Fall Hollow Great Danes - Glossary of Anatomy and Dog Show Terms

Classes

Groups

Sporting - These dogs were bred to hunt game birds both on land and in the water. The breeds in this group include Pointers, Retrievers, Setters and Spaniels.

Hounds - These breeds were bred for hunting other game by sight or scent. These breeds include such dogs as Beagles, Bassets, Dachshunds and Greyhounds.

Working - These dogs were bred to pull carts, guard property and perform search and rescue services. Among the breeds in this group are the Great Dane, Akita, Boxer, Doberman Pinscher and St. Bernard.

Terrier - This group includes breeds such as the Airedale, Cairn Terrier and Scottish Terrier. Terriers were bred to rid property of vermin such as rats.

Toy - These dogs were bred to be household companions. This group includes little dogs such as the Chihuahua, Maltese, Pomeranian and Pug.

Non-Sporting - This diverse group includes the Chow Chow, Bulldog, Dalmatian and Poodle. These dogs vary in size and function, and many are considered companion dogs.

Herding - These dogs were bred to help shepherds and ranchers herd their livestock. The Briard, Collie, German Shepherd Dog and Old English Sheepdog are some of the breeds in this group.

Dog Show Terms

Angulation - Angles created by bones meeting at their joints.

Baiting - Using liver or some treat to get the dog's attention and have him look alert.

Bench Show - A dog show at which the dogs are kept on assigned benches when not being shown in competition, so they can be viewed and discussed by attendees, exhibitors and breeders.

Exhibitor - A person who brings a dog to a dog show and shows it in the appropriate class.

Fancier - A person who is especially interested, and usually active, in some phase of the sport of purebred dogs.

Gait - The way a dog moves, movement is a good indicator of structure and condition.

Groom - To brush, comb, trim or otherwise make a dog's coat neat.

Handler - A person or agent who takes a dog into the show ring or who works the dog at a field trial or other performance event.

Heel - A command to a dog to keep close beside its handler.

Match Show - A usually informal dog show at which no championship points are awarded.

Miscellaneous Class - Transitional class for breeds attempting to advance to full AKC recognition.

Pedigree - The written record of a dog's family tree of three or more generations.

Points - Credits earned toward a championship.

Soundness - Mental and physical well-being.

Stacking - Posing the dog's legs and body to create a pleasing picture.

Best of Breed Ribbon

Best in Show Ribbon

Class Win Ribbon

Winners Ribbon

1. Cheek
2. Ear (cropped)
3. Stop
4. Muzzle
5. Lip

Puppy - For dogs between six and twelve months of age, that are not yet champions.

Twelve-To-Eighteen Months - For dogs twelve to eighteen months of age, that are not yet champions.

Novice - For dogs six months of age and over, which have not, prior to the date of closing of entries, won three first prizes in the Novice Class, a first prize in Bred-by-Exhibitor, American-bred, or Open Classes, nor one or more points toward their championship.

Bred By Exhibitor - For dogs that are exhibited by their owner and breeder, that are not yet champions.

American-Bred - For dogs born in the United States from a mating which took place in the United States, that are not yet champions.

Open - For any dog of the breed, at least 6 months of age.

*The winners of each class advance to compete in the Winners’ Class.*

Winners - the dog judged as the best of all the classes, that are not yet champions. The winners dog and bitch advance to compete with dogs that are already champions for Best of Breed.

Best of Winners - the dog judged as the better of the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch.

Best of Breed - the dog judged as the best in its breed category. The winner will advance to compete for Best in Group. See below for Group definitions.

Best of Opposite Sex - the best dog that is the opposite sex to the Best of Breed winner.

Best in Group – the dog judged as the best in its group. The winner will advance to compete for Best in Show. The Best in Group competition is what you see on most televised dog shows.

Best in Show – the dog judged as the best in the entire dog show. This is the best of the best on that day.

6. Shoulder
7. Forechest
8. Foreleg
9. Pastern
10. Forefoot (toes)

16. Tail
17. Croup
18. Back
19. Withers

11. Wrist
12. Brisket
13. Stifle
14. Hindfoot (toes)
15. Hock