The Dog Spot
National Dog Shows In Japan Article
This is a selection made from among articles on National Dog Shows In Japan. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for future reading, click here.
Types of Conformation Dog Shows
from: Kyle BesserThe conformation events in AKC dog shows are intended to evaluate dogs as breeding stock. The size of these events range from large all-breed shows, with over 3,000 dogs entered, to small local specialty club shows featuring a specific breed. The dog's conformation as an indication of the dog's ability to produce quality puppies is judged.
Dogs registered with the American Kennel Club are eligible to compete if they are 6 months of age or older, a breed for which classes are offered at a show and meet any eligibility requirements in the written standard for its breed. Spayed or neutered dogs are not eligible to compete in conformation classes at an AKC dog show since the purpose of a dog show is to evaluate breeding stock.
Dogs are judged according to how closely they compare to the perfect dog as described in the breed's official standard. The official standard outlines the characteristics that enable the breed to perform the function for which it was bred. The standards include specifications for structure, temperament and movement.
The official written standard for each breed is maintained by the breed's national club and is included in the "The Complete Dog Book" published by the AKC.
The judges are experts on the breeds they are judging. They examine each dog with their hands to see if the teeth, muscles, bones and coat texture conform to the breed's standard. They view each dog in profile for overall balance and watch each dog move (gait) to see how all of the features fit together in action.
There are three types of conformation dog shows: all-breed shows, specialty shows, and group shows.
All-Breed Shows
All-breed shows offer competitions for over 150 breeds and varieties of dogs recognized by the AKC. Dog shows are a process of elimination, with one dog being named Best in Show at the end of the show. All-breed shows are the type most often televised.
Specialty Shows
Specialty shows are restricted to a specific breed or to varieties of one breed of dog. For example, the Bulldog Club of America specialty show is for Bulldogs only, but the Poodle Club of America's specialty show includes the three varieties of the Poodle, Standard, Miniature and Toy.
Group Shows
Group shows are limited to dogs belonging to one of the seven groups. Only the Best of Breed winners may advance to compete in the Group competitions. Each AKC-recognized breed falls into one of seven group classifications: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding. Four placements are awarded in each group, but only the first place winner advances to the Best In Show competition.
Dog-Shows Online News
EU urges Greece to stay in euro, plans for possible exit - Reuters
 AFP | EU urges Greece to stay in euro, plans for possible exit Reuters By Claire Davenport and Luke Baker | BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union leaders, advised by senior officials to prepare contingency plans in case Greece decides to quit the single currency, urged the country to stay the course on austerity and ... EU struggles to keep Eurozone intact, stave off economic collapse Leaders Bicker as Europe's Crisis Gains New Urgency EU Chiefs Clash on Bonds Amid Call Greece Keep Cutting |
Secret Service director says Colombia prostitution scandal was isolated incident - Los Angeles Times
 CBC.ca | Secret Service director says Colombia prostitution scandal was isolated incident Los Angeles Times Mark Sullivan assures a Senate panel that there's no evidence of a wider culture of reckless partying and that President Obama's safety was not compromised. “This is not a systemic issue with us,” Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan assured the ... Lawmakers skeptical Secret Service scandal was one-time deal Senators say Secret Service scandal could reflect agency's culture Secret Service Agent Misconduct Isn't Systemic, Chief Says |
Romney Calls Education 'Civil Rights Issue of Our Era' and Urges Shift - New York Times
 New York Times | Romney Calls Education 'Civil Rights Issue of Our Era' and Urges Shift New York Times Lamenting that millions of American children receive “a third world education,” Mitt Romney on Wednesday called for poor and disabled students to be able to use federal funds to attend any public, private or online school they choose. Mitt Romney unveils education reform plan heavy on 'parental choice' (+video) Obama, Romney to address Latino Political Convention Romney proposes steps to overhaul public education |
Kathryn Bigelow given intelligence on unit that killed Osama bin Laden - The Guardian
 The Guardian | Kathryn Bigelow given intelligence on unit that killed Osama bin Laden The Guardian The Obama administration is under fire for granting Hollywood film-makers clandestine access to the Navy Seal team which killed Osama bin Laden in apparent violation of official policy. Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow and the screenwriter Mark ... Documents provide new insight into Kathryn Bigelow's Bin Laden movie GOP Questions Help Given for bin Laden Film Bin Laden doctor jailed 33 years for treason |