A Beginner's Guide to Dog Shows

The AKC offers a wide variety of resources to assist everyone from the first-time puppy buyer to the experienced dog fancier. All exhibitors are required to be familiar with these rules prior to entering a dog show. To order the rule book, contact Customer Service at 919-233-9767 or via email at OrderDesk@akc.org. Copies of this rulebook may also be purchased at our online store. The following information is intended as a general description of dog shows and is not intended as complete information about any aspect of showing. For complete information, see the Rules Applying to Dog Shows.

We're back!

Sorry about the disconnect out there Dog Show fans!

We are back and will be posting the latest, greatest dog show dirt out there... and yes, some of it really stinks!

Breeds and Judges

There are two really wonderful Breed Column articles in the latest AKC Gazette (December 2005)relating to judging. The first is the Yorkie column titled "Judging the Yorkie". The advice applies to all breeds. The article is by Janet Jackson of Indio, CA and she states "Pick your type and stick to it. We want predictability in our judges, just as we do in our dogs." I say Amen. Ms. Jackson also says "There will be many dogs you will judge who are wonderful specimens of the breed but will never compete in Best of Breed. Be the judge who can find them!".

Nice read and gives a perspective from a judge who really wants (and begs) judges to KNOW their breeds. The other column is the Lowchen article called "Ad Infinitum" . This was written by Alice Bixler of Summerfield, FL. Really good viewpoint on advertising and it's influence on judging. The first 2 paragraphs read; ""This is a fantastic dog," the judge told the exhibitor. "Why haven't I seen him advertised?"" ""Well," replied the exhibitor, " I figured if you knew the breed, you'd find him. And if you didn't know the breed, your opinion wouldn't be worth a damn anyway."" Another worthwhile article applying to all breeds and levels. We have to find the judges worth showing to that know and want to learn about their respective breeds and give them our entries. The other's ....well, you know...to support them is to condone what they do and don't do.

Judges...more

I love the sport and believe it is up to us as breeders, exhibitors and owners to clean up the components that are not sportsman like. Judges who do not judge dogs and politic blatantly and disrepectfully in front of others should have consequences attached to their behaviors.

Judges

Regarding judges, did you know that you may fax in entries to superintendents stating that you would have entered a show with 5 (or whatever number) of entries, but that you are not because of the judge that is judging your breed. You may give reasons or not on the form. I was told by another judge that those comments go into each judge's file. This may not help in your breed ring but the files are reviewed when a judge applies for additional breeds. This can make a big difference overall if enough people do it.Any other Ideas out there?

Welcome to Dog Show Talk - The Blogspot For The Latest Tips, Tricks, and Gossip!

Please feel free to leave your mark by telling us what happened at the last show, what you learned, what you did, who did what to whom, how did your dog place, what shows to go to, what judges to avoid, how to get ahead, when to go home, what dog / breed is the best, the worst, should not be showing?

This and more - yes, feel free to let it rip!