Judging the dogs
A dog show is judged quite simply on an elimination process. There is no stop watch or timing device to beat, but rather, it is one person’s opinion in the ring ( judge), who determines which dog is the most correct in all areas. ie looks, coat and colour, size, temperament, trotting soundness. The judge must gauge the animals to a written standard that is Canadian Kennel Club approved for each recognized purebred dog in Canada. It is the only accepted measurement by which to select the best dogs in any given breed. This breed standard has been studied carefully by the judge so that he/she is able to recall the significant points that are appropriate for each breed, as the dogs are examined in the ring.
In each breed, the male dogs are judged first beginning with the youngest age class ( 6-9 months) and proceeding to the older age groups, until finally a best male is selected. This male dog will receive championship points. Following the same procedure, a best female is selected and she also receives championship points. These two dogs from the classes will then compete together with all dogs in that breed that are already champions, and at this point the judge will choose a best of breed, a best of opposite sex to the best of breed winner, and a best of winners from the male and female that were winners from the classes. From the puppy class entries, a best puppy will also be selected. This identical process is carried out by the judges on every single breed that is entered at the show.
The best of breed dogs will then compete in their respective groups. The best puppy ( up to 12 months of age) in each breed will compete in its’ respective puppy group. There are 7 groups of dogs judged at dog shows and the groups are determined by the type of work for which each breed was developed.
Group 1 are sporting dogs. These breeds hunt, swim, and retrieve game birds. eg Setters, Retrievers
Group 2 are hounds known for their coursing and scenting ability eg Beagles and Greyhounds
Group 3 are working dogs that guard, are used as police dogs and sled dogs eg Dobermans, Siberians
Group4 are terriers known for their ability to hunt and kill vermin eg Fox Terriers, Cairn Terriers
Group 5 are toys that are generally small, apartment sized and make good lap dogs eg Pomeranian, Pug
Group 6 is a compilation of many breeds with various tasks eg. Dalmatian , Standard Poodles
Group 7 are herding dogs that are capable of herding flocks of sheep, cattle eg Collies, Corgis
Four dogs are picked from each group and awarded 1st place through 4th. The dog that wins first in each of the seven groups then proceeds to compete in Best in Show . The winning puppy from each puppy group competes in Best Puppy in Show
FROM THE SEVEN TOP DOGS THAT ARE IN THE RING AT THE END OF THE DAY, ONLY ONE MAY BE CHOSEN AS BEST IN SHOW AND ONLY ONE PUPPY IS CHOSEN AS BEST PUPPY IN SHOW.
These are very coveted awards at Canadian Dog Shows!!