Dog shows, breed shows or conformation shows are competitions where the judges examine dogs of a specific breed or sometimes dogs of all breeds, to see whether it meets the breed standards or not. Kennel clubs and breed clubs conduct such kinds of shows. Shows where only specific breeds are examined are known as specialty show.
The standards are set prior to the show by the judges of the show. During the show, they choose dogs, which match the set standards. This task is extremely difficult because the judgments made should be completely subjective. Not only is one dog compared with the other, but the comparison of the dog to the judge's image of an ideal dog which meet the breed standard almost perfectly. The objective of each dog show is to select a winner dog, which matches the breed standards.
The breed standard is jotted down in a long list, which is called a conformation point. All the judges get together and frame the conformation point. Conformation point can vary from one competition to another, but there are certain requirements that are general.
The fur is the most important factor. The pet's color, pattern, length, type and quality are observed carefully. The distribution, quality and quantity of the markings are observed.
Healthy skin with no pigmentation is also one of the important criterions. The shape and color of the head is also taken into consideration. The general attitude and temperament is noted down for each breed of dogs.
The jaw-line and the structure of the teeth and how they align when the jaw is closed are compared. Shape and color of the eyes and shape and set of the ears are observed.
The sizes and the ratio of the length and height are also compared. The style of walking and gait is compared. The shape of the tail and feet are closely observed. The dogs, which enter such competition, should be well groomed. Some even check for skin wrinkles and measure the flews.
The name of each participating dog should be registered. Every dog's name is attached with the breeder's kennel name. Every dog can have a registered name as well as a call name. The kennel club uses the registered name and the owner to refer to the pet uses the call name.
There are many dog shows conducted on various levels. There are local shows and national shows, which attract competitors from different parts of the country. Usually dog shows are hierarchical competitions.
The winners earn certain points in each show and each level, which makes them eligible for the next show. And the dog which wins shows that are at the highest level is declared as a champion. 'Ch.', for example Ch. Tony, appends the dog's name. Such shows are called as prestigious shows.
These shows allow pets, which have already won championship in other shows. These shows aim to choose the best in the breed. Such shows make the reputation of the dog, breeder and kennel higher.
The price of the puppies of that particular dog is sold for a surprisingly high price. This is because other people want to buy a pet, which resembles the champion. The popularity of the breed increases rapidly. There are two such prestigious shows, The Crufts in the United Kingdom and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in the United States.
Dog Shows In 2009
The Novice class is for Shih Tzu six months of age and over. The Shih Tzu must be whelped in the U.S.A. or Canada and havenot prior to the closing entries won three first prizes in the Novice Class, a first prize in Bred-by-Exhibitor, American-Bred or Open Class, nor one or more points toward a championship title.
The Bred-By-Exhibitor Class is for Shih Tzu whleped in the U.S.A. which are six months of age and over, not champions and who ar owned wholly or in part by the person or the spouse of the person who was the breeder or one of the breeders of record. Shih Tzu entered into this class musdt be handled by an owner or by a member of the immediate family of an owner.
The American-Bred class is for all Shih Tzu except champions six months of age or over, whelped in the U.S.A. by reason of a mating that took place in the U.S.A.
The Open class is for any Shih Tzu six months of age or over, except in a member specialty club show held for only American-Bred Shih Tzu in which case the class is for American-Bred Shih Tzu only.
Winners Dog and Winners Bitch: After the above classes have been judged, the first place winning Shih Tzu are required to compete in the ring. The male Shih Tzu judged "Winners Dog" is awared the points toward his championship title.
Reserve Winners are selected immediately after the Winners dog. In case of a disqualification of a win by the AKC, the Reserve Dog (male Shih Tzu) movers up to Winners and receives the points. After the male Shih Tzu classes are judged, the bitch Shih Tzu classes are called.
Best of Breed or Best of Variety Competition is limited to Champions of Record or Shih Tzu dogs (with newly acquired points, for a 90-day period prior to AKC confirmation) which have completed championship requirements, and the Winners Dog Shih Tzu and Winners Bitch Shih Tzu (or the dog award Winners if only one Winners prize has been awarded), together with any undefeated dogs which have been shown only in non-regular classes; all compete for Best of Breed or Best of Variety (if the bred is divided by size, color, texture or length of coat hair, etc.).
If your Shih Tzu wins his class, the rule states: You are required to enter classes for Winners, Best of Breed and Best of Winners (no additional entry fees).
Both Dora Redman & Connie Limon are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Dora Redman has sinced written about articles on various topics from Dogs, Training A Cat and The Internet. Dora Redman writes articles for various websites. Only Natural Pet Store: Your source for healthy supplies for dogs and cats.
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