Dog shows play an important role in evaluating dogs that may contribute to future generations, helping responsible breeders preserve and improve these beloved purpose-bred breeds. By showcasing dogs that meet established breed standards, dog shows support informed breeding decisions and promote the long-term integrity of each breed.
STANDARDS
Dog Show Basics
Dog shows play an important role in evaluating dogs that may contribute to future generations, helping responsible breeders preserve and improve these beloved purpose-bred breeds. By showcasing dogs that meet established breed standards, dog shows support informed breeding decisions and promote the long-term integrity of each breed.
STANDARDS
Each breed has a STANDARD, which is a written description of the ideal specimen of that breed. Standards are written, maintained, and owned by the national breed club or“ parent club” of each breed, and approved by the American Kennel Club( AKC). These written descriptions generally relate form to function, or the original function the dog was bred to perform. As a blueprint, standards describe the desired general appearance, movement, temperament, and specific physical traits such as height and weight, coat type and colors, eye color and shape, ear shape and placement, foot shape, tail carriage, and more. Some standards can be precise, and some can be rather general, leaving room for individual interpretation by judges. The human element results in the sport’ s subjective basis: one judge applies their interpretation of the standard and gives their opinion of the best dog on that particular day.
18 THE WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB 2026