Dogs
in some rings that are definitely the same breed,
dogs in others that are not. Some dogs are
just running in circles while others are doing
some form of work. So many dogs look alike.
How does the judge tell the difference?
Let's take a moment and unwrap the riddle of the
typical dog show.
Dog shows were
developed for people to highlight breeding stock
and show off what they produce. Each breed
has a Standard of Perfection and within that
Standard, is what the ideal specimen of the breed
should look like. The standard covers
everything from size, coat, color, ears, eyes, and
markings to temperament. Though many dogs
may loosely fall within the standard, they may not
"cut it" in the show ring. A
trained eye can tell the difference between a dog
that has "it" and one that does not.
Dog shows work as a
pyramid. The bottom is the
"classes". Dogs will start in one
of several classes: Puppy 6-9 Months; Puppy 9-12
Months; Puppy 12-18 Months; Novice; Bred By
Exhibitor; American Bred; Open. These
classes are divided by gender so all males will
compete then all the females. None of the
"class dogs" will be a champion.
It is by beating dogs in the classes that points
are earned towards that Champion title.
The
winner of each class will go back in the ring and
the Best of Winners will be decided. After
Winner's Dog (male) and Winner's Bitch (female)
are chosen, these two dogs will return to the ring
and now compete against Champions of record for
Best of Breed.
Class judging is
done dog against dog and dog against the Standard.
What dog in each class and then what dog is the
Best of Breed Competition is closest to the breed
standard as compared to the other dogs? Does
one dog have a slightly funny gait that may make
it place down the list than a dog whose head may
not be quite perfect? What does each dog
have that another dog does not to help put it
closest to the ideal dog for that breed?
These are some if the things that a judge
considers when looking at each dog.
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