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St Louis Dog Shows Article
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Dog Shows In US and Canada
from: Kyle BesserDog shows take place year round in various locations. Some dog shows are small, local shows, while others draw competitors from all around the country and even the world. Some shows are so large that they limit entries only to dogs who have already earned Championship status. Winning Best in Breed or Best in Show can elevate the reputation of a dog, a breeder, or a kennel to the top overnight and greatly increase the price of puppies bred from the dog or at the dog's kennel of origin.
American Kennel Club Dog Shows
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is the largest not-for-profit registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States. The American Kennel Club was established in 1884 to promote the study, breeding, exhibiting and advancement of purebred dogs. The AKC approves and maintains the official records of over 15,000 sanctioned and licensed events each year, including the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the National Dog Show, and the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship..
There are seven classes per breed in American Kennel Club dog shows: Puppy (sometimes divided between 6-9 Month and 9-12 Month), Novice, 12-18 Months, Bred By Exhibitor (where the person handling the dog is an owner and breeder of record), American-Bred, Novice (not used in all breeds), and Open. In some cases one or more of these classes may be divided by color, height, weight, or coat type.
First through fourth places are awarded in each class. The winners of all classes in each sex compete for Winners Dog and Winners Bitch. Winners Dog and Winners Bitch are awarded points toward a Championship, based on the number of dogs in each sex competing in the classes.
The remaining class winners are joined by the runner-up from the class from which the Winner was selected, and there are competitions for second place in each sex, called Reserve Winners Dog and Reserve Winners Bitch. If for any reason the Winner is determined to be ineligible for the points on that day, the points would instead be awarded to the Reserve Winner.
Once the Winners and Reserves are chosen, the Best of Breed competition begins. This group consists of any dog or bitch that has finished its Championship, plus the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch. The dog or bitch that the judge feels best represents the breed standard on that day is awarded Best of Breed. The best animal of the opposite gender is awarded Best of Opposite Sex. The better of the Winners Dog or Winners Bitch is awarded Best of Winners. The Winners Dog or Winners Bitch can be awarded Best of Breed or Best of Opposite Sex, as well. In a Specialty show, the Best of Breed is also called Best in Specialty.
Groups then compete for Group placements. For example, all the Terrier Group Best of Breed winners compete for Group First, Group Second, Group Third, and Group Fourth. Finally, the seven Group First winners compete for Best in Show.
In the American Kennel Club, a dog needs 15 points to become a Champion. Depending on the number of dogs competing and the area where the show is held, up to 5 points can be earned at a show. At least two wins must be a set of three or more points (majors), under two different judges. At least one additional win under a third judge is also required. Additional points may be awarded to the Best of Winners, or a class dog that goes Best of Breed or Best of Opposite Sex, again depending on the number of dogs competing.
United Kennel Club Dog Shows
The rules for the United Kennel Club (US) use a different system. A championship requires a combination of points. For example, winning the class earns 10 points in non-variety breeds, 5 in variety breeds) and competition wins (including group placements and Best In Show/Reserve Best in Multi-Breed Show).
Canadian Kennel Club Dog Shows
Canadian Kennel Club shows are nearly identical to American Kennel Club dog shows, with the exception of a "Canadian-Bred" class replacing the "American-Bred." The main difference is the number of points required for a Championship and the way those points are calculated.
Under the Canadian Kennel Club rules, 10 points are needed for a Championship, with wins awarded by at least three different judges and at least one "major" win of two or more points. Region is not a factor in determining points for a win in Canada as the point schedule is the same across the country.
Dog-Shows Online News
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