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How an AKC Dog Show Works
from: Kyle BesserEach dog is presented to a judge by its handler, who can be its owner, breeder or a hired professional. Judges 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 gait (move) to see how all of those features fit together in action. The judges give awards according to how closely each dog compares to the judge's mental image of the "perfect" dog described in the breed's official standard.
Most dogs in competition at conformation shows are competing for points toward AKC championship. It takes fifteen points, including two majors (wins of three, four or five points) awarded by at least three different judges, to become an American Kennel Club "Champion of Record."
The number of championship points awarded at a show depends on the number of males (dogs) and females (bitches) of the breed entered in the competition. The larger the field, the greater the number of points a male or a female can win. The maximum number of points awarded to a dog at any show is 5.
Males and females compete separately within their respective breeds, in seven regular classes:
*Puppy - For dogs between six and twelve months of age that are not yet champions (optional class).
*Twelve-To-Eighteen Months - For dogs twelve to eighteen months of age that are not yet champions (optional class).
*Novice - For dogs six months of age and over, which have not, prior to the date of closing of entries, won three first prizes in the Novice Class, a first prize in Bred-by-Exhibitor, American-bred, or Open Classes, nor one or more points toward their championship (optional class).
*Amateur-Owner-Handler - For dogs that are at least six months of age that are not champions. Dogs must be handled in the class by the registered owner of the dog and is limited to exhibitors who have not, at any point in time, been a professional dog handler, AKC approved conformation judge, or employed as an assistant to a professional handler (effective January 1, 2009) (optional class).
*Bred By Exhibitor - For dogs that are exhibited by their owner and breeder that are not yet champions. (optional class).
*American-Bred - For dogs born in the United States from a mating which took place in the United States, that are not yet champions (mandatory class).
*Open - For any dog of the breed at least 6 months of age (mandatory class).
After these classes are judged, all the dogs that won first place in a class compete again to see who is the best of the winning dogs. Males and females are judged separately. Only the best male (Winners Dog) and the best female (Winners Bitch) receive championship points.
The Winners Dog and Winners Bitch then compete with the champions for the Best of Breed award. At the end of the Best of Breed Competition, three awards are usually given:
Best of Breed - the dog judged as the best in its breed category.
Best of Winners - the dog judged as the better of the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch.
Best of Opposite Sex - the best dog that is the opposite sex to the Best of Breed winner.
Group Competitions
Dog shows are a process of elimination, with one dog being named Best in Show at the end of the show. Only the Best of Breed winners 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.
The Seven Groups in All-Breed Shows
*Sporting dogs were bred to hunt game birds both on land and in the water. The breeds in this group include Pointers, Retrievers, Setters and Spaniels.
*Hounds were bred for hunting other game by sight or scent. The breeds in this group include the Beagle, Basset, Dachshund and Greyhound.
*Working dogs were bred to pull carts, guard property and perform search and rescue services. The breeds in this group include the Akita, Boxer, Doberman Pinscher and St. Bernard.
*Terrier dogs were bred to rid property of vermin such as rats. The breeds in this group include the Airedale, Cairn Terrier and Scottish Terrier.
*Toy dogs were bred to be household companions. The breeds in this group include little dogs such as the Chihuahua, Maltese, Pomeranian and Pug.
*Non-Sporting dogs vary in size and function, and many are considered companion dogs. This diverse group includes the Chow Chow, Bulldog, Dalmatian and Poodle.
*Herding dogs were bred to help shepherds and ranchers herd their livestock. The breeds in this group include the Briard, Collie, German Shepherd and Old English Sheepdog.
Four placements are awarded in each group, but only the first place winner from each group advances to the Best In Show competition, the highest award at a dog show.
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