Dog Shows

The first proper dog show was held at Newcastle - upon - Tyne in 1859 and was open only to pointers and setters. Mr. Cruft organized his first show in 1886. For terriers only had his first general show was held in London in 18591. In the U.S., it all started in 1877 with prestigious Westminster Dog show of New York. Now a days, as well as a multitude of local, regional and national shows in countries all over the world. There are obedience shows as well as sheepdog trails and field trails for gundogs.

Dogs and bitches are judged separately in each class. There is a best of breed class. The best dog and best bitch of each breed receive a challenge certificate in the next round the best of breed winners from each group (hounds working Dogs, Toys etc.) are judged to find the best of group and finally the best of groups are judged to award the accolade of the best in show. OPEN: similar to championship shows, but more concise, with best in show judged from best of breeds.

Exemption: These shows are exempted from the full kennel club show rules, and are an ideal introduction to showing for beginners; they are run in a similar way to championship shows. Before showing , a dog must be thoroughly groomed, but there must be no excess chalk or talc and no lacquer or hairspray in the coat. No dyes, tints or bleach can be used to alter the colour of the coat. The set of the dog’s teeth must not have been artificially altered. Al these things can lead to disqualification.

Make sure that you apply for entry to the show well in advance. You will receive an entry ticket, benching number and attendance time. Take along the following : your entry ticket and a ring clip for displaying your entrant number, grooming kit, the dogs bed and blanket, a drinking bowl, water bottle (and, for long days, a bowl and food), a benching chain (needed at some shows to attach the dog’s collar to the bench) and a smart show lead of leather or nylon. On arrival, buy a catalogue and go to your numbered bench, settle your dog on its bed and give a drink ? It is best not to feed it, check your entry in the catalogue, calculate how soon you soon you may be called by keeping one eye on the clock and the other on the entrant numbers as they are displayed on the judge’s table.