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DEBERLAC PROFESSIONAL HANDLING SCHOOL
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TIPS FOR FIRST TIME SPECTATOR AT A DOG SHOW
• Study the show's catalog or schedule, usually sold near the entrance to the show. This will tell you in which ring and at what time each breed is being judged.
• If you are interested in a particular breed, plan to arrive early. In most cases, once each breed has been judged, those dogs are allowed to leave; if you arrive later, you will miss seeing them.
• Dog show aisles are often crowded, and people can become separated. Pick out a meeting place in case anyone gets lost. The Superintendent's booth is a good choice.
• If you miss the breed judging, you can still see the judging of the seven groups, which takes place prior to the Best In Show judging and will most likely include one representative of your favorite breed.
• If open to spectators, visit the grooming area and speak with professional groomers for tips on keeping your dog looking his best.
• However tempting, do not pet a dog without asking for permission first. The dog may have just been groomed in preparation for being judged.
• At each dog show you will find vendors and information booths. Many club booths offer helpful information to the general public.
• Wear comfortable shoes - you'll be doing quite a bit of walking. Unless you bring a chair or arrive early, be prepared to stand most of the time, as seating is usually limited.
• If you are thinking about getting a purebred dog, talk to the breeders and handlers. They are experts in their breeds and can tell you all you want to know - and more - about their breeds. It is best to approach them after they have shown their dog, when they are not too busy to talk.
• If you bring a stroller to a show, be careful that you do not run over any dog's tail, or that your child does not grab or poke the dogs it can reach. Avoid ring entrances, which are especially crowded.
COMMON DOG SHOW TERMS
Angulation - Angles created by bones meeting at their given joints.
Baiting - Using liver or some treat to get the dog's attention and have him look alert.
Bench Show - A dog show at which the dogs are kept on assigned benches when not being shown in competition, thus facilitating the viewing/discussion of the breeds by attendees, exhibitors and breeders.
Exhibitor - One who is involved in bringing a dog to a show and entering it in the appropriate class.
Fancier - One who is especially interested and usually active in some phase of the sport of purebred dogs.
Gait - The way a dog moves; movement is a good indicator of structure, temperament and condition.
Groom - To brush, comb, trim or otherwise make a dog's coat neat.
Handler - A person or agent who takes a dog into the show ring or works a dog at a field trial or other performance event.
Heel - A command to a dog to keep close beside its handler.
Match Show - Usually an informal dog show at which no championship points are awarded.
Miscellaneous Class - Transitory class for breeds attempting to advance to full AKC recognition.
Pedigree - The written record of a dog's family tree of three generations or more.
Points - Credits earned toward championship status.
Soundness - Refers to the mental and physical well-being.
Stacking - The process of posing a dog's legs and body to create a pleasing profile.
Winners - An award given at dog shows to the best dog (Winners Dog) and best bitch (Winners Bitch) competing in the regular classes of each breed.
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