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Issue Analysis: Conformation Shows – More Than Just a Pretty Face

Group and a St. ave you Bernard is a mem- H ever won- ber of the Working dered why a poo- Group). The dle has such a inter- seven that esting haircut? It’s win group compe- tition then go on an inevitable ques- to compete for tion for many Best in Show. show spectators. Points are Contrary to popular awarded based on belief, it’s not the the number of artistic whim of the dogs the winner of dog’s handler or each breed compe- groomer, but rather tition defeats and a cut dating back the number of competitors in the centuries that helps show. A Champion the be a bet-

© AKC/ROBERT YOUNG AKC/ROBERT © (Ch.) is ter swimmer. obtained once a The word “poo- dog obtains a cer- duties for which it was bred. dle” likely originates from the German tain number of points (wins) from a Because conformation dog shows ulti- word pudel, meaning “to splash in the required number and type of shows. water”. are excellent swimmers. mately judge the quality of breeding stock, the AKC requires that all dogs Their original purpose was as a hunting A Noble Tradition dog that would retrieve birds in the competing in these shows be intact (not spayed/neutered). If a dog cannot be water. Owners would shear portions of The exhibition of dogs is a sport with a bred, it cannot participate in a confor- their coat to help facilitate movement in long, proud heritage. The sport as we mation show. A celebrates and the water, but leave sections of their fur know it today has many of its roots in rewards high-quality breeding, while sub- around the top of their head, their Victorian England, where in the 19th standard breeding and quality either ankles, and hips to help them stay warm Century, aristocratic English gentlemen receive poor marks or are disqualified. in cold water. would gather together at Facts such as these local public houses and help illuminate what taverns and proudly an AKC conformation exhibit their dogs. The dog show is all about. “Dog shows highlight the amazing first organized dog show The shows highlight as we know them today the amazing diversity diversity of purebred dogs and was held in Newcastle- of purebred dogs and on-Tyne in 1859. the broad variety of the broad variety of tasks they According to The tasks they can per- (UK), 60 form. and can perform.” breeds were entered in In an all-breed show such as the Understanding Conformation Shows this first show1. AKC/Eukanuba National The popularity of the sport continued to or the Westminster Kennel Club show, The purpose of conformation shows is expand (as did the number of breeds the competition begins with the judging simple – to determine how well dogs included), and dog shows began in the of each individual breed. The winners of conform to the established breed stan- United States just after the Civil War. In each breed advance to their group compe- dard. In this way, dog shows are not 1877, Queen Victoria entered a Scottish tition. AKC breeds are divided into unlike horse shows or other animal Deerhound at the first Westminster Kennel seven groups (, Sporting, , stock shows, where there is intense com- Club dog show at Gilmore’s Garden (now Non-Sporting, Working, Herding, and petition among breeders to prove both Madison Square Garden) in New York City. Toys) based on recognized breed charac- the quality of an animal and that it pos- Even as the sport expanded, special care teristics and the purpose for which they sesses the temperament and physical was taken to ensure the quality of the dogs were originally developed (For example, characteristics required to perform the and that proper, safe breeding was main- a is a member of the

1 “History of ”, The Kennel Club. http://www.thekennelclub.co.uk/item/343/ Originally printed in the state In Session newsletter, Winter-Spring Issue 2012 professionals and amateurs reg- ularly compete directly with one another. These exhibitors, It Pays to Support regardless of whether they are professional handlers or owner- AKC Dog Shows! handlers, ensure that their dogs The American Kennel Club hosted its are in the best health, of the first dog show in Philadelphia in 1926 best quality, and exemplify the in conjunction with the celebration of best of their breed. the 150th anniversary of the signing of Dog show exhibitors are the Declaration of Independence. Since also excellent resources for that time, the popularity of dogs and spectators who are considering dog shows has grown exponentially in purchasing a dog. Most are the United States. breed experts and once they are finished showing for the Each year, thousands of AKC day, are happy to talk about conformation dog shows take place their dog’s breed, tempera- in communities in every state. Local ment, and care requirements. clubs and organizations also host thou- Purebred dogs benefit from sands of additional AKC obedience, dog shows, too. Shows are not agility, , and other competi- only fun, they also provide a tions throughout the country. level of accountability for competitors to make sure their Each of these events generates signifi- dogs are properly bred and cant revenue for local businesses raised. The competitive including hotels, restaurants, shops, aspect encourages the breed- transportation, and event venues, ing and raising of better dogs among others. - ©ANIMAL BLOODHOUND- PLANET ©ANIMAL and better pets. They are also educational opportunities for This revenue is in addition to the mil- tained. Major James M. Taylor, the first competitors and spectators alike lions of dollars responsible dog owners President of the American Kennel Club, to learn about the various AKC-regis- spend on their pets at local businesses emphasized the need for a standard set of tered breeds and proper dog care. each year on such items as dog food, rules. The AKC maintains a strict set of Experts on , care, health grooming, veterinary care and boarding. rules governing AKC dog shows to this day. and genetics abound at dog shows. In addition, the breed parent club of each Conformation dog shows are a fun, When considering whether to support breed recognized by the American Kennel family-friendly way to spend time with a piece of canine legislation, consider Club maintains a very specific breed stan- dogs and interact with fellow dog lovers. the effect it may have on dog competi- dard to ensure the quality of the dogs and The AKC’s pro- tions and dog ownership among your preservation of the characteristics that gram reaches out to young people 9-18 constituency. Supporting dog shows years of age. and responsible dog ownership has a Juniors competi- ripple effect that benefits a communi- tions provide the ty’s residents, local businesses, and “The competitive aspect opportunity for overall economy. young people to learn about dogs, For more information about the encourages the breeding develop dog han- economic impact of AKC shows and dling skills, and dog ownership in your state, visit and raising of better dogs learn good sports- www.akc.org/governmentrelations and manship. click on the “Government Relations and better pets.” The AKC also Toolbox” link. enable them to perform the tasks for which conducts a compet- they were originally bred. Only a breed itive scholarship program for Juniors parent club can alter a . who have competed in the sport. Each Dogs have made a positive impact on year, approximately 30 college scholar- the lives of millions of Americans. Outside the Ring ships are awarded. Applicants must Conformation shows are a fun way to provide details about their experience celebrate some of the most exquisite Participation in conformation dog in the sport, work they have done in the dogs in the world, the dedication of shows requires an extensive amount of community in support of responsible their breeders, and the wonderful pur- work, travel, and an immense depth of dog ownership, and an essay on the pose and characteristics that make each expertise in the breed being shown. Dog influence that purebred dogs have had AKC-registered breed unique. shows are one of the few events in which on their lives.