Dog Show Information

What happens at a dog show

When you walk into the building it is shear PANDEMONIUM.

You need to look or ask around for the superintendent or club or catalog table. Once you find this table, you will find a pile of catalogs for upcoming shows. This is where you can purchase a catalog. If you are looking for a breeder of a certain individual dog or breed, buy a catalog. The catalog has all the information in the judging program, plus it has the name of each dog, its parents, its date of birth, breeder and owner. In most cases you will find the addresses of the owners in the back of the catalog . Even if you didn't connect with anyone in all the confusion of the show, you can call information and find their phone number later.

With the catalog in hand, you can locate where certain breeds will be showing at a certain time. There will be a ring number and time of judging listed in the program for each breed. It's often impossible to locate someone with a breed you are interested in by cruising the grooming area, so it's a good idea to come early - usually 8:30 or 9:00 AM, so you don't miss what you really want to see. And, it's a good idea to plan to stay late, so you can see the whole event to its grand conclusion, the groups and best in show.

But for most Yorkie people, you should cruise the parking lot if you are looking for them. Yorkie exhibitors tend to shun the grooming area, I don't know why that is. But Yorkies come to the ring from motor homes and vans ready to enter. Yorkie exhibitors also tend to be ringside very early, often waiting up to an hour before showing. I have heard of professional handlers making jokes on how you can tell if a person is shows a yorkie, they will be there standing around brushing their dogs at least an hour before show time.

At most dog shows events are offered in conformation and obedience. The original basis for showing dogs, like other livestock, is to judge which individuals display the structure that suits the dog for its typical tasks. The way we know what characteristics do this is by comparing an individual to the breed standard, which defines the breed. Ideally, this standard will be well written and will enable the judge to tell which dogs come the closest, and are therefore best suited for the tasks ahead of them.

The objective of conformation classes is to identify dogs most suitable to breed and produce the next generations. The most important objective of obedience and agility, as well as the many other kinds of trial, such as hunting, herding and go to ground (terrier-earth dog events), is to identify the inner character and ability of the dog, which combined with the structure, produces the ideal animal. In all dog show related activities, however, whether obedience, conformation, or working events, and so forth, the second most important objective is having good clean family fun.

Dog Fancy enthusiasts attend shows every weekend. They meet friends, enjoy themselves, and compete on a very personal level, through their dogs. They may take their dogs in the ring themselves, or they may hire a professional handler. They may own one dog, a leash, and a hatchback, or 30 dogs, hundreds of pounds of equipment, and a Greyhound Bus size motor home. You never know at a show if you're standing next to a millionaire or a pauper. Well, sometimes you do know; however, often you truly don't. The point is you can attend with just your dog and a leash, and you can also win. You can have your son or daughter compete in Junior Showmanship or in the actual "breed" ring. There are so many levels of competition and so many different kinds of events that you can spend a lifetime shepherding one or many dogs through them. Dog showing for most of us is much more than a hobby, it's a lifestyle.

Some of the above information was paraphrased from by M. C. Wakeman, D.V.M. http://users.neca.com/szeder/dogsho1.html

Steps to take the day of the show

After you have entered the show site and have purchased your catalog (optional) you go and find the ring you will showing at.

See if the judge in the ring is the same judge you will be showing to, and if so, watch how he/she is having the dogs preform in the ring (what pattern the judge is having the dogs do). This is so you will know what is expected of you when you enter the ring and can't hear the judges directions. You should also see if they are entering the ring in arm band numerical order. If not you will want to enter the ring in the best position for your dog. Does he like to lead the pack, enter first. If he wants to pay attention to the dogs behind him, try and go last.

Approach the table next to the ring where the ring steward is and request your arm band(s). You will want to do this when they are not busy. In Canada, you would get your arm bands at the main catalog table and not at ring side.

At the appointed time, show up at ring side and have fun.

American Dog Shows

Requirements To Win An American Championship

The American Kennel Club requires a dog to obtain a total of 15 points with two major wins (a major win is worth three points or higher) to become a champion. The majors must be won under different judges and at least one other judge must award some of the remaining points - so you need to win under at least three different judges.

Winning the Points:

Class dogs are judged in classes against other dogs of the same sex - open, puppy, bred-by-exhibitor, American-bred, novice - are just a few. Classes can also be divided by age (as in puppy) or color. When the judge awards first place in a class that dog advances to the Winners competition of its sex.

During the Winners competition, the judge reexamines all the dogs that have received first place in the classes and picks an overall winner - Winners Dog for males and Winners Bitch for females. Although you may have beaten several dogs in the classes, championship points are only awarded to Winners Dog and Winners Bitch. No points are awarded for class wins or Reserve Winners.

Your Winners Dog or Winners Bitch can also win points in the Best of Breed competition. Best of Breed consists of dogs that have already received their championship. Winners Dog and Winner Bitch also compete with the champions in Best of Breed.

There are three possible ways your dog can receive points at this dog show:

Best of Breed - Awarded to the best dog in the Best of Breed competition
Best of Opposite Sex - Awarded to the best dog of the opposite sex to the Best of Breed winner
Best of Winners - Awarded to the best dog between Winners Dog and Winners Bitch

Counting Points

Step One: Take Attendance

Count the number of dogs or bitches competing in the regular classes of your dog's sex - novice, puppy, bred-by-exhibitor, American Bred, and Open classes. Remember to include your dog in the total! Don't count any dogs that are absent (no shows), disqualified, dismissed, excused, or have awards withheld. These dogs do not count in computing the number of dogs competing for that show. If you did not keep up with the total number of dogs in the regular classes, ask the ring steward or the superintendent for a count of total dogs.

Tip: Check the superintendent's copy of the judges' book before you leave the show to make certain your dog was marked as the winner. Mistakes do happen! Also, verify that your dog's AKC registration number is correct in the catalog. If it is not correct, let the superintendent know before you leave the show. In both cases, it's easier to make the correction on the day of the show rather than later.

Step Two: Check the Schedule of Points

Compare the number of dogs competing that day to the schedule of points for your dog's breed and sex located in the show catalog. The schedule is usually listed with the entries for each breed or at the front of the catalog.

If the number of dogs does not match exactly with those listed in the catalog, choose the number of points assigned to the next lowest number.

Remember, point schedules vary by show location. If you are not at the show, make certain you get the points schedule for the event region where your dog won. Check with the AKC for an uptoday schedule as they publish a schedule of points for all breeds annually. Below is a schedule for Yorkies Only for each division. Effective Date: MAY 15, 2001

Step 3: Calculating Points for Winners Dog or Winners Bitch

Your dog receives the points according to the number of dogs of your dog's sex competing in the regular classes.

Let's say that Mickey is awarded Winners Dog. After accounting for absent, disqualified, and excused dogs, you determine that a total of 6 dogs competed in the regular classes. Assuming the point schedule listed above, she receives 2 points.

Now it's your turn...

Mickey's sister, Minnie, wins Winners Bitch. Nine bitches competed in the regular classes. How many points did she earn as Winners Bitch? Answer: 3 points

Winning More Points In the Breed Competition

Your dog can add to the points won in the Winners Class during the Best of Breed competition. If your dog wins:

Best of Breed
Count the total number of dogs in its sex plus the total number of Champions of both sexes entered in the Best of Breed competition to figure the number of points earned.

Best of Opposite Sex Count the total number of dogs in its sex plus the total number of Champions of its sex entered in the Best of Breed competition to figure the number of points earned.

Best of Winners This one is a bit different. If your dog is named Best of Winners, she is awarded the highest point level awarded between Winners Dog and Winners Bitch. Let's say that Mickey beats out her sister, Minnie, for Best of Winners. If you'll remember Minnie received three points for Winners Bitch and Mickey received only two points for Winners Dog. Since Mickey took Best of Winners, he is awarded three points instead of two and receives one of the majors he needs for his championship.

Verifying Points

It is important to check on your dog's point totals from time to time. The AKC offers a fee based service at 900-903-4-AKC to verify the number of points your dog has accumulated toward a championship.

Questions?

Are there any rules other than AKC's that apply to shows?
Yes. The other Rules that apply to the show are posted/printed in the Premium List.

Does AKC consider breaking these rules the same as breaking their rules?
Yes.

I have a title from another country for my dog. Can I use that in a show catalog?
No. Only AKC-issued titles can be used in a show catalog.

What do I have to do after my dog gets the necessary points to get my Championship Certificate?
AKC automatically tabulates the points for your dog, and when requirements are met they will send your certificate.

While I am waiting for my championship certificate, can I start putting CH on my entries?
No. You can enter in BOB competition, but have to wait for confirmation from AKC before using the CH prefix.

Does the 12 to 18 month class qualify for a puppy break on entry fees?
No. The 12 to 18 month class is not a puppy class.

What is the difference between excused and disqualified?
You can be excused any number of times for a variety of reasons. However, a breed disqualification on three occasions makes your dog ineligible for future breed competition. In the case of a vicious dog disqualification, it only takes one time for your dog to be ineligible for all competition.

Can a dog that has been disqualified under breed standards still be used for Junior Showmanship Competition?
Yes, as long as it is eligible to compete in obedience.

How long can a dog be shown on a litter number?
30 days, unless you receive an extension from AKC.

I entered my dog in the wrong class. Can I change it at the show?
No. Only sex and puppy classes can be changed after entries close.

Dog Show Links

• InfoDog's Online Show Calendar MB-F
• Jack Bradshaw's
• The Entry Line Dog Show Entry Service
• Jack Onofrio Dog Shows
• McNulty Dog Shows
• Jim Rau Dog Shows Online Office
• Kevin Rogers Dog Shows
  
• Go.To. Entry Service
• Diana Edwards Show Services
• The Edmonton Kennel Club
• List of Licensed Show Superintendents
• Roy Jones Dog Shows aka: Sleeper Shows
• Showtime Entry Service
• Garvin Show Services
• Bob Peters Dog Shows
• Canadian Dog Shows
• UK Dogshow Directory
• Compupets National Show Information Canada's Show Dog Site
• Show Dogs West 
• Newport Dog Shows Home Page
• Virtual Dog Show
• Westminster Kennel Club
• Crufts UK Dog Show
• The Match Show Bulletin The Northeast's Leading Match & Show Calendar

 

Canadian Dog Show Rules

Requirements To Win A Canadian Championship:

(a) Requires a total of 10 championship points under at least three different judges and,
(b) Dog must be individually registered with the CKC or have an  Event Registration Number (ERN).

Winning the Points:

SECTION 20.1
A dog awarded WINNERS at a championship show held under these Dog Show Rules shall be
credited with a number of championship points (ranging from 0 to 5) and the number of championship points credited to a dog awarded Winners shall be as provided hereunder.

SECTION 20.2
The schedule to be employed in the determination of the number of points awarded WINNERS shall be as follows:

*Includes the dog awarded WINNERS

In counting the number of eligible dogs in competition, a dog that is disqualified, dismissed, excused or ordered from the ring by the judge shall be included in the calculation for championship points.

SECTION 20.3
If a dog awarded Winners is also awarded Best of Breed at the show, then all dogs competing in the breed, including Specials Only, shall be included in the total.

SECTION 20.4
If a dog awarded Winners is also awarded Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed, then all dogs of the same sex including those competing for Specials Only shall be included in the total.

SECTION 20.5
If a dog awarded Winners is also awarded Best of Winners, then all dogs defeated directly or indirectly in the breed shall be included in the total.

SECTION 20.7
The number of championship points to be credited to a dog awarded Winners shall be determined by the highest award earned and calculated as per 20.2

Clarification:
Example of directly or indirectly defeating:   If the Winners Bitch is awarded Best of Opposite Sex but not Best of Winners, the Best of Winners Male shall be deemed to have indirectly defeated the Specials Bitches, and is thus entitled to add them to the number of dogs and bitches defeated.

SECTION 20.8
In addition to championship points allocated at the breed level, a dog awarded Winners which also places in the regular Group competition shall be credited with the following additional points provided that a dog was defeated at the group level.

SECTION 20.9
A dog may not be credited with more than 5 points in a single show.

SECTION 20.10
A breed or class shall not be allowed more than 2 sets of points per sex on any day in the same venue.

SECTION 20.11
A dog awarded Winners which also places Best in Show at an All Breed Championship Show shall be credited with 5 championship points inclusive of any points earned at the breed and group level.

SECTION 20.12
In order for a dog to be recognized as a Champion and its owner provided with a Championship Certificate, the dog must:
(a)  earn at least 10 championship points under at least 3 different judges and,
(b)  be individually registered in the CKC records or have an  Event Registration Number (ERN).

SECTION 20.13
The Board interprets the words "earn at least 10 championship points under 3 different judges"
to mean:
(a)  3 or more Winners awards at not less than 3 different shows, under 3 different judges at the breed
       level;
(b)  each of the three Winners awards must have earned 1 or more championship points, not
       necessarily at the breed level;
(c)  all the points required for championship status may be earned at the breed or group level or a
       combination of both breed and group level.

Event Registration Number (ERN)

To obtain an ERN, simply ... Send a photocopy of the dog's Registration Certificate reflecting current ownership with a written request for an ERN number. Please indicate coat type and size, if applicable. Fee for and Event Registration Number with the CKC is $50.00 (Canadian).   Include your payment in the full amount in Canadian funds. Payment may be made with Visa or Mastercard, personal or business cheque or money order. For Non-Members, please note that if paying by cheque, the cheque must be certified. Non-residents of Canada, please note that discounted cheques or money orders will not be accepted due to fluctuating currency rates. Provide us with your full return address. Faxed requests will be accepted.   Please ensure that your Visa or Mastercard number is legible and you have included your expiration date and signature. An ERN must be obtained within thirty 30 days of obtaining points, awards or scores to avoid cancellation.   If factors beyond your control prohibit this or present a problem, please send a written request for a thirty (30) day extension. Please forward your request to: The Canadian Kennel Club Shows &Trials Division Commerce Park, 89 Skyway Ave., Suite 100 Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada M9W 6R4 Telephone: (416) 675-5511    Fax: (416) 675-6506 http://www.canadiankennelclub.com