Introduction
Since a long time dog shows has been popular as a sport and as the ultimate showcase for enjoying the beauty of the canine world. In present times dog shows presents a beautiful opportunity where the thrill of competition is combined with the joy of seeing beautiful dogs. Some of the dog shows managed by the American Kennel Club in America draw over three million entries annually. These dog shows are based on tests of instinct and trainability, such as obedience, behavior, looks and agility to mention a few. Certain dog shows are basically conformation events with the purpose to examine and evaluate breeding stock among canines. Nowadays the popularity of dog shows varies with events like large all-breed shows, with over 4,000 dogs entered, to small local specialty club shows, featuring a specific breed.
The World of Dog shows
The biggest records of canine records are maintained and managed by the American Kennel association also known as AKC which is also the biggest maintainer of 15,000 sanctioned and licensed events each year. The AKC is a national dog organization that oversees and maintains the registry of purebred dog breeds as well as supervising the showing of these dogs.
The dog show competition usually starts with class judging, which is divided by gender and age. The judges at any dog show competition chooses and makes their selection on dogs based on Dogs are posed their build, structure, fur color and texture, and correct head, tail, bite and ear-set. During the shows one can see the handlers then run the dogs around the ring, individually and as a group, in order to show the motion, or gait, appropriate to their breed, all necessary elements to a breed's proper performance. For the success of any dog in these dog shows owners have to put Time, money, work, training, grooming, devotion, and a love for dogs to bring out the expected output in their pets. The effort and dedication which is a way of life for many dog enthusiasts, begins even before a dog is purchased. Also there is the financial aspect of showing dogs, with expenditures for items such as supplies, equipment and entry fees. For example for Handlers who look after these dogs during dog shows need special vehicles like a large van that will hold crates, for transporting dogs to shows. Providing good nutrition, clean housing, quality veterinarian care and regular grooming for his show dogs occupies much of dog shower’s time.
Classifications & Standards
There are usually three types of conformation dog shows which are categorized according to specific parameters of dog compeititions.For example All-breed shows offer competitions for over 150 breeds and varieties of dogs recognized by the AKC. This type of all-breed shows are the type that is often shown on television .Apart from all-breed shows there are Specialty dog shows which are restricted to dogs of a specific breed or to varieties of one breed. Clubs which does dog shows like the Bulldog Club of America specially is for Bulldogs only and in the same manner the Poodle Club of America's specialty show includes the three different varieties of the Poodle .There are also group shows which are limited to dogs belonging to one of the different groups like the hounds,herders,toy dogs and the sporting dogs among others. For example, the Potomac Hound Group show is a specialty show which features only breeds belonging to the Hound group.
Normally there are general rules to be followed for the participation of dogs in these dog shows .Usually the dogs are necessary to be registered with the American Kennel club which is the official maintainer of all records on pure bred degrees of the dog breeds. To compete it is necessary that the dog is officially registered in the Akc records. The minimum age limit of dogs which compete at these dog shows should be six months of age or older as dog breeds under that minimum age is not eligible for the same. Usually the dog shows puts up classes under which the breeds which can compete are underlined, which is necessary to be taken into consideration. The dog shows also maintain a strict requirement of meeting all eligibility requirements as underlined by the written standards for its breed.
Usually the conformation shows for dogs are are divided into classes for puppies and adult dogs where the male dogs contend first and then the females. The final class in a breed determines the best of breed. Usually these dogs compete under certain classes which are very clearly marked in dog shows. These range from puppies from six month olds to nine month olds. For puppies from nine to twelve month olds there are different standards and also for adult dogs which are twelve to eighteen moth olds. These standards also have classifications for American bred dogs and bred by exhibitor dogs.
Types of Dogs in Dog Shows
For dog shows there are classifications of the different groups of dogs based on their specific temperament or attribute as puts them apart. The important dog types include the following:-
Sporting Dogs - These dogs are bred to hunt game birds both on land and in the water. Traditionally used for fetching fowl birds or any small tasks. The breeds that come under this group include Pointers, Retrievers, Setters and Spaniels. Traditionally active and alert, these sporting dogs make likeable, well-rounded companions. Remarkable for their instincts in water and woods, many of these breeds actively continue to participate in hunting and other field activities. But it is very important to be understood that these group of dogs need regular exercises and well toned diet for their much active work.
Hounds - These breeds were traditionally bred for hunting other game by sight or scent. These breeds include such dogs as Beagles, Bassets, Dachshunds and Greyhounds. Most of the dogs from this category hounds share the common ancestral trait of being used for hunting. There are some breeds which use their scenting powers to follow a trail and catch the game. There are those breeds under this group whose physical stamina and prowess dominates their power to run and hunt down the prey.A wide variety of breeds comes under this group who are genetically separate from others in their physical buildup and their special capabilities.. There are Pharaoh Hounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Afghans and Beagles, among others. These breeds that come under this group are famous for their distinctive ability to produce a specific sound which is termed as baying.
Working Dogs - These dogs were traditionally bred to pull carts, guard property and perform search and rescue services. Though most of the dog breeds were initially bred for to be of service to humans yet there are specific capabilities which put them apart from the other breeds. Strong muscular features, powerful hind legs and the audacity to take physical strain are some of the distinctive qualities of this breed. Among the breeds in this group are the Akita, Boxer, Doberman pinscher and St. Bernard. Dogs of the Working Group were bred to perform such jobs as guarding property, pulling sleds and performing water rescues. These specific type of dogs are very famous in rescue operations for the armed forces and for emergency services. The Doberman pinscher, Siberian husky and Great Dane are included in this Group, to name just a few. Very loyal and quick to learn, these intelligent, capable animals make loyal companions. Though these types of breeds are also used for family purposes as a companion dog or playdog yet their bulk and strength alone makes them more better as working dogs with proper training.
Terrier – The breeds in this group were traditionally bred to rid pests off properties like rats and other vermin. This group includes breeds such as the Airedale, Cairn terrier and Scottish terrier. Known to be very energetic and lively the breed sizes range from fairly small, as in the Norfolk, Cairn or West Highland white terrier, to the grand Airedale Terrier. But Terriers typically are known to have little tolerance for other animals, including other dogs which sometimes makes them known to be ferocious and fierce.. Their ancestors were bred to hunt and kill vermin. Care and attention is needed for their fur and skin which needs special grooming requirements. In general, they make engaging pets, but require owners with the determination to match their dogs' lively characters.
Toy - These dogs are those breeds which had been traditionally bred to be household companions because of their lively and friendly personalities. This group includes little dogs such as the Chihuahua, Maltese, Pomeranian and Pug. The diminutive size and winsome expressions of Toy dogs are some of the chief qualities of this Group which makes them very famous with their masters. In the world of fashion too nowadays this group has acquired lot of attention thanks to celebrities. For example Paris Hilton’s Chihuahua publicity gave this breed a virtual boost in social demand and interest. For city dwellers who want to adjust their pets to the moderate living spaces, this group comes as the best choice. Perky and very jovial these dogs are easy to carry and tour around which does not call for any specific attention.
Non-Sporting - This specific group of dogs comes under the broad category of companion dogs and don’t have a general appearance cadre. Some famous breeds of the non-sporting groups include the Chow Chow, Bulldog, Dalmatian and Poodle. These dogs vary in size and function, and many are considered companion dogs. Here are sturdy animals with as different personalities and appearances as the Chow Chow, Dalmatian, French bulldog and Keeshond. There are differences in size, coat, and visage which gives them a distinctive edge over any other type of dog groups. Some, like the Schipperke and Tibetan Spaniel are really awesome for the eyes and interesting to behold. Others, however, like the Poodle and Lhasa Apso are considered as prize dogs for their personality and deminure.. The breeds in the Non-Sporting Group are a varied collection in terms of size, coat, personality and overall appearance.
Herding - These dogs were bred to help shepherds and ranchers herd their livestock. The Briard, Collie, German Shepherd Dog and Old English Sheepdog are some of the breeds in this group. The Herding Group, created in 1983, is considered to be a newest AKC classification. These dogs were traditionally part of the breeds which belong to the Working Group. All breeds share the fabulous ability to control the movement of other animals which are used for herding purposes like cattle, sheep and horses. Breeds especially like the Corgi, one foot tall at the shoulders, can drive a herd of cows many times its size to pasture by leaping and nipping at their heels. In big sheep and horse ranches it is a common sight to see these dogs attentively shepherd these animals with their distinctive trained traits. In general, these intelligent dogs make excellent companions and respond beautifully to training exercises.
References
AKC,A beginner’s guide to dog shows - http://www.akc.org/events/conformation/beginners.cfm
Dog Breeds & Types of Dogs - http://www.dog-breeds-online.com/dog-breeds.html
Different Types of Dogs and their characteristics - http://www.puppy-basics.com/typesofdog.html
Types of Dog Shows - http://www.actca.asn.au/Activities/showingmain.htm