the show in enough time for them to become familiar with the area, the crowds, and the ring and lights before the actual event.

Lastly, consider if you should hire a professional handler to show your dog. There is more to it than meets the eye, and a professional handler can help really accentuate your dog’s positive aspects, plus will take the stress off of you. If you are planning on using a handler be sure to allow time for the dog and handler to work together before the show and ensure that they are just the right match for your dog.