Dog Show : Spectator Information
If you are attending the dog show for the 1st time. You may realised most of the time, on the left hand side of the exhibition hall, there are 2 show rings for conformation ring (ring 1 and Ring 2).
There are always some questions posted by friends or forum members on:
What is a "dog show"?
Dog show actually refer to many different canine events held by organisation such as kennel club and official breed clubs in a country. For Singapore, SKC holds 4 days of Dog Show events thru 1 calendar year (Feb, May, Jul & Oct estimated). Under conformation ring or conformation shows, where a dog is judged on how s/he conforms to the breed standard. Here is not where dogs get to put on a "best dress" or "perform tricks". Other ring includes obedience, agility, etc. In other country, it may include herding, tracking, carting, lure coursing, weight pulling etc.
Who can attend?
Any one can attend the dog show with an extrance fee to the show.
Can I bring my dog to the dog show?
In other countries where grand dog shows are held, they do not allow, non-entered dogs should be left at home. In SKC shows, non-entered dogs are allowed.
Will there be puppies for sale at the show?
No. Dog show is not about selling puppies. However, it is a great opportunity to learn about and meet different breeds. This may help you decide which breed is right for your family. You are advised to read up more about the breed that you are interested as a background basic knowledge. Dog show might also help you find a breeder, although not every breeder at a show is responsible and not every dog there should be bred.
What goes on in the ring? What is the judge looking for?
At a conformation show, judges are looking to see how closely the dogs conform to their breed standard. They examine each dog with their hands to see if the teeth, muscles, bones and coat texture conform to the breed standard. They view each dog in profile for overall balance, and watch each dog gait (move) to see how all of those features fit together in action.
Why some have to be on the table and some on the ground?
Depending on the size of the breed, smaller breeds are stack (placed standing) on the table for the judge to examine. Larger breeds are stack on the floor for examination.
What is stack?
The pose itself or the posing of the dog by a handler in its natural stance of the dog.
What is gait?
The action of movement of the dog. Generally speaking, a sound and balanced gait usually indicates proper conformation and structure.
Why do people show their dogs? What do they win?
Showing is an expensive hobby and not a money-making venture. It is a fun way to meet people with similar interests, participate in a sport with your dog and gain unbiased opinions about a dog’s breeding potential (although not all people that show breed their dogs).
Mostly, all that an exhibitor will win is a small ribbon. For some wins, a trophy or dog related item is offered. In general, prizes won do not come any closer to the expense of showing when one figures registration fees, traveling costs, equipment expenses, grooming expenses and efffort spent on show training that go along with showing a dog.
What do the people in the conformation ring are in formal dress?
A dog show is an official event where exhibitors show their dogs in the show rings. International judges are invited to judge in the dog show. In respect to all exhibitors and especially the professionalism of the judges. All handlers are advised to show their respect with a proper attire and neat haircut.
How do I know what time is this or that breed is in the show ring?
All-breed shows run the whole day and you can attend any part you would like. If you have a specific breed you wish to see, check the judging program booklet or show catalog provided.
Many things are happening similantiounsly at a show. There are multiple rings, each with their own judge. With the on going process of judging, certain delays are possible due to the complexity process of judging. Judges are giving their best assessment on the entered dogs and bitches. Certain breed may finish faster or slower depending on the number of entered dogs abd bitches.
Things to know while at a show:
Ask before go near to grooming area, grooming tables or near the preparation area or even petting any dog and accept “no” for an answer.
There is grooming work involved and some exhibitors and dogs need mental focus time. Each exhibitor and dog is different. Do not attempt to pet a dog without the owner's permission.
If you bring children or dogs, keep them under close supervision. Do not let them hang around the preparation area or along the walkway. The show ring is out of bound to all owners and dogs during the show, no one except, judges, handlers and ring stewards are allowed in the show ring.
The catalog has times and ring numbers of all breeds being shown. Catalogs have the dogs’ owners listed, which is helpful if you want to contact breeders.
Try your best not to block aisles. Dog shows are usually crowded and many people over look the fact that exhibitors may have limited time to move from one ring to another. Please be courteous and try to make way for exhibitors.
If you are hoping to find a breeder, realize that showing does not make a breeder ethical. Any dog without a disqualifying fault can be shown, so being at a show does not mean the dog is of quality.
Exhibitors may be busy before their ring time. When approaching an exhibitor to chat, ask if it’s a good time. If it isn’t, you can ask to meet with them later in the day or request contact information to call on them at a later date.
Understand that some exhibitors may be dog-tired after having busy for long hours, hauled supplies and groomed dogs. They have lots of time and money invested for those few minutes in the ring. Like everything else in life, there are good and bad sports among exhibitors.
Don’t bad mouth a dog. You never know if the breeder, owner, etc. is standing near-by! Try not to be an idiot, if you think you are good, you should be showing the dog in the ring.
For those interested in adding a new breed to their household, find out about temperament, exercise needs, coat care, health issues, life span and other particulars about the breed.
Check near the superintendent’s table for interesting pamphlets and information.
Have fun and don’t be afraid to ask questions! You will find that most exhibitors love the opportunity to talk about their passion – their dogs! Use this to your advantage, to either learn more about a breed you already love or to gather information about breeds in which you are interested.
There are always some questions posted by friends or forum members on:
What is a "dog show"?
Dog show actually refer to many different canine events held by organisation such as kennel club and official breed clubs in a country. For Singapore, SKC holds 4 days of Dog Show events thru 1 calendar year (Feb, May, Jul & Oct estimated). Under conformation ring or conformation shows, where a dog is judged on how s/he conforms to the breed standard. Here is not where dogs get to put on a "best dress" or "perform tricks". Other ring includes obedience, agility, etc. In other country, it may include herding, tracking, carting, lure coursing, weight pulling etc.
Who can attend?
Any one can attend the dog show with an extrance fee to the show.
Can I bring my dog to the dog show?
In other countries where grand dog shows are held, they do not allow, non-entered dogs should be left at home. In SKC shows, non-entered dogs are allowed.
Will there be puppies for sale at the show?
No. Dog show is not about selling puppies. However, it is a great opportunity to learn about and meet different breeds. This may help you decide which breed is right for your family. You are advised to read up more about the breed that you are interested as a background basic knowledge. Dog show might also help you find a breeder, although not every breeder at a show is responsible and not every dog there should be bred.
What goes on in the ring? What is the judge looking for?
At a conformation show, judges are looking to see how closely the dogs conform to their breed standard. They examine each dog with their hands to see if the teeth, muscles, bones and coat texture conform to the breed standard. They view each dog in profile for overall balance, and watch each dog gait (move) to see how all of those features fit together in action.
Why some have to be on the table and some on the ground?
Depending on the size of the breed, smaller breeds are stack (placed standing) on the table for the judge to examine. Larger breeds are stack on the floor for examination.
What is stack?
The pose itself or the posing of the dog by a handler in its natural stance of the dog.
What is gait?
The action of movement of the dog. Generally speaking, a sound and balanced gait usually indicates proper conformation and structure.
Why do people show their dogs? What do they win?
Showing is an expensive hobby and not a money-making venture. It is a fun way to meet people with similar interests, participate in a sport with your dog and gain unbiased opinions about a dog’s breeding potential (although not all people that show breed their dogs).
Mostly, all that an exhibitor will win is a small ribbon. For some wins, a trophy or dog related item is offered. In general, prizes won do not come any closer to the expense of showing when one figures registration fees, traveling costs, equipment expenses, grooming expenses and efffort spent on show training that go along with showing a dog.
What do the people in the conformation ring are in formal dress?
A dog show is an official event where exhibitors show their dogs in the show rings. International judges are invited to judge in the dog show. In respect to all exhibitors and especially the professionalism of the judges. All handlers are advised to show their respect with a proper attire and neat haircut.
How do I know what time is this or that breed is in the show ring?
All-breed shows run the whole day and you can attend any part you would like. If you have a specific breed you wish to see, check the judging program booklet or show catalog provided.
Many things are happening similantiounsly at a show. There are multiple rings, each with their own judge. With the on going process of judging, certain delays are possible due to the complexity process of judging. Judges are giving their best assessment on the entered dogs and bitches. Certain breed may finish faster or slower depending on the number of entered dogs abd bitches.
Things to know while at a show:
Ask before go near to grooming area, grooming tables or near the preparation area or even petting any dog and accept “no” for an answer.
There is grooming work involved and some exhibitors and dogs need mental focus time. Each exhibitor and dog is different. Do not attempt to pet a dog without the owner's permission.
If you bring children or dogs, keep them under close supervision. Do not let them hang around the preparation area or along the walkway. The show ring is out of bound to all owners and dogs during the show, no one except, judges, handlers and ring stewards are allowed in the show ring.
The catalog has times and ring numbers of all breeds being shown. Catalogs have the dogs’ owners listed, which is helpful if you want to contact breeders.
Try your best not to block aisles. Dog shows are usually crowded and many people over look the fact that exhibitors may have limited time to move from one ring to another. Please be courteous and try to make way for exhibitors.
If you are hoping to find a breeder, realize that showing does not make a breeder ethical. Any dog without a disqualifying fault can be shown, so being at a show does not mean the dog is of quality.
Exhibitors may be busy before their ring time. When approaching an exhibitor to chat, ask if it’s a good time. If it isn’t, you can ask to meet with them later in the day or request contact information to call on them at a later date.
Understand that some exhibitors may be dog-tired after having busy for long hours, hauled supplies and groomed dogs. They have lots of time and money invested for those few minutes in the ring. Like everything else in life, there are good and bad sports among exhibitors.
Don’t bad mouth a dog. You never know if the breeder, owner, etc. is standing near-by! Try not to be an idiot, if you think you are good, you should be showing the dog in the ring.
For those interested in adding a new breed to their household, find out about temperament, exercise needs, coat care, health issues, life span and other particulars about the breed.
Check near the superintendent’s table for interesting pamphlets and information.
Have fun and don’t be afraid to ask questions! You will find that most exhibitors love the opportunity to talk about their passion – their dogs! Use this to your advantage, to either learn more about a breed you already love or to gather information about breeds in which you are interested.
posted by Alan Koh at 1/27/2007 06:43:00 PM
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