Showing Dogs

How do people “show” their dogs?

Pet owners show off their dogs at dog shows, which are organized events that provide an audience primed for admiring the glory of the canine kingdom. A dog show is an official gathering of dogs and their owners/handlers in a competitive arena.

The typical dog show is called a conformation. Dogs are groomed and presented to best display how well they conform to a breed standard. 

The breed standard, dictated by the American Kennel Club (AKC), is a detailed, written description of what the perfect dog in a certain breed would look like. It is the “gold standard” that specifies the optimum characteristics for each canine breed, taking into consideration appearance, movement, health, and temperament.

Judges approved by the AKC examine the dogs and “place” them according to how closely each dog compares to the breed’s official standard. In a dog show competition, the dog that conforms closest to the breed standard receives an award. This type of show attracts owners of purebred dogs, but there are opportunities for owners of mixed breeds to “show off” their dogs, too.

Why do people show their dogs?

Although many people show dogs for fun, the real purpose of dog shows is to evaluate quality breeding stock to maintain the integrity of the breed. A winning dog has good conformation (appearance and structure), which makes them likely to produce high-quality purebred puppies. Since the focus is on breeding, neutered or spayed dogs are not allowed to compete in purebred shows, but are allowed in mixed-breed events.

What dogs qualify for a dog show?

Any intact, purebred dog at least 6 months old and registered with the AKC is eligible to compete in the show ring. The AKC will also allow non-registered purebred dogs to compete through a program that grants a PAL (Purebred Alternative Listing) to dogs that appear to be purebred but don’t have the registration papers to prove it.

What other types of dog shows are there?

Many other competitions provide the space to showcase how well our dogs perform certain tasks, including:  

• Agility: Dogs quickly navigate around an obstacle course guided by their handlers, off lead.
• Obedience: Dogs demonstrate abilities of a good companion, including walking politely, staying, retrieving, and coming when called.
• Coursing (Fast CAT): Dogs run a timed 100-yard dash, chasing a lure.
• Dock diving: Dogs demonstrate how far and high they can jump off a dock into the water.
• Flyball: A fast-paced race, over a series of obstacles, in which a dog retrieves a tennis ball from a box, then runs back over the obstacles.
• Trick dog: Dogs demonstrate more advanced tricks such as crawling, push-ups, jumping through their handler’s arms, or balancing a treat on their nose.
• Rally: Dogs move quickly through a course of obedience challenges with their handlers.

These events are not always restricted to purebred dogs.

What’s the best way to get started showing your dog?

As always, it is best to do your homework before embarking on a new endeavor, especially one that involves your furry friend.

Consider these tips to help you get started on the show circuit.

Attend a dog show or competition. Dog owners are usually a friendly group who love to share their experiences with newcomers.

Make sure your dog meets the standards. For purebred shows, look at the AKC breed standards and see your dog measures up. The AKC has a detailed list of characteristics for each registered breed.

Take advantage of AKC resources. Many local dog clubs listed on the AKC’s website provide helpful resources. You can attend a ringcraft class, which focuses on training for a dog show and teaches you how to best present your dog at a competition. Some clubs hold local events that can give you a preliminary taste of the show ring.

Join a club. Meeting with people of similar interests will boost your knowledge and can be fun, too. Interacting with other dog owners will be good for you and interacting with other dogs will be good for your dog. There are lots of dogs at shows, so your pooch should be acclimated to behaving in a crowd. Many local clubs host regular classes in dog handling. Look online for a list of clubs in your area.

Enter practice shows. Local clubs may also introduce you to match shows in your area. These are organized, fun shows that allow both the dog and handler to practice and train under more relaxed circumstances. These shows do not award points towards a title, but they are a great way to practice before entering a real show.

Consider hiring a handler. If you have a great dog, but not a great deal of time, consider hiring a professional handler to show your dog. These experienced individuals charge for training and showing dogs, so check a fee schedule before making your decision. Additionally, get references on the handler and visit their facility before you entrust your dog’s wellbeing to them.

Dog shows are meant to bring out the best of the breed in purebred shows and to foster healthy dogs in both purebred and mixed breed competitions. Have your dog evaluated by your veterinarian to ensure they are healthy and can endure the rigors of the show ring. Then, go ahead and show off your dog!