The
National Dog Show presented by Purina®
is an open, benched all-breed show, which
means that any American Kennel Club (AKC)
registered dog can enter to compete. The dogs
are "benched" during the day in
order to allow you, the public, to view and
visit with more than 150 AKC recognized breeds
and varieties that may be competing. There
are only six benched shows held annually in
the United States.
The judges examine the dogs and place them
according to how closely each dog compares
with the judge's mental image of the perfect
dog as described in the breed's official standard.
The main consideration is the dog's conformation
or overall appearance, temperament and structure.
The judges are looking for characteristics
that allow the dog to perform the function
for which his or her breed was bred.
Earning
Points
A dog will begin his show career by competing
to become a "champion". To earn
an AKC Championship title (and be able to
place Ch. in front of his/her name) the dog
needs to win 15 points at AKC shows. Points
are earned by defeating other dogs of the
same sex and breed at classes held specifically
for non-champions. Breed points used to determine
national rankings are recorded by the AKC
and based on the number of dogs defeated.
For each dog defeated at a dog show, the other
dog gets one breed point. The top dogs in
the country easily have more than 50,000 points
in a given year.
Best
in Breed
In order to win "Best in Show" a
dog must first be judged the dog must first
be judged the best of many dog shows of its
same breed competing in the show. Some breeds
have more than 100 dogs entered. The winner
of the breed moves on to the group judging.
First
in Group
Each of the more than 150 AKC registered breeds
and varieties are assigned to one of seven
groups (Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier,
Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding) representing
characteristics and functions the breeds were
originally bred for. By winning the "First
in Group" competition, that dog joins
an elite group of winners of the seven group
competitions that go on to compete for the
ultimate "Best on Show" award, the
coveted red, white, and blue ribbon, and to
become winner of The National Dog Show presented
by Purina®. |
