During dog shows and competitions, dogs are closely examined to see if they possess the criteria that are common to its breed standard. Regular shows are being conducted by kennel clubs or breed clubs. Shows where only specific breeds are examined are known as specialty shows.
The judges of the show set the standards prior to the show. During the show, they choose dogs, which match the set standards although this task is extremely tough because the judgments made should be completely subjective. Apart from comparing one dog with another, it is also necessary to compare the dog to the judge’s image of an ideal dog which meet the breed standard almost perfectly. The dog show is organized to find a dog that most closely matches the standards required.
Based on the long list of breed standards, judges get together to frame the conformation point. Conformation points can vary from one contest to another but certain general requirements still form the basis of the judging. Although the pet’s color, pattern, length, type and quality are observed, in the final analysis the fur is still the most important factor. The distribution, quality and number of the markings will be carefully scrutinized by the judges.
Healthy skin with no pigmentation is also one of the important criterions with the shape and color of the head also taken into consideration. For each breed of dogs, the general attitude and temperament are noted down. The competing dogs jaw-line plus the structure and alignment of the teeth when its mouth is closed are compared. Also taken into consideration and scrutiny are the shape and color of the eyes and the shape and set of ears, including the ratio of the length and height. To determine whether the dog entering the competition is well presented , the style of walking and gait and the shape of the feet and tail are closely watched . It is necessary to register the name of the participating dog, breeder and breeder kennel to facilitate identification.
For the purpose of easy identification because every dog has a registered name as well as a call name, the kennel club uses the registered name while the owner refers to the pet using the call name. Competitors participating in the many dog shows at these different levels come from different parts of the country. Due to the hierarchical nature of the competitions , only winners at each competition are seeded to enter the final stage of the competition to select a worthy champion.
These shows at the highest level only allow pets that have already won championship in other shows to participate in order to choose the best in the breed. It is only natural that the puppies of the champion dog breed fetch a high price because the shows help to boost the reputation of the dog, kennel and breeder. The popularity of the breed increases rapidly when people look around to buy a pet that resembles the champion. Out of the many dog shows taking place, Crufts in the UK and the Westminster Kennel Club Show in the United States are the two prestigious ones available.
