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.
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.