Not previously won three 1st places in the Novice Class.Like the Puppy Class, this can also be divided further into 12 to 15 months and 15 to 18 months, depending on the club. Sometimes, clubs would further divide this class into puppies who are 6-9 months and 9-12 months of age.Īre for dogs who are at least 12 months old and only under 18 months. This is for pups that are between 6 to 12 months. It’s where all dogs who entered are divided by gender, then further divided into seven classes: All-Breed Shows are events that are open to more than 190 breeds and varieties recognized by the AKC.Īll types of Conformation Events begin with the breed level competition.Group Shows are limited to the breeds that belong to one of the seven groups: Sporting, Working, Herding, Hound, Terrier, Toy, and Non-Sporting.Specialty Shows are events focusing on a single breed with varieties such as the Poodle who comes in three sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard.But first, let’s discuss the three basic types of dog shows. A dog would need 15 points and two major wins to become a Champion of Record. How do Dog Shows work?ĭog Shows are actually simple – it’s a process of elimination where the last dog left undefeated would be the best of the best.Ĭanines who enter Conformation Events compete toward the American Kennel Club Championship. It’s the reason why crossbreeds and spayed/neutered purebreds are not eligible to compete in Conformation Events. The closer the dog’s qualities are to the breed specification also means that it will be able to produce litters that would meet the standard. “Characteristics that enable the breed to perform the job or function for which it was bred.”Īnd that includes their physical structure, bones, and muscles, teeth, coat, temperament, as well as gait. The American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Breed Standards describe: But the real purpose of dog shows is to measure each pooch on how closely they conform to the standard of their own breed.Įven though some people think these events are like a beauty pageant for all types of dogs, it’s not. Showing dogs were initially used as a way to evaluate canines for breeding. Can Show Dogs be a good pet or a working dog?.The National Dog Show (Presented by Purina).The Westminster Kennel Club (WKC) Dog Show.Enter an actual event, and it’s showtime!.Apply what you and your furry buddy learned.How Can You and Your Canine Friend Enter a Dog Show?.

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