Dog
showing can be a great family sport. Through the years, a
great number of people have participated in the sport - with
their pets - who are second, third and fourth generation dog-show
families. Dedicated families even build their vacation schedules
around showing their dog.
Each
member of the family can have some meaningful task in showing:
brushing, walking, handling or just applauding their dog while
he’s in the ring. The kids might show him in the Junior
Handler category, while Mom or Dad can show him in the regular
classes. The outcome of hard training is about two minutes
in front of the judge in the ring. What preceeds this moment
is a great amount of knowledge, care, time and preparation.
Be
aware that there are several different ways you can show your
dog. Most people are interessed in the conformation. Conformation
is the type of show most people are familiar with. This type
of show awards the dog that best matches his standard.
Preparing
Your Pooch
Training
A show dog needs to be trained. Though you may train your
dog yourself at home, conformation and handling classes are
beneficial for both you and your four-legged friend. The classes
also serve to socialize your dog. This gets him accustomed
to being around other dogs in conditions similar to what he’ll
find at shows. Very often, a show dog is the only dog in a
household. Therefore at the show, he may be anxious or in
awe of a thousand other dogs. Socialization will make showing
a better experience for you and your dog.
Conditioning
Every show dog - no matter how big or small - needs conditioning.
For some dogs, this means a strict exercise regimen; for other
dogs, it means regular walks. Some handlers have a treadmill
for their dog, ensuring proper regular exercise no matter
what the weather might be like outdoors. It’s very important
that you don’t over-exercise your dog. Check with your
veterinarian about this.
Nutrition
A good diet and the right foods keep him fit and trim and
keep his coat shining.
Grooming
All show dogs need to be clean - with clean teeth and clean,
trimmed toenails. Some breeds only need wiping off with a
towel before they enter the ring and other breeds need considerable
bathing with a good shampoo, brushing and coat conditioning.
Some breeds also need their coat plucked, clipped and shaped.
During a three-day period of showing, one dog might need to
be groomed only once, while another might need constant attention.
It depends on the individual dog and the breed.
How
to Enter
Once prepared, it’s best to enter your dog in the show
by contacting the dog-show superintendent at least two and
a half weeks prior to the show.
What
the Judge Looks For
Written
Standard
Dog shows began as a way of comparing top dogs and identifying
superior breeding stock. Each breed has a written standard
describing the ideal specimen of that breed; breeds were developed
by man to perform specific duties. As such, a dog’s
physical characteristics relate form to function.
The
written standard describes the ideal structure for the breed.
For example, a greyhound is a sighthound that pursues and
brings down game, so he needs to be built for speed. A deep
chest, with plenty of room for heart and lungs; a lean, powerful,
aerodynamic body; and an unencumbered line of sight are among
the traits that allow the performance of their function.
If
a dog is a terrier, he needs a strong spirit and a protective
coat to go to the ground to chase vermin. Most standards are
very specific about details such as: eye placement, shape
and color; ear structure and shape; the proportion of the
body (long, square, tall, short), feet and tail - and more.
Breed
History
Every judge must know the history of a breed and what he was
bred to do to best understand how form and function must come
together in the show ring. She must also know the standard
for each particular breed being judged and apply that to each
individual animal. At conformation shows, a dog doesn’t
get the chance to perform his duties, yet the judge must envision
the dog doing so.
The
Judge’s Routine
The judge’s routine is fairly straightforward and most
judges have the same routine. When a class of dogs first enters
the ring, the judge will stand back and look at a dog from
a distance to get general impressions about balance, type
and movement. Then the judge begins individual examinations
by putting her/his hands on the dog. She/he usually begins
by looking at the eyes, ears and teeth and then proceeds to
“go over” the entire dog, nose to tail. By handling
a dog in this manner, she/he checks for bone structure, musculature
and conditioning.
The
judge should be comparing what she/he sees with what she feels.
When this exam is complete, she/he will ask the handler to
move the dog in a pattern that allows her/him to see the dog
from every direction. At the conclusion, the judge will note
in her/his mind how the dog’s structure and movement
all came together and if the dog can truly perform the functions
for which he was bred.
Three
Levels of Judging
In competition, dogs are judged at three levels: within their
breed, by group and, finally, by best in show. At the breed
level, dogs of the same breed are examined and, ultimately,
one will be named Best of Breed (BoB). That dog advances to
the next level - group competition.
The
Handler’s Job
Through all of this, the handler’s role is to present
his or her dog in the best light, to show off the dog’s
strong points and de-emphasize his weaknesses.
The
exceptional show dog will have an element of showmanship to
bring out his best qualities. Simply put, it’s a “dog
show and you’ve got to show.” That said, there
are some breeds that aren’t, by nature, supposed to
be lively, with tail up, prancing about the ring. The Afghan
hound or Irish Setter might need to prance, while the bloodhound
needs his head down, moving more slowly as he would naturally.
Tips
for Showing Your Dog
- Know
your breed well.
- Know
the proper way to show your breed.
- Train
your dog and get him in his best condition.
- Work
hard to be a good groomer.
- Make
it fun. The dogs that are most successful have a good
time.
- Show
your dog to the best of your abilities. The best handlers
literally disappear in the ring so they’re unnoticed
