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IT'S SHOW TIME

© Marilyn Koyanagi

On any given weekend in countries all over the world, a strange phenomenon occurs involving people and their dogs. From near and far they gather. Mini-cities, resembling gypsy encampments, spring up overnight to accommodate a multitude of motor homes and trailers. Nearby hotels are filled with those who travel by air or car. What is it that draws them? What is it that makes otherwise sane people travel for hours, in the middle of the night and sometimes through the worst weather conditions, to spend a weekend in a cow barn, a hockey arena or some similar facility? It is a dog show! However, for dedicated breeders and dog fanciers worldwide, it is a way of life.

To the uninitiated, the hectic pace of a dog show can be confusing and bewildering, at best. The grooming area is a hub of activity as dogs are bathed, blown dry, scissored, clipped, fluffed and sprayed. Exhibitors and dogs rush to ringside. In front of the judge, dogs are posed, baited and gaited - together, individually, in a circle, down and back. One by one, they are examined - small dogs on a table, large dogs on the ground. What is the judge looking for? What makes him choose one dog over another?

Although conformation shows may appear to be little more than beauty contests, they are, in actuality, an evaluation of breeding stock. Dogs are judged, not against each other, but, against the standard for their breed. The standard, which describes the ideal, outlines correct structure, size, coat type, movement, temperament etc. Dogs compete first within their breeds and those considered to be closest to the ideal go on to further competition. The process of elimination continues until one dog is chosen as Best in Show.

For the most part, those who participate in conformation shows are breeder/owner/handlers. They compete on various levels with some aiming at championship titles and others vying for national ranking. Whatever their goals, they share a love of dogs and a dedication to their breeds that has resulted in a passion for this all-consuming hobby. It is that same passion and man's competitive nature that has kept the sport of dogs flourishing since its beginnings, well over a century ago.

One of the longest running dog shows and probably the best known is Crufts. This annual event originated in London in 1891 and is now held every March at the NEC in Birmingham. Attracting spectators from all over the globe, it takes 4 days to judge the nearly 20,000 dogs that are entered. Even older than Crufts is the 123 year old Westminster Kennel Club Show. The second oldest sporting event in US history, Westminster is a gala affair held every February in New York's Madison Square Garden. Entries are limited to 2500 dogs, all of which must be American champions.