posted by admin on Sep 17
Conforming to set breed standards is the criteria judges use when they examine the dogs at dog shows or breed shows. These are usually fun-filled events conducted by kennel clubs and breed clubs. Examining specific breeds is only done at specialty shows.
Standards set before the show by the judges of the show is the basis of judging. To choose dogs which match the set standards during the show is extremely difficult because the judgements 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. Selecting the winning dog requires it comes up to the breed standard necessary and that is the objective of the dog show.
Using the long list of breed standards, the judges work as a group to frame the conformation point. There are certain necessities that form the basis of competitions though conformation points can vary from one competition to another. Apart from the pet’s color, pattern, length, type and quality, the fur constitutes the vital focal point of scrutiny. The judges will consider carefully the positioning, quality and quantity of the markings.
A pigmentation free healthy skin and the shape and color of the head are other important determinants that the judges look for. Then judges will also take into consideration the general attitude and temperament of each breed of dogs. The judges will compare and take into consideration the mouth and structure of the teeth and how they align when the jaw is closed. The shape and color of the eyes and the shape and set of ears, including the ratio of the length and height are carefully taken into consideration. The style of walking and gait and also the shape of the feet and tail, projects the degree of grooming the dog has been undergoing, which counts toward the overall judging. The name of each participating dog should be registered so that every dog’s name is attached with the breeder’s kennel name.
For the purpose of identification the kennel club calls the dog by its registered name while the owner calls it by its call name. Competitors from different parts of the country are attracted to participate in the many dog shows conducted at various levels: both local and national. Due to the ranked nature of the competition , dogs go through a series of elimination rounds before the finalists are ultimately judged to select a winner.
To ensure that the chosen champion is the best in the breed, these shows at the highest level only allow pets that have already won championships in other shows. As such shows boost the reputation of the dog, breeder and kennel, the price of the puppies of that particular dog fetch a surprisingly high price. This is because of the popularity of the breed and the tendency of people to look for a pet that resembles a champion. Crufts in the United Kingdom and the Westminster Kennel Club Show in the United States are two prestigious shows available.