In choosing a dog for showing, it is important to know what the judges are looking for. These official standards for each breed include qualifications for structure, temperament and movement. The AKC’s book called “The Complete Dog Book” gives specifications for what is looked for with each breed.

Anyone can enter and show a dog. The main qualifications are that the dog be purebred and a breed recognized by the AKC. If you decide to purchase a dog for showing, be sure to purchase your dog from a reputable breeder; preferably one that has shown dogs before. Just being a puppy from 2 champion parents does not guarantee a show dog.

Some of the areas that judges look at are teeth, muscles. bones, and coat texture. A judge looks for general balance and gait, or how a dog moves. Attitude and posture are a good percentage of what a dog will be judged on. You would not see a show dog having its ears down and no expression. Your dog needs to have an “up and ready” attitude or willingness to perform. Just like its owner!