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To many visiting their first dog show, it can be a bewildering place.
So many dogs, people wearing armbands rushing with their dogs not having a moment to talk, row after row of tables with dogs being groomed to the nines. And that's just outside the rings.
What's happening inside the ring? What's the judge doing and how does he choose a winner?
Why does what happens in the Conformation Show Ring matter to the average dog owner?
In this section of the HKC site, we will not only keep you updated on show results and what is happening within the world of conformation exhibiting, but we will also attempt to de-mystify the wonderful world of dog shows, and hopefully win a convert or two.
Let's begin with the two types of shows that you will find at Conformation Show Events - All-Breed and Specialty.
An All-Breed show is one in which, as the name states, all breeds of dogs that are registered by the Canadian Kennel Club compete against one another and are judged according to their Standard. We will look at Standards in the future. What are they, who created them, why do they matter, and how are they applied to each breed.
The Canadian Kennel Club (C.K.C.) does not regulates what is or what is not a 'purebred dog.' The C.K.C. is the largest registering body in our country for purebred dogs, however, it is Agriculture & Agri-Foods Canada that deems a dog "purebred" as classified under the specific requirements outlined in the Animal Pedigree Act.
A Specialty show can be one that is dedicated to one breed, for example, the Doberman Pinscher or it can be a showcase for one group such as the Maritime Group Seven Club specialty which highlights the Herding dogs in Group 7.
Note: The Halifax Kennel Club routinely has several Specialty shows in conjunction with its late August/September All Breed shows. At these shows, there may also be a Booster which is held to profile a specific breed and give it a higher profile.
Changes to the Conformation Show Rules for 2007 include the option of entering 3 - 6 month old puppies in Shows as exhibition only, provided the exhibitor has at least one dog entered in a regular class. The Club may limit the number of 3 - 6 month old puppies it accepts, at its discretion.
Photo: Walt Norris - courtesy of Ken Curren & Lee Steeves
BIS BISS Am Can Ch Regalridge Leader Of the Pack
Breeder/Owners: Ken Curren & Lee Steeves
Handler: Lee Steeves
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Conformation