Dog Shows
Conformation
shows, also knows as
dog shows, started in the UK in the 19th century. The first
dog show in the U.S. was held in 1877. Conformation
shows are the best known of
dog activities. It is a popular participant and spectator activity due to the acclaim of
dog shows like the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show held each year at Madison Square Garden, in New York City, and the Crufts Dog Show, held annually in England. Dog
shows are big business; some people spend a large amount of money on quality
show dogs.
It is rare for a champion
show dog to live with his owner. Most of the time, a top
show dog lives with a handler who cares for him and handles him in conformation
shows. The handler is often the groomer as well. Show
dogs require rigorous daily grooming and may even wear protective clothing to keep fine hair from fraying.
Show
dogs work all year, competing in local and regional
shows as they seek entrance into Westminster or Crufts, and vying to make it into the top standing of their breed. An award of Best of Show at Crufts or Westminster guarantees a comfortable living for the
dog once he or she retires to breeding or studding.
There are several oversight organizations for conformation
shows, including the AKC, the UKC, and the American Rare Breed Association. Outside of the U.S. are the Kennel Club, in Britain; the Canadian Kennel Club, and the FCI, which registers
dogs throughout Europe.
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