Читать книгу Puppies - Amy Fernandez - Страница 8

Most dogs no longer fulfill their original functions, but this has not diminished their appeal. Humans still choose to share their lives with dogs of every shape and size. Their varied talents are suited to every interest and lifestyle. There are, for example, sporting breeds that make good matches for active dog owners and companion breeds better suited for a quiet life at home. Some breeds remain highly popular despite the fact that their traditional working roles have become obsolete. Conformation shows and Earthdog, field, and herding trials ensure that unique canine traits are not lost. A working trial can provide an outlet for your dog’s natural instincts and give you an opportunity to appreciate her traditional heritage.

Conformation Dog Shows

PUREBRED PUPPIES OF ALL BREEDS CAN COMPETE AT conformation dog shows to earn championship titles and national rankings. The American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club are the major organizations sponsoring conformation shows in the United States, and many smaller organizations offer titles for rare and unrecognized breeds. They all provide separate classes for puppies, and many feature special competitions and prizes for puppies. Entries in each class are graded first through fourth place according to how well participants conform to the breed’s Standard of Perfection, or Breed Standard. First place winners in the classes advance to the next level of competition to earn championship points. Here, they must defeat the other Best of Breed winners from that particular group and Best in Show competition, in which all of the Best in Group winners compete for the top prize. Major shows can be extremely competitive. If you are considering showing your puppy in conformation events, start by enrolling her in a conformation training class, where she’ll learn the basics of how to move properly on a lead and how to stand for examination.