What in the world goes on at dogs shows, anway? Dog shows are a little intimidating until you begin to understand them. The first time visitor will be surprised to see 800, 1500, even 3000 dogs all in one place! And no matter how long you've been a "dog person," there's almost certainly going to be breeds you've never seen among the 150 AKC breeds and varieties.

Usually people will be willing to talk to you and answer questions. But remember, people at dog shows are just like people in any large group: some are friendlier, some might even be grumpy *grin* and a few might be just plain, well, rude. (Except for Havana Silk Dog people,of course, who are all just like the wonderful dogs we have: warm, friendly, and open.) Dog people are just a cross section of people; we are people who normally would not mix. Please remember to ask before petting or playing with a dog. Not all dogs are friendly with strangers, and not many exhibitors will be thrilled if you run your hands though their dogs carefully groomed coat just before they go into the ring!

Understanding what goes on at dog shows can be even more intimidating. The American Kennel Club has a "Beginners Guide to Dog Shows", which is also available in printed form at most dog shows. (Note: there are several different types of competition approved by AKC, including Conformation, Obedience, Agility, Rally, Tracking, Herding, Earthdog, and others.) Here's a brief explanation of a conformation dog show.

A dog show is a single-elimination competition. Dogs compete to earn points toward their AKC Championship. On a second level, dogs earn points in several systems to be ranked as one of the Top Havanse, or top show dog for the year. Dogs and bitches compete separately for Championship points, and then compete together for additional awards.

First, dogs and bitches are entered in a Class. (Puppy, Novice, American Bred, Bred by Exhibitor, Open -- puppy is usually divided by age: 6-9 months, 9-12 months, sometimes 12-18 months) Each class of males (dogs) is judged, and awards are given for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. The 1st place dog from each class goes back in for the Winners class where Championship points are awarded to the one dog selected Winners Dog, based on the number of dogs in competition and the published point schedule. Reserve Winners dog is also selected. (The 2nd place dog from the same class as the Winners Dog goes back in the ring with the remaining 1st place winners to compete for Reserve Winners.)

The same process is followed for females (bitches), resulting in one Winners Bitch who also receives Championship points based on the schedule.

Dogs and bitches who have completed their Championship are entered in Best of Breed competition. The Winners Dog and Winners Bitch that day "earn" an entry into the Best of Breed competition. The judge will select a Best of Breed, Best of Winners (chosen between Winners Dog and Winners Bitch only), and Best Opposite Sex.

Here it gets a little complicated if you are figuring Championship points. The Winners Dog and Winners Bitch can earn a greater number of points than they were awarded from the Classes, by getting one of these higher awards, if they beat additional dogs or bitches. The details can be found in Rules Applying to Dog Shows, Chapter 16 - Championships. but the simple explanation is that a dog (or bitch) will earn as many Championship points as any dog they defeat.

The Best of Breed from each breed is eligible to compete in Group. There are seven groups: Sporting, Working, Hound, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding. In each group the judge will award 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. (So, a Havana Silk Dog winning a "Group 3" placed 3rd in the Toy Group that day). Additional Championship points can be earned by a "class dog" (a dog that has not yet earned its Championship) for winning Group 1. No additional Championship points will be awarded for any Group placement other than 1st.

The seven Group 1 winners compete for Best in Show. If a class dog wins Best in Show, additional Championship points can be earned. In no case can more than 5 Championship points be won at a single show. (If there is a 5 point major in Havana Silk Dog bitches, that is all the points she can get at that show, even if she goes on to win Breed, Group 1, and BIS.) A dog can earn a championship without ever defeating another dog of the same breed, though its not easy.

Simple, isn't it? *grin* When I want to double check, I ask the Superintendent or a handler -- and handlers know this stuff: it's how they make a living!

Steve Harris & Patricia Stein Havana Silk Dogs Exhibitors and Breeders Houston, Texas | ©2005 - 2008 Tehas Havana Silk Dogs You are Visitor #