THE ROAD TO BEST IN SHOW

TYPE OF CLASS	DESCRIPTION
PUPPY 6-9 Month 9-12 Month	Any dog of the specific breed that is at least 6 months old and less than 12 months old on the day of the show.  The PUPPY class can be divided into 6-9 month and 9-12 month.
12-18 MONTHS	Any dog of the specific breed that is at least 12 months old but less that 18 months old on the day of the show.
NOVICE	Any dog of the specific breed that has never won a blue ribbon in any of the other classes, or has won less than three ribbons in the NOVICE class.
BRED-BY EXHIBITOR	Any dog of the specific breed that was bred by the person, or family member, that is showing that dog.
AMERICAN BRED	Any dog of the specific breed whose parents mated in The United States and the dog was born in The United States.
OPEN	Any dog of the specific breed.
WINNERS	After the CLASSES are judged, all of the dogs that won first place in the classes compete again to see who is the best of the class winners. This is done separately for dogs (Winners Dog) and bitches (Winners Bitch). Only the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch receive points towards a championship title. Winners Dog and Winners Bitch will come back in and compete with Champions for Best in Breed or Variety (see next class). After the Winners are judged, the Winners of each class and the 2nd place winner from the same class as the Winner came from come back in the ring for RESERVE WINNER given in each sex.
BEST OF BREED OR VARIETY	The Winners Dog and Winners Bitch compete with Champions for the title of BEST OF BREED OR VARIETY. At the end of the Best of Breed Competition, three awards are usually given: BEST OF BREED OR VARIETY - the dog judged as the best in its breed catagory. BEST OF WINNERS - the dog judged as best between the Winners Dog and the Winners Bitch. BEST OF OPPOSITE SEX - the best dog that is the opposite sex of the Best of Breed winner.

GROUP Seven Groups

Only the Best of Breed or Variety winners advance to compete in the GROUP competition. Each AKC-recognized breed falls into one of seven group classifications. Four placements are awarded in each group, but only the first-place winner advances to the BEST IN SHOW competition. First-place is usually a blue rosette, second-place is usually a red rosette, third-place is usually a yellow rosette, and fourth-place is usually a white rosette.  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 - Were used for hunting other game by sight or scent. These breeds include Beagles, Bassets, Dachshunds, and Greyhounds.  WORKING - These dogs were used to pull carts, guard property and for search and rescue. Among the breeds are the Kita, Boxer, Doberman Pinscher and St. Bernards.  TERRIER - This is the largest group, with breeds including the Airedale, Bull Terrier and Scottish Terrier. Terriers ere bred to rid property of vermin such as rats.  TOY - These dogs were bred to be prized companions of royalty. This group includes little dogs such as the Chihuahua, Maltese, Pomeranian and Pug.  NON-SPORTING - This diverse group includes the Chow Chow, Bulldog, Dalmation and Poodle. These dogs share attributes, but don't fit into the mold of other dog groups.  HERDING - These dogs were bred to help shepherds and ranchsers herd their livestock. Among this group are the Briard, Collie, German Shepherd and Old English.

BEST IN SHOW

The seven group winners are brought into the ring where they compete for BEST IN SHOW , the highest award at a dog show.