Did You Catch the National Dog Show?
Last month, you may have caught the National Dog Show — an annual event put on by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia. In 2023, it was held on November 18 and 19. It’s also one of three major U.S. dog shows, with the others being the AKC National Championship, and the Westminster Dog Show.
If you’ve never seen a dog show, or maybe just caught a few minutes of one on TV, they can be difficult to wrap your head around. There are tons of breeds, contests, and more — but if you’re a dog lover, it can be fun to watch dog shows and maybe even catch some tips for taking care of your own pets.
If you want to know more about the National Dog show and dog shows in general, here’s what you should know.
What Is the National Dog Show?
The National Dog Show is an annual competition of purebred dogs hosted by Philadelphia's Kennel Club and sanctioned by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Although this event has been part of the Thanksgiving tradition for American households since 2002, its history predates its television tenure. The first National Dog Show took place in 1879, but it wasn’t until 1933 that it became an annual event.
How the National Dog Show Works
The National Dog Show features 200 pup breeds in seven distinct categories based on their attributes and roles. The dogs compete for the top spot in their respective categories and then for the overall best position, dubbed the Best in Show.
Categories include:
Toy
This group comprises the tiniest National Dog Show breeds from 3-7 pounds and 8-11 inches. The pups come in all coat types and colors and are highly attentive and affectionate. Breeds in this category include:
Chihuahua
Pug
Shih Tzu
Affenpinscher
Silky Terrier
Herding
Dogs in this National Dog Show category collaborate with human shepherds in moving livestock. They're intelligent, responsive, and high-energy, hence one of the easiest to train. Common herding breeds include:
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
German Shepherd
Border Collie
Puli
Iceland Sheepdog
Hound
You've most likely encountered many hounds in films, like Lady and the Tramp's Trusty and Cooper from "The Fox and the Hound." These pups are classified into sighthounds and scenthounds. The former has incredible vision and speed, while the latter can accurately sniff out charlatans like raccoons. Common breeds include:
Greyhound
Bloodhound
Dachshund
Treeing Walker Coonhound
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
Sporting
Sporting dogs are a hunter's favorite thanks to their keen senses, standing out for their remarkable ability to retrieve birds on land and in water. Examples include:
Labrador retriever
Cocker Spaniel
German shorthaired pointer
Spinone Italiano
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
Non-Sporting
Dogs in this category are undeniably cute and highly interactive. Most people seek them for companionship. Examples include:
Bulldog
Dalmatian
Poodle
Coton De Tulear
Xoloitzcuintle (like Dante from the film Coco)
Terrier
This category comprises some feisty pups. Initially, people bred short-legged terriers for burrowing after rodents while their long-legged counterparts dug them out. On the other hand, the "bully" terriers were the ultimate family companions. Common breeds in this category include:
Scottish Terrier
West Highland Terrier or Westie
Cesky Terrier
Welsh Terrier
Working
These punch-the-clock furry friends are among the most ancient breeds, originally raised to guard homes and help with activities like sled pulling. These dogs are popular for their wit, stature, and strength. Some of the breeds in this hardworking category include:
Boxer
Rottweiler
Kuvasz
Tibetan Mastiff
Great Dane
All the prestigious dogs in these categories are trained and groomed for years in preparation for the National Dog Show. They only have several minutes to display their capabilities and hard work. Canines that emerge at the top of the seven categories proceed to compete for the top title.
National Dog Show Judges Are Choosy, and Rightly So
Judges at the National Dog Show see hundreds of pups throughout the show. But what do the discerning personalities look for? The qualifying questions are tough:
Can the dog perform its originally bred function?
Does it portray the physical attributes characteristic of its breed?
What's the dog's fitness level?
Does it possess the right gait?
Judges also scrutinize each competitor's general demeanor.
Who Won The National Dog Show Last Year?
Winston, a French Bulldog, bagged the Best In Show award during the 2022 National Dog Show. This was the second time this dog breed won the title in four years. Can't wait to see the 2023 winner!
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