Road To Best In Show


TYPE OF CLASSES	There are seven different regular classes in which dogs may be entered. The following classes are offered for dogs and bitches separately in each breed entered at the show. PUPPY - Six-to-nine or nine-to-twelve months. TWELVE-TO-EIGHTEEN MONTHS NOVICE - 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 - Dog being shown was bred by the person, or family member that is showing that dog. AMERICAN-BRED - Dog's parents mated in America and the dog was born in America. OPEN - Any dog of that breed.

WINNERS OF CLASSES	After the *CLASSES* are judged, all the dogs that won first place in the classes compete again to see who is the best of the winning dogs. This is also done separately for male and female dogs. Only the best male (Winners Dog)* and the best female (Winners Bitch) receive championship point.* (A Reserve Winner award is given in each sex to the runner-up.)

BEST OF BREED COMPETITION	The Winners Dog and Winners Bitch then go on to compete with the champions for the title of *BEST OF BREED. At the end of the Best of Breed Competition, three awards are usually given: Best of Breed -* the dog judged as the best in its breed category. Best of Winners - the dog judged as best between the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch. Best of Opposite Sex - the best dog that is the opposite sex of the Best of Breed winner. Only the Best of Breed 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.

SEVEN GROUPS IN ALL-BREED SHOW	SPORTING - These dogs were bred to hunt game birds both on land and in the water. The breeds in this group include Pointer, Retrievers, Setters and Spaniels. HOUNDS - Were used for hunting other game by sight or scent. These breeds include such dogs as Beagles, Bassets, Dachshunds and Greyhounds. WORKING - These dogs were used to pull carts, guard property and for search and rescue. Among the breeds in this group are the Kita, boxer, Doberman Pinscher and St. Bernard. TERRIER - This is the largest group, with breeds including the Airedale, Bull Terrier and Scottish Terrier. Terriers were bred to rid property of vermin such as rats. TOY - These dogs were bred to be the 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, Dalmatian 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 ranchers herd their livestock. Among this group are the Briard, Collie, German Shepherd Dog and Old English Sheepdog.

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.

	DOGS

	PUPPY
	6-9 months
	9-12 months

	12-18
	MONTHS

	NOVICE

	BRED BY
	EXHIBITOR

	AMERICAN
	BRED

	OPEN

	BITCHES

	PUPPY
	6-9 months
	9-12 months

	12-18
	MONTHS

	NOVICE

	BRED BY
	EXHIBITOR

	AMERICAN
	BRED

	OPEN


	WINNERS
	DOG
	only male to receive championship points

	RESERVE
	WINNERS
	DOG

	WINNERS
	BITCH
	only male to receive championship points

	RESERVE
	WINNERS
	BITCH


	BEST OF
	BREED
	COMPETITION

	BEST OF
	WINNERS

	BEST OF
	OPPOSITE
	SEX


	SPORTING
	GROUP

	HOUND
	GROUP

	WORKING
	GROUP

	TERRIER
	GROUP

	TOY
	GROUP

	NON-SPORTING
	GROUP

	HERDING
	GROUP

BEST IN SHOW