Griffons At The Dog Show
In the breed ring, dogs compete for points towards earning the prefix title of Champion. Most shows used to be conducted as "benched" shows, whereby after the dogs were finished competing, they are required to remain on display with others of their same breed, in a benching area. Some folks still refer to conformation Champions as "Bench Champions." Visit AKC's website for more information on titles, their abbreviations, and descriptions.
In
the American Kennel Club, to earn the prefix title of Champion (Ch.), a dog must earn a
total of 15 points. At least 6 of these points must come from shows
with "major" entries (3, 4, or 5 point shows), and must be
awarded by two different judges. The remaining points must be
awarded by at least one additional different judge (a third). The
number of dogs required to earn points varies from region to region, and
from breed to breed. Point schedules are re-evaluated every year and
change depending on the number of entries of a given breed in that region
during the previous year. For more information about points, visit
AKC's page on point calculation. Point schedules change every
May, so its a good idea to check your
region's point schedule each
In breed competition, each breed is judged by itself, with the dogs (males) being judged separately from the bitches (females). Each sex is divided into six regular classes; for instance;
Each of these classes are judged individually, and in the order presented above. Dogs in each class are judged and placed in the relative order that - in the judge's opinion - each dog most closely resembles the breed standard. Structure, movement, temperament, and type are all considered in accordance with each breed's standard. Dogs (males) are judged first, followed by bitches (females). After judging in one sex is complete, the first place winners from each sex's class are called back in to compete in the "Winners" class. One of the 1st place dogs will be awarded "Winners Dog" and receive the appropriate number of points towards his championship that day. The dog that took 2nd place in the class that the Winners Dog came from comes back in and competes with the remaining males for "Reserve Winners Dog." This dog will only receive points *IF* it is found that the dog who was awarded Winners Dog is somehow ineligible. This most commonly occurs when a dog is entered in an inappropriate class -- usually Bred-By or American Bred - which some people have a hard time understanding the rules for who can enter and who can handle the exhibit. After the males have finished their Winners class, the bitches are judged in exactly the same class structure - this time for females only. The first place winners again return to compete for Winners Bitch and Reserve Winners Bitch. ONLY THE WINNERS DOG AND THE WINNERS BITCH RECEIVE POINTS TOWARD THEIR CHAMPIONSHIP. Class placements do not count towards championship points. After all of the class dogs in a given breed have been judged, and the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch awarded, its time for Best of Breed Competition for that breed! This class is open to all Champions, as well as the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch. Again, each dog is judged against the standard and the one dog which the judge feels most closely fits the standard is awarded Best of Breed! That dog goes on to represent the breed in the Group competition later that day. The judge will also select between the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch for "Best of Winners." This is great if one sex's entries is greater than another - as the BOW is also allowed to earn the higher number. Last, the judge will select the Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed, or "Best Op." This is awarded to the dog or bitch of the OTHER sex than is the Best of Breed winner. For instance, if your BOB winner was a bitch, the judge would select a dog as BOS. In the afternoon, after the individual breed judging is complete, each BOB winner will compete against other BOB winners of breeds in their same group. Breeds are generally grouped by functional purpose. In AKC competition, there are seven groups;
A judge selects a first through fourth placement in each group, with the first place winner going on to represent his/her group in the Best In Show competition at the end of the day. After all groups are judged, each of the first place Group winners compete for Best In Show. At the end of this day of gradual process of elimination, ONE dog will walk away with the coveted Red, White, and Blue rosette - and the pride and joy of accomplishment that goes with it! For an overview showing the progression of classes, press here. To learn more about showing, visit AKC's "How A Dog Show Works page. Then visit a local show near you! To see a calendar of shows near you, visit the Events Calendar! Novices are encouraged to learn as much as they can about showing dogs, to take some handling classes from their local all-breed club, study their breed standard carefully, and to participate in the wonderful sport of dogs in whatever venue they enjoy, including showing in the breed ring! To receive premium lists announcing upcoming shows in your area, contact all of the Licensed Show Superintendents listed here.
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Many people see their
first REAL Wirehaired Pointing Griffon while attending a local dog show,
or seeing one on TV. By exhibiting their potential breeding stock at a dog show,
breeders are given a licensed AKC judge's opinion on how well each dog
conforms to its breed standard in comparison to the other dogs being
exhibited. (Thus the term "conformation."). Purebred dogs who have full registration
with AKC, and who are not spayed or neutered, nor who have any disqualifying
faults can be shown in the conformation ring (also referred to as the
"breed ring") at a dog show. Spayed and neutered dogs can be exhibited only in a few NON regular (non pointed)
classes in the breed ring. They CAN compete in all obedience, agility, junior
showmanship, tracking, and hunting/field events. Many people who simply
enjoy showing their dogs in the breed ring are also welcome.
spring.