A Quick Lesson about Dog ShowsIntroducing the World of Dog Shows:

SPECIALTY .. GROUP .. ALL BREED

Unleash the excitement as we delve into the captivating realm of conformation dog shows, where champions are made, and legends are born. Prepare to be enthralled by the three extraordinary types of shows: Specialty, Group, and All-Breed, each possessing its own unique allure.

Group shows are limited to dogs from one of the seven groups; for example, the Inland Empire Hound Club of Southern California can put on shows that are for hound breeds only.

Specialty shows, a haven for breed enthusiasts, cater exclusively to a particular breed or its various captivating varieties. Picture the Dachshund Club of America, a gathering solely dedicated to the delightful Dachshunds in all their longhair, smooth, and wirehair glory.

All-breed shows, on the other hand, are open to over 147 breeds recognized by the AKC.

HOW A DOG SHOW WORKS

Dog shows are basically a process of elimination, with one dog being named Best in Show at the end of the day. Along the way, some dogs accumulate points toward the title “AKC Champion.”

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS

Most dogs in competition at conformation shows are competing for points toward their championship. It takes fifteen points under at least three different judges to become an AKC “Champion of Record.” This is indicated by “CH.” before the dog’s name. Two of the dogs’ wins must be majors (wins of three, four or five points).

At one show, a dog can earn from one to five points toward a championship title, depending on the number of males or females actually in competition for that breed. (Male dogs are referred to as dogs, while females are referred to as bitches.)

Once the dog or bitch is a champion, it can compete for Best of Breed (or Best of Variety) without having to win in the lower classes.

TYPES OF CLASSES

PUPPY – Six to nine months of age or nine to twelve months of age that are not yet champions.

TWELVE TO EIGHTEEN MONTHS – Twelve to eighteen months of age that are not yet champions.

NOVICE – Is for dogs or bitches 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, and have not yet earned any points toward their Championships.

BRED BY EXHIBITOR – The person handling the dog in the ring was one of the breeders and is still one of the owners.

AMERICAN-BRED – The dog’s parents were mated in the USA, and the dog was born in the United States.

OPEN – Any dog of that breed can show in this class.

After the above classes are judged, all the dogs that have won first place in the classes compete again to see who is the best of the 1st place-winning dogs. This is done separately for dogs and bitches. Only the best male (Winners Dog) and the best female (Winners Bitch) receive championship points. A Reserve Winners award is given in each sex to the runner-up. (Points will only go to the Reserve Winner’s Dog or Reserve Winners Bitch if Winner’s Dog or Winner’s Bitch is deemed ineligible for the win).

The Winners Dog and Winners Bitch then embark on a thrilling clash of champions, vying for the prestigious title of Best of Breed or Best of Variety. As the dust settles, three remarkable awards await:

BEST OF BREED (or BEST OF VARIETY) – The pinnacle of perfection, this accolade is bestowed upon the dog deemed the very best in its breed category.

Best of Winners – A riveting showdown between the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch to determine the ultimate victor.

Best of Opposite Sex – Celebrating excellence in diversity, this honor is bestowed upon the finest canine of the opposite sex to the Best of Breed winner.

But the journey to greatness doesn’t end there. The Best of Breed winners now ascend to the pinnacle of competition, the Group Competition. Each AKC-recognized breed finds its place within one of the seven esteemed group classifications: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding. Witness the electrifying battles unfold as the top contenders from each group strive for recognition. Only the first-place winner from each group has the privilege of advancing to the grand finale: the prestigious Best in Show competition.

Now, when you encounter a dog’s name adorned with the esteemed “CH” prefix, you hold the key to their exceptional journey and the remarkable path they undertook to earn their illustrious title. Let the world of dog shows captivate your imagination and ignite your passion for these magnificent creatures.