Dog Show Requirements

For dog lovers, televised dog shows can be a lot of fun to watch, but for breeders and breed lovers, nothing compares to the thrill of participating in a dog show. The American Kennel Club (AKC) claims 3 million entries every year for all of its competitions, including conformation dog shows, which are "intended to evaluate breeding stock." In these shows, male and female dogs compete separately and are evaluated based on what is known as the breed standard, those characteristics of the perfect example of a particular breed.

  1. Registration

    • All dogs must be registered members of an AKC-recognized breed. Normally, purebred dogs are registered at birth or soon afterward. Owners usually receive a Dog Registration Application from the breeder/seller that must be completed by the breeder and the new owner and returned to the AKC for approval. A registration certificate should arrive in three weeks. Dogs compete in dog shows according to their breed and group and must have AKC registration in order to compete against other dogs in their breed or group.

    Vaccinations

    • A dog's vaccinations must be up-to-date in order to be entered in a dog show. Dogs in every state are required to have a rabies vaccine, but additional vaccine requirements vary from state to state and are based on the dog's lifestyle. Written proof of up-to-date vaccinations may be required on the day of the dog show.

    Handlers

    • Dogs must know how to behave in the ring. For this reason, it is a good idea to attend handling classes with your dog. Each dog must have a handler. The handler directs the dog when it is in the ring and prepares it for entry into the ring by providing specialized grooming. If an owner does not wish to handle his/her own dog, it is possible to hire a professional handler. The handler should be someone who can move gracefully and naturally around the ring with a dog during competition.

    Grooming

    • The handler should master breed-appropriate grooming techniques. Afghan hounds, for instance, have different grooming requirements than pugs. Excellent grooming will assist the judge in examining the dog's stature, bones, coat texture and teeth. Proper routine grooming from puppyhood will accustom your dog to being touched and handled in the manner that judges handle dogs.