The first dog show was held in 1859 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England. It was designed to judge whether breeding stock met the breed standard and to allow breeders to showcase their up-and-coming dogs. Since then, kennel clubs have sprung up around the world, and in some cultures, dog shows are almost considered a religion. Despite the 150 years that have passed since the first show, the primary reason for showing a dog has remained the same—although it may be hard to believe when you see the fuss and excitement in the grooming building!
What we commonly call a “dog show” is actually a conformation show—a competition to judge how well a dog conforms to the breed standard. This written description of the ideal for each breed includes not only physical traits, such as build and overall appearance, but also temperament, gait, and unique characteristics. Essentially, the question is: Is an individual dog a good representation of the breed?
Dog shows are divided into three levels of judging: breed, group, and best in show. At the breed level, a dog is judged against its peers as well as the breed standard. The dog that is deemed the best representation of its breed wins the top spot and advances to the group level. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has seven official groups: Working, Herding, Hounds, Terriers, Sporting, Non-Sporting, and Toys. There is also an unofficial Miscellaneous class that does not typically participate in shows.
At the group level, dogs are judged against one another, with the winner being the best representation of its breed. Awards are given to the top four dogs in each group, with the group winner advancing to the Best in Show ring. The Best in Show ring features only seven dogs, each judged again on how well they represent their breed. The competition is fierce—at large events like the Westminster Dog Show, held every February in New York, it’s not unusual for each dog to have already beaten 300 to 400 other dogs just to reach the Best in Show ring. And to even qualify for such a prestigious show, each of those dogs must have ranked among the top few in their breed during the previous year, effectively beating tens of thousands of dogs over the span of twelve months!
What draws a person to owning a show dog?
Sometimes, a breeder has no choice but to show their dogs. Many dogs are bred for purposes other than showing, yet they still need to become “champions” in order to be considered worthy breeding stock. In fact, some breeds are controlled within their country of origin and must hold a dual championship to be used for breeding purposes.
For example, in Germany, a German Shepherd Dog must become a champion in the show ring, demonstrating conformance to the breed standard and winning against other German Shepherds. The dog must also earn a working title. The specific title varies by breed, but for German Shepherds, it includes a level of protection dog training called Schutzhund. At the first level, no protection work is necessary, but the dog must pass an obedience test, an endurance test, and a basic tracking test. This ensures that all German Shepherds bred in Germany have the necessary “workability,” intelligence, and drive that make the breed one of the most trainable and versatile in the world.
Other working titles are available for sporting dogs, sight hounds, terriers, and herding dogs, as well as in dog sports like agility, tracking, and obedience, to name a few.
Some people are simply drawn to the dog show world. Whether it’s the desire to see their dog in the spotlight, to take home the coveted red, white, and blue Best in Show ribbon, or simply as a hobby, the dog show world offers a unique blend of sport and theater.
Owning a show dog isn’t particularly difficult, depending on the level of competition you want to pursue.
The hard part is deciding on a breed!
When looking through breed books, consider factors such as energy and exercise levels, grooming requirements, size, and the breed’s overall temperament and compatibility with other pets. For instance, if you have six cats, a Greyhound, which instinctively chases anything that moves, might not be the best choice. Also, take the overall health of the breed into account. Some breeds have suffered from overbreeding or unscrupulous breeding practices, leading to health issues. Falling in love with a breed that has a short lifespan or unaffordable vet bills can lead to heartbreak.
Not sure which breed to choose? Visit a dog show and watch the dogs in action. You may find something that catches your attention and holds it.
Once you’ve decided on a breed, the next challenge is finding a reputable breeder. You’ll want to find someone who will help you learn how to groom your dog for the show ring, train it, feed it properly, and showcase its best features while concealing any faults. Do your homework! Attend dog shows, ask questions about the breed and its breeders, read every book you can find, and join breed-specific forums as well as general dog show forums. The more you know, the better your chances of acquiring a good dog from the start and gaining a mentor in your breeder.
Here’s a hint: A good breeder keeps the best puppies for owners who are most likely to show the dog or train it for its original purpose—whether that’s hunting with a sporting breed or competing in earth trials with terriers. This increases the breeder’s reputation and the value of their breeding stock. Moreover, breeders want the best for their pups, ensuring that dogs involved in dog shows or dog sports spend plenty of time with their owners.
So, you’ve got your new pup—now what? You’ll follow pretty much the same steps as you would with any other puppy, plus some specialized training. If your breed requires specific grooming for the show ring, start getting your puppy used to brushing and handling right from day one. Most kennel clubs offer handling classes for puppies and new handlers, which is an excellent opportunity to meet people in the local dog show community and learn the ropes for when you step into the ring.
And if both you and your pup have done your homework, once you’re in that ring, it’s just a matter of collecting the ribbons!
