AgilityAn obstacle race for dogs. Dogs and handlers complete course made up of jumps, A-frames, dog walks, weave pole, tunnels and other apparatus at a controlled pace. Speed and accuracy are important in developing the skills required for agility.All-Breed ClubAn organized group of dog fanciers, recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) and/or American Kennel Club (AKC) to hold all-breed dog shows and performance events within their geographic boundaries. New clubs are considered "Sanctioned" which means that although they are officially recognized, they are not yet authorized to hold pointed shows. "Licensed" clubs have successfully completed a series of pre-requisite qualifying events, and are now authorized to conduct official all-breed events which award points. "Member" clubs are licensed clubs who have opted to have a representative regularly attend and represent their interests as a voting member club of the CKC and/or AKC. An important requisite mission that all clubs must perform is their duty to educate the general public on responsible dog ownership, breeding practices, and the multi-faceted world of purebred dogs.All-Breed ShowAn event where dogs are judged as to how closely each CONFORMS (hence the term "conformation") to it's own breed's written standard of perfection. Often shows are accompanied by Obedience Trials, Junior Showmanship Competition, and some non-regular class events, such as sweepstakes and futurities or Canine Good Citizen tests. Exhibitors are usually happy to talk to you about their breed, their breeding program, etc. *after* they have finished showing. Please do not touch or feed the dogs without first receiving the owner's direct permission.American Kennel ClubOrganized in the late 1800's, the AKC is a body of licensed clubs whose stated mission is to:
AKC states its' core
values as: Breeding for type and function to create, preserve and improve breeds ties modern urban populations with the 12,000 year tradition of animal husbandry, now vanishing from the rest of our culture. In the last 100 years, this country, along with the rest of the Western world, has undergone what many historians call the most dramatic transformation in human history. It is the shift from rural, agricultural society to an urban technological one. When AKC was created, more than half of all Americans lived on farms. Even at the turn of the century, 85% of all jobs were agriculturally based. Today, less than one in fifty Americans lives on a farm but more than 50% of households maintains positive contact with animals by keeping pets. Very few people have hands-on experience in animal husbandry anymore-- and that make AKC's constituents unique subject matter experts in an area that touches and matters to half of all households. AKC breeders are the experts, the preservationist, the ones who tie society to its past and support society's present need to maintain the human/animal bond." ArmbandA number printed on paper which an exhibitor wears to indicate the entered dog's (or Junior's) reference number in the judge's book and catalog. This number is the only identification that the judge is allowed access to before and during the competition.ArticleItems used in Obedience Trial competition which are utilized in exercises testing retrieval on command or scent discrimination. These can be wooden, leather or metal dumbbells.BaitWhen used as a verb, as "to bait the dog" or "to freebait," this refers to using an item of food or toy to gain the dogs' attention; showing expression and animation to the judge.When used as a noun, it refers to items of food (usually cooked liver, cheese, or other treat) used to bait the dog to show expression and animation.
Benched ShowAn all-breed show specifically designed for public education and enjoyment, wherein all dogs are required to stay in an assigned "benching area" for the duration of the show, (except when being exercised, groomed, or exhibited) in order that the public may easily view the exhibits up close and talk to the breeders, owners, and handlers. There are very few benched shows left in the USA - the ones that readily come to mind are Westminster Kennel Club in New York City, International Kennel Club in Chicago, and Golden Gate in San Francisco. These are very large, heavily attended shows by the public. Excellent for the public, but can be exhausting for the exhibitors.Best In Show (BIS)A coveted award given to the ONE dog who, at the end of an all-breed dog show, has successfully defeated ALL other dogs of all breeds entered that day - by being judged to be the dog who - on that day, is considered to be the most closely conforming to it's own breed's written standard of excellence. The rosette given for a BIS win is red, white and blue.Best Junior Handler (BJH)The award given to the ONE Junior Handler at an all-breed or specialty show, who is judged to have exhibited the highest degree of skill in presenting their dog as effectively and skillfully as possible, by way of defeating the balance of other junior handling entrants. The rosette given for a BJH win is pink and green.Best of Winners (BOW)A competition between the Winners Dog and the Winners Bitch, held during the Best of Breed Competition, whereby the two dogs are judged as to which one is considered to be most closely conformed to its written breed standard. The winner of BOW receives the highest number of points given to that breed's WD or WB that day. For instance, if it was only two points in Dogs that day, and 4 points in Bitches, and the Dog won Best of Winners, he, too would be awarded 4 points.BitchA female dog. NOT a dirty word. Get used to it.BraceTwo dogs of the same breed and exact same ownership being shown together as a pair in order to display the breeder's consistency in their breeding program. Dogs selected to be shown in a brace should display the same attributes, virtues, style and type. Brace competition is a non-regular competition and no points are awarded.Bred ByA competitive class in conformation, the Bred by Exhibitor class is a breeder's showcase of the specimens s/he is most proud of - and those that they wish to represent the best of their kennel. Exhibits must be shown by the actual breeder of record - not a handler. AKC has recently implemented a program to award dogs who finish their championships entirely from the BBE class. A medallion is given to the breeder as special recognition.BreedUsed as a verb, to breed is to cause the reproduction of two animals. As a noun, the term "Breed" is used to describe a particular sub-species of animals of similar type and heritage, who have been carefully and intentionally bred to meet certain functional, temperamental, and physical characteristics. "Breed competition" or "in the breed ring" are also common references to competiting in the conformation classes at a dog show.Breed StandardA written standard of excellence describing the functional, temperamental, and physical attributes which the dedicated students and caretakers of the breed - via their national parent organization, have agreed upon as the official description of perfection for their particular breed.Brush PrairieA HUGE (2,500+ dogs) dog show held annually outside of Vancouver, Washington.Campaign (Conformation)To enter and compete in a large number of shows with a Champion of Record (a "Special") - in order to obtain national rankings by way of defeating the greatest number of other dogs. Most commonly done by using the services of a Professional Handler. Requires a substantial investment and an excellent dog and handler.Campaign (Obedience)To enter and compete in a large number of obedience trials at the Open or Utility level. Points are accumulated with the scores achieved. Top dogs are recognized by the CKC and/or the AKC for placements in both the breed and group. An overall "Top 10" list is accumulated of the dogs and handlers that achieve the highest point totals in their respective countries during a calendar year.Canine Good CitizenAKC's temperament certification program aimed mostly towards the general public as an encouragement to buy/breed only temperamentally sound dogs, and to do at least a *little* obedience training, so that their dogs will be welcome, safe, and happy in public situations. Dogs and their handlers are put through a series of simple exercises such as walking on lead through a crowd of strangers, sitting on command, standing for examination, response to being left alone for a moment, etc. Successful participants are given a certificate of achievement. Although the "CGC" is NOT an official AKC title, many people are proud to list this among their dogs accomplishments, as it represents that the dog is of stable temperament in public.The CKCThe Canadian Kennel Club is devoted to encouraging, guiding and advancing the interests of purebred dogs and their responsible owners and breeders in Canada. It promotes the knowledge and understanding of the benefits which dogs can bring to Canada and the means by which these benefits can most effectively be enjoyed.The CKC cooperates with governments at all levels in Canada in the development of legislation which will effectively control the activities of irresponsible dog owners and breeders without unduly restricting responsible owners and breeders. The C.K.C maintains a system of registration of purebred dogs that satisfies the requirements of the Animal Pedigree Act, Agriculture Canada and the Club members. It maintains a system whereby clubs and associations wishing to do so may hold dogs shows, obedience trials, field trials and other trials, tests and activities for purebred dogs under the auspices of and in accordance with the rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures established by the Club. It encourages and assists persons and organizations engaged in these activities and co-operates with other associations and clubs engaged in furthering the interests of purebred animals. CatalogueA document sold at shows which lists each entered dog's entry number, class entered, registered name and number, breeder, owner, sire, dam, and date of birth. Excellent tool for following along with the competition and looking for patterns in breeding that you prefer, as well as breeders and exhibitors to contact. If the show also has obedience classes the catalogue will list each dog by class and entry numbers. It will also list the same information about the handler and dog as for the conformation classes.ChampionIn AKC competition, a Champion of Record ("CH") title is given to a dog or bitch who has won a total of 15 points at licensed AKC shows. At least 6 of these points must have come from "Major" wins (see "Points") under different judges. A Champion of Record may then enter and compete in the Best of Breed competition, and the "CH" becomes an official prefix to the dog's registered name.In CKC competition, a Champion of Record ("CH") title is given to a dog or bitch earning 10 points at licensed CKC shows under at least 3 different judges. As with the AKC, a Champion of Record may then enter and compete in the Best of Breed competition, and the "CH" becomes an official prefix to the dog's registered name. Champions are often referred to as "specials" - usually when they are being actively campaigned. Champions of Record also used to be commonly referred to as "bench champions" referring to the formerly common practice of holding benched shows. ChokeAs a noun, a "choke" is a metal, nylon, or leather collar consisting of a straight piece of the material, usually joined by looping it through one of two rings on each end. This is the most common collar worn by dogs in the breed ring. Worn properly, with the pull loop coming off the top of the head, this does NOT actually choke the dog, but rather gives a quick correction to get the dog's attention. It immediately releases. Kind of a quick "Hello?!" or "Hey, knock it off!" signal from the handler to the dog.ClassesAlthough there ARE actual instructional classes available to learn to handle dogs in many performance events, the most common use of the term "Classes" is when referring to the different class divisions which are available to show your dog in when entered at a dog show. In conformation, the "class dogs" (those who have not finished their championships) are divided first by sex (males go in first), then further divided by age group and experience level.Regular Conformatoin Classes are:
In obedience competition, the following classes exist:
Closing DateThe last date by which entries must be received by the show superintendent or secretary, in order for an entry to be valid and included in the show's competition. Entries usually close 4 weeks prior to the show date in order to allow the club to arrange the judging schedule and prepare and print the catalogs etc. Closing dates are always listed clearly in the premium lists, as well as in the CKC's "Dogs in Canada" magazine for Canadian Shows or for American shows, the AKC's GazetteConformationHow well a specific dog's structure, type and temperament conform to it's breed's written standard of excellence.Conformation competition is also commonly referred to as "breed competition." The term "dog confirmation," on the other hand, is reserved for dogs who confirm their faith by regularly attending Catholic Mass. Cow PalaceA large benched dog show held in February in San Francisco's Cow Palace by the Golden Gate Kennel Club. Heavily attended by the public. Considered a larger show in size than Westminster.CrateA containment unit used to safely transport and house a dog during rest periods. Dogs feel very safe and secure in their crates, which double as their private "dens." Crates are a CRITICAL piece of safety equipment for ALL dogs travelling in cars. Crates function in much the same way as does a child's safety seat; preventing dogs from being hurled through glass windows during a collision, and taking the impact of a crash. DOGS (and people for that matter) SHOULD *NEVER* ride loose in the back of a truck. If you wouldn't allow your three year old barefoot human child to stand on a hot or wet and slippery truckbed floor with no protection from the elements or from the effects of a sudden stop, bump, turn, or collision, why would you allow your dog??!! Illegal in most states and grounds for *immediate* and non-negotiable, contractually enforced return of any dog we adopt into a new family.CroupThe lower spinal region of a dog, containing the back of the pelvis to the root of the tail.Crufts"The" international dog show of the year, held outside of London, England each March. Visit Crufts' page.
DogUsed specifically, a term to describe a MALE canine. Generally, a term used to describe the canine species.ExA handy term used to refer to one's former spouse (you know - the one who hated dogs :) --OR-- an abbreviation for the verb to exercise (potty) one's dog - allowing them to eliminate, stretch their legs, etc. As in "I'm going to ex the dogs before bed."Ex-PenA portable wire fencing unit taken to shows to allow dogs a safe, clean place to eliminate and stretch out.FinishIn conformation competition, to finish means to have won enough points to be awarded the title of Champion of Record. In obedience a finish is a transitional movement the dog makes between the completion of a recall, and the return to the heel position.Flexi"Flexi-Lead" is the common brand name of a retractable, spring loaded lead which allows a dog to wander and traverse at a distance from the handler without getting caught up in the lead itself. Not used in competition, but a god-send for casual walks and exercises. Available at any large pet supply store or from vendors at a show.FlyballA canine sport for dogs. A relay race with consisting of 4 dogs that individually run over 4 hurdles placed 10 feet apart and retrieve a tennis ball after triggering a box. The dog must then return back over the jumps with the tennis ball in their mouth. Once the dog has crossed the finish line, the next dog goes. Once all 4 dogs have completed, the race is over. This sport is played with two lanes and whichever team crosses the finish line first wins the race. Dogs compete for titles as well as for rosettes for defeating other teams.Free BaitTo use food, toy, or some other enticement to get the dog to stack properly (without physical interaction from the handler) and show alert, animated expression while standing in the breed ring being judged. The term "free" comes from "hands-free."FuturityA non-regular competition whereby the breeder nominates a litter before it is whelped, and enters the produce from that litter in a special competition (usually held at National Specialty Shows). The idea is that these dogs represent that breeders best efforts in researching and planing their highest quality litter for that year, based upon their knowledge, understanding and confidence of the genetic potential of the proposed breeding.GaitThe most efficient way of moving for a particular dog. Most breeds are gaited at a trot or jogging speed.Garden (The)Slang for the Westminster Kennel Club's high visibility, prestigious, and well respected benched show held in New York City's Madison Square Garden each February. Normally held and internationally televised on the Monday and Tuesday of the second week in February each year. The '98 show will be held during the third week in February, due to scheduling conflicts with Madision Square Garden.GetThe offspring of a stud dog.GroomTo bathe, dry, comb, clip and scissors a dog to best exhibit its virtues. Very strict rules and traditions govern "correct" grooming, and significant talent and experience is required to become excellent at show-grooming the coated breeds.Group(s)Groupings of dogs by their traditional functional similarities. The AKC and CKC currently has seven groups;
HandlerThe person presenting the dog in competition. Often a term used to refer to a professional handler.JudgeAn adjudicating official tasked with evaluating and comparing how well, in his/her opinion, and in comparison to the other dogs entered in the class that day, a dog conforms to its breed's written standard of excellence. Other performance events also have official judges.Judging ScheduleA small (usually free) publication offered by the superintendent/show secretary which lists when and where each breed will be judged that day, and by whom. For a complete listing of dogs, their breeders, owners, etc, buy a complete catalog.JuniorA young person between the ages of 10 and up to their 18th birthday, who competes with other juniors of similar age/experience levels in exhibiting their technical skills of handling dogs, ring conduct, and sportsmanship.Junior HandlingThe actual competitive classes offered for Juniors exhibiting their handling skills, which are usually offered at dog shows and matches. The AKC and CKC offer classes for two age groups, each divided by skill:
LeadA thin leather, nylon, cotton, etc. piece of material usually with a metal snap or clip connector on one end to attach to the dog's collar, and a loop on the other end for the handler to hold on to, leading the dog around the show ring. This is not called a leash - which is a thick piece of material used to take your dogs for a walk or compete in obedience.LoinThe area of the body between the last ribcage and the beginning of the pelvis. (In human terms, this would be the waist). The lower portion of the loin is known as the "tuck-up."Major"A Major" is a big win for a class dog who has defeated enough dogs that day by going Winners Dog or Winners Bitch, to earn either 3, 4, or 5 points towards its championship. The point schedule is different for each breed, sex, and region, depending upon entries. Also see "Points" definition below.NationalAn annual specialty show hosted by the breed's national parent breed club. Usually considered that breed's most important, competitive, and prestigious event to win or place well in.Novice A/BBasic level Obedience classes. Dogs successfully achieving three qualifying scores ("legs") of at least 170 out of 200 points (including earning at least 50% of available points for each separate exercise) are awarded the title "Companion Dog" and are allowed to add the "CD" suffix to their registered name. Obedience classes are divided into two groups; (A and B) - "A" for exhibitors who have not yet added this title to a dog's name that they have either handled or trained, and "B" or more experienced exhibitors who have. Exercises in these classes include:
In AKC competition the stand for exam is done off leash and in CKC competition the Stand for Exam is done off leash and in CKC competition the Stand for Exam is done on leash. Novice JuniorA handling class for young people between the ages of 10 and up to their 14th birthday who have not yet won three first place awards in a novice handling class *with* competition.Novice SeniorA handling class for young people between the ages of 14 and up to their 18th birthday who have not yet won three first place awards in a novice handling class *with* competition.ObedienceA competitive performance event whereby the dog and handler are judged on their ability to execute a predetermined set of exercises which display the dog's ability to adhere to certain commands. Dogs are scored on their tractability, style, and execution using a *very* strict scale of 0 - 200 points. Dogs achieving 3 qualifying scores ("legs") of at least 170 are awarded official AKC/CKC titles as suffixes to their registered name. The three regular AKC/CKC obedience classes - in order of degree of difficulty) are:
In Canada, 3 UD legs earns the title of OTCH. In the US 100 points must be collected to earn the title of OTCH. OcciputA boney section of the skull located at the back of the topskull. Also known as an Occipital Protuberance. This bone, during puberty, or if not situated properly in an adult, creates an unattractive bump (or protuberance) in the shape of the headpiece. Situated properly, it creates a slight dome to the skull.Open A/BMid-level obedience classes (off leash) which earn the suffix title of Companion Dog Excellent ("CDX") when they earn three qualifying scores of at least 170 out of 200 points (including earning at least 50% of available points for each separate exercise) from three different judges. Obedience classes are divided into two groups; (A and B) - "A" for exhibitors who have not yet added this title to a dog's name that they have either handled or trained, and "B" or more experienced exhibitors who have. Exercises include:
Open JuniorA handling class for young people between the ages of 10 and up to their 14th birthday who have already won three first place awards in a novice handling class *with* competition.Open SeniorA handling class for young people between the ages of 14 and up to their 18th birthday who have already won three first place awards in a novice handling class *with* competition.Parent Club (aka National Breed Club)The officially recognized national organization governing each specific breed's independent specialty clubs. Parent clubs or "National Breed Clubs" are tasked with being the official guardians of their breeds and their written standards and stud book in this country, and to protect the welfare and integrity of their respective breeds.PasternThe area between a dog's paws and it's lower arm, which - in the front - relates to a human wrist area, and in the rear relates to a human's sole of foot. In the rear, the pasterns are topped by "hocks" which relate to a human heel / ankle bone. Often, this entire rear foot assembly in general is mistakenly referred to as the "hock." A good way to understand and visualize the components of a dogs foot / leg assembly is to sit in a chair barefooted and rest your weight on just your bent toes. Your toes and ball of foot would be the dog's "paw" or foot; your soles would be the pasterns, and your heels/ankle would be the hocks. See also Stifle and Patella.PatellaThe knee joint of a dog's rear legs which allow the dog's legs to bend and flex as they move. The patellar joint consists of bone, ligaments and muscle tissue. A frequent disorder of this joint, Patellar luxation is a looseness or hyperextension of the joining tendons which allows the kneecap to slip off of its "runners" causing pain and inability to move correctly. Luxated Patellae can be surgically corrected. LP is thought to be a genetically inheritable tendency, but can also be caused by injury.Pedigree InvitationalA special annual non-regular competition for Open level junior handlers, sponsored by Kal-Kan Pedigree. Pedigree designates approximately 12 of the largest shows in the country as either Open Junior and/or Open Senior "Qualifiers." The winners of these qualifiers and their chaperones are invited to attend an all expenses paid special competition which is broadcast on ESPN. The winner of the Open Senior Invitational represents the USA at the international competition at the prestigious Crufts Dog show in England. The winner of the Open Junior invitational competition represents the USA at the FCI World Dog Show, which this year was held in Puerto Rico. Again, Pedigree covers all expenses - including the wonderful extra-curricular sight seeing activities. Juniors owe a debt of great thanks to Kal-Kan Pedigree for their outstanding efforts and commitment to supporting the future of the sport of dog shows by sponsoring these wonderful events.PointsIn conformation ("breed") competition, CKC & AKC award between one and five points towards their Champion of Record title - depending on the regional point schedule and/or how many dogs defeated - to both the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch of each breed entered at a show.To receive the title of Champion in Canada a dog must earn at least 10 points, winning points from at least e judges. To receive the title of Champion in US, a dog must earn at least 15 points; at least 6 of which must come from two different judges, and be "majors." A "major" is a substantial achievement earned by defeating a large number of dogs relative to that breed. A major consists of either 3, 4, or 5 points.In obedience competition, points are awarded towards the Obedience Trial Champion title based on scores and the number of dogs defeated. 100 points earns the title of OTCH in the US. Points are also given out to qualifying scores in the Open and Utility level and accumulate within a calendar year to determine placing within the breed and within the group. While earning each title scores are given to the dog and handler. Any score over 170 points earns a qualifying "leg" towards their title. Three "legs" and the dog earns the title associated with the scores. In junior handling competition, points are garnered by the number of competitors defeated. In the most widely recognized scoring system, which AKC is in the process of beginning to track, one point is awarded for each competitor you defeat. (You do not count yourself, as you did not defeat yourself). The Best Jr. Handler receives one point for each other competitor entered and defeated that day.
Post SternumThe "breastbone" on a dog. Located on its forechest midway between its point of shoulders, a somewhat protruding post sternum is desirable in most sporting, working, and herding breed - as it is thought to indicate a chest cavity large enough to accommodate lungs and heart expansion as they work in heavy physical activity.Premium ListA publication created by the show superintendent or secretary which is mailed to prospective exhibitors, listing the show giving club, the date and location of the show, the judges, classes and awards ("premiums") offered, etc. Premium lists contain forms and fees for entering, and list the closing date by which entries must be received. You may request a specific premium list by contacting the show superintendent or secretary for the show you are interested in. The name of the super/sec for each individual show in Canada is listed in the CKC Dogs in Canada magazine. The names of the super/sec in the US for each individual show is listed in the AKC gazette.ProduceThe offspring of a brood bitch.RegionalA grouping of states with similar numbers of entries, which AKC designates as a Region for calculating point schedules.Reserve (or Reserve Winners)See "Winners Bitch" and/or "Winners Dog" descriptions below.Ring StewardA judge's assistant who is tasked with coordinating the logistics of getting the exhibitors and their dogs into and out of the rings efficiently. Stewards check in the exhibitors, answer questions about ring procedures, call in the classes, prepare the ribbons and trophies for distribution, and maintain their own marked catalogs as back-up documentation for official placements. Stewards are responsible for the smooth operation of their rings, and the comfort of the judges they are assigned to assist. Some Stewards are club volunteers while others are paid for their professional services.RoadworkTo exercise and condition a dog usually by walking, jogging, or biking.SecretaryA show official (usually an individual person) licensed by the CKC or AKC, and hired by the show giving club to act as the coordinating management for the show. The secretary usually generates and distributes the premium lists, receives the entries, creates the catalogs, provides the equipment and materials needed, keeps all the records and generates the reports for CKC.Set UpThe area on the show grounds in which you establish your home-base for grooming and holding your dogs while you are not in the ring. Pray for a space close to the rings with an electrical outlet!SidegaitThe movement of a dog as it is seen from the dog's side. Look for how effectively it tracks, and how appropriately it reaches with it's front legs, and drives off of it's rear.SlickerA small grooming tool with a rectangular head on the end containing fine teeth with bent tops which is used to separate and brush out topcoat and furnishings such as hock hair.SpecialSlang for a Champion of Record who is being actively campaigned.SpecialtyA show consisting of only one breed, given by a "Specialty Club." Specialty clubs are groups of individuals (breeders, exhibitors, pet enthusiasts, etc.) who share a passion for a specific breed of dogs, and who host events specific to promoting that breed. Specialties usually draw a large entry of dogs, and wins garnered from specialties are very high visibility within the national family of that breed's fanciers.StackTo cause your dog to stand in a manner that best displays it's virtues. In most breeds, the dog's forelegs are stacked in alignment with their withers, and their rear pasterns are squarely aligned and presented at a 90 degree angle from the floor. There are exceptions by breed i.e. German Shepherd Dogs, etc. One may "Hand stack" their dog by manually placing each foot in it's best position, or else "Free stack" by using a hands free method of using bait, verbal commands, body language, or lead correction to get the dog to stack itself.StandardThe officially recognized written description of an ideal specimen of a specific breed. This is the document judges are tasked to interpret when judging in the breed ring, where dogs are judged as to how well they conform to this written standard of excellence. Original breed standards are written by the national parent clubs of each individual breed, and are then adopted by the Kennel Club of the appropriate county, ie CKC/AKC.SternumSee "Post Sternum"StewardSee "Ring Steward" above.StifleThe curved area on a dog's rear legs containing the thighs and patella (knee). The actual bend of stifle regulates how much flexibility the dog will have to drive off of its rear.StopThe skeletal junction on the skull's foreface between the back of the muzzle and the beginning of the topskull. Collies and Afghans have very little "stop" and Chihuahuas, Labrador Retrievers, and St. Bernards have a great deal of "stop."SuperintendentA show official (usually a professional show managing company) licensed by the CKC/AKC, and hired by the show giving club to act as the coordinating management team for the show. The superintendent usually generates and distributes the premium lists, receives the entries, creates the catalogs, provides the equipment and materials needed, keeps all the records and generates the reports for the appropriate kennel club.SweepstakesA non-regular class, usually offered at specialty shows, which are specifically designed to recognize outstanding young dogs and puppies. Winners of Best in Sweeps, Best Opposite Sex in Sweeps, and often all of the class placement winners, receive a portion of the entry fees as prizes for their placement. Sweepstakes are the only classes where money prizes are normally awarded.TackEquipment (collars, leads, grooming products, combs, brushes, shears, etc) used to prepare and show a dog. Hopefully found in a "Tack Box" when not in use.ToplineThe spinal section of a dog from it's withers (top of shoulder blades) to the end of it's croup (at the tail root).Utility A/BHighest level of obedience classes for people seeking to earn the suffix title of Utility Dog ("UD") when they earn three qualifying scores of at least 170 out of 200 points (including earning at least 50% of available points for each separate exercise) from three different judges. Obedience classes are divided into two groups; (A and B) - "A" for exhibitors who have not yet added this title to a dog's name that they have either handled or trained, and "B" or more experienced exhibitors who have. Exercises (all off leash) include:
* The scent discrimination exercise is different in both Canada and in the US. In Canada, there are 3 articles, wood, metal and leather. In the US only the wood and metal are used. In the US, there are A and B classes. Once the UD is achieved in the US, competitors continue to compete for placements to accumulate 100 points to earn their OTCH designation. In Canada, there is only the one Utility class. In Canada, 3 legs earns the title UD and OTCH. VeteransA non-regular but competitive class for dogs at least 7-8 years old, designed to honor those dogs who have maintained their structural integrity, health, vigor and love of showing into their golden years. Boxes of Kleenex are mandatory at ringside...trust me.Westminster KCA very prestigious all-breed /all-champions limited entry benched show held in New York City's Madison Square Garden each February, The Westminster Kennel Club show is legendary. The WKC show is the 2nd oldest sporting event in the United States, younger only than the Kentucky Derby. A major social event as well, "The Garden" is an event every dog lover should attend at least once. Normally nationally televised over two nights. Also see "Garden" above.WithersThe point at which the shoulder blades (scapulae) meet. This critical structural point and its adjoining muscles and ligaments regulate how effectively a dog is able to cover ground with the rest of its front assembly. the tightness or looseness of the shoulders can make the difference between a sloppy thrown front and a clean tracking one. The angulation that the shoulders make create the transition between the neck and spine, and contribute to how easily a dog can reach ahead of itself and how it carries it's head. The withers is also the point at which actual HEIGHT of a dog is measured with a tool called a wicket. The height of the dog needs to be determined for obedience, agility and flyball competition as it will determine the jumping height of the dog.WhelpTo give birth to a litter of puppies. A pregnant bitch is considered to be "in whelp." When she is giving birth, she is said to be "whelping."Winners BitchThe class (aka "unfinished" or "non-champion") bitch who has defeated all other class bitches of that breed at that show is the ONE female of that breed to be awarded points towards her championship . The first place winners from each of the bitch classes in that breed that day**, compete for Winners Bitch.**This would be the 1st place 6-9 month Puppy Bitch, the 1st place 9-12 Puppy Bitch, the 1st place 12-18 Junior Bitch, the 1st place Novice Bitch, the 1st Place Bred-by Bitch, the First place Can-Bred Bitch, and the 1st place Open Bitch. After one Winners Bitch is selected, the bitch who originally took 2nd place to her in the classes is asked to come in and compete with the remaining bitches for "Reserve Winners Bitch." The winner of the "Reserve" is like a "runner- up" and is only awarded points if, in the future, the Winners Bitch is found to be disqualified for some reason and the award is disallowed. During the Best of Breed competition, which is held after all class dogs (male and female) of that breed have been judged, the Winners Bitch and Winners Dog compete with each other for "Best of Winners." They may *also* be awarded Best of Breed or Best of Opposite Sex to BOB against the other, already finished champions in the BOB competition.
Winners DogSame as above, but for males. Substitute "Dog" for "Bitch" where appropriate.
TITLES AND ABBREVIATIONSFor details about what these terms and titles mean, check for definition above.
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