Why Are There Dog Shows?
Also called “conformation trials” or “breed shows,” dog shows are designed to display purebred dogs with the ideal characteristics of their respective breeds. These standards are determined by each breeds official parent association and upheld by organizations like the American Kennel Club or the United Kennel Club. Ultimately, the goal is to maintain and even improve each breed so that future lines remain of the highest quality.
Dog show judges determine the best specimens of each dog breed. Many dog breeders prefer to breed dogs that have placed in dog shows so the puppies will have the most desired traits of that dog breed. These puppies are often healthier, more desirable, and worth more money.
What Happens During a Dog Show?
During conformation shows, dogs are presented in the ring by their handlers. The handler may or may not be the owner of the dog. Dog owners often hire professional handlers to show their dogs. Handlers generally have a lot of experience in dog shows and know how to make the dogs look their best in the show ring.
In the ring, the dogs are judged by knowledgeable and experienced purebred dog experts. These judges look at the dogs physical characteristics, movement/gait, and temperament. Then, they determine which dogs measure up most closely to their respective breed standards.
How does the 2022 National Dog Show work?
The National Dog Show features various breeds of pups split into seven categories (sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, and herding), all competing for the grand prize of Best in Show. The groups will compete against each other to win Best in Breed to go on to the next round, and only one dog in each category will be chosen. The dogs that make the cut will then compete for First in Breed, and the winners of those rounds will then compete for Best in Show, where one special dog will be appointed the highly-competitive title. Overall, the dogs are judged based on how they meet the standards of their respective breeds.