This article says, "Dog shows are very popular because they bring together the pride of your dog, and his breed, with the excitement of competition. A dog show exhibits what is special, unique and beautiful about each breed.
"Conformation, or the standards of each breed, is the most prominent part of traditional dog shows. A dog is expected to have both the phyusical attributes of the breed, and the good showmanship, presenting that breed's original function. A show dog wins by representing the best of his breed."
We talked a bit about this in a podcast at Scratchings & Sniffings, as Dr. Larry is friends with Ernie Planck, who has been an insider at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, for 20 years. The "best in breed" is truly a standard, but what constitutes "best" is often up to judges. And yes, they have pretty strict rules to follow.
In fact, "A Poodle is expected to have a 'poodley attitude,'" says Debbie Burke, who is affiliated with the Kennel Club of Philadelphia. "That certain air of confidence. And a Terrier should be feisty, like they're going to spar."
What we see in the ring, as spectators, "the dogs prancing before the judges, all groomed and gorgeous, is just the tip of the iceberg. Living the life of a show dog, and working toward becoming a champion, is like being a professional athlete or performer."
This all begins, of course, when the dog is very young. I know a breeder that starts her pups at six weeks. Gentle nudging to stand properly, and allow grooming, nothing that would be harmful or uncomfortable. Puppies have to learn socialization and obedience, from the get-go. And how to be groomed, bathed, and handled... as well as be ok with being crated and transported on a regular basis.
"Some show dogs," the article at Petcentric says, "will compete only when shows come to their area, and other travel around the country doing upwards of 130 shows per year. While that may seem like a lot, dogs that compete this seriously get very special care. They have excellent diets, an exercise schedule, people to love and tend to them, and adequate rest time. They are actually trained to rest on command - otherwise they probably wouldn't!"
In the end, these dogs are happy, and healthy, and full of energy. They're true champions - because if they don't have it in them, so be it. They will become someone's beloved pet...and stay home and play with the kids all day. The champion dogs bring a persona with them - they might do some of it for their handler or master - but if you really watch them during the show, you can see the inner pride. This is their life - just as hunting or tracking is what hunting dogs and bloodhounds do. It's bred into the animal.
And that's what's meant by "presenting the breed's original function." Each breed was created to do something specific, and in the dog show, they must demonstrate that they are best in breed. The American Kennel Club has some good information on what that means on their website.
When the day is done, whether the dog has won or not, he or she is still rewarded with love and treats and happiness. And, I guess that's the reason these dogs are so good at what they do - they know what's coming when the lights are dimmed and the crowd is gone. Good old-fashioned hugs.
Have you hugged your dog today?