Post by Aged Sports on Apr 22, 2013 3:26:34 GMT -5
Terms A Thru C
Agility
An obstacle race for dogs. Dogs and handlers complete course made up of jumps, A-frames, dog walks, weave pole, tunnels and other apparatus at a controlled pace. Speed and accuracy are important in developing the skills required for agility.
All-Breed Club
An organized group of dog fanciers, recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) and/or American Kennel Club (AKC) to hold all-breed dog shows and performance events within their geographic boundaries. New clubs are considered "Sanctioned" which means that although they are officially recognized, they are not yet authorized to hold pointed shows. "Licensed" clubs have successfully completed a series of pre-requisite qualifying events, and are now authorized to conduct official all-breed events which award points. "Member" clubs are licensed clubs who have opted to have a representative regularly attend and represent their interests as a voting member club of the CKC and/or AKC. An important requisite mission that all clubs must perform is their duty to educate the general public on responsible dog ownership, breeding practices, and the multi-faceted world of purebred dogs.
All-Breed Show
An event where dogs are judged as to how closely each CONFORMS (hence the term "conformation") to it's own breed's written standard of perfection. Often shows are accompanied by Obedience Trials, Junior Showmanship Competition, and some non-regular class events, such as sweepstakes and futurities or Canine Good Citizen tests. Exhibitors are usually happy to talk to you about their breed, their breeding program, etc. *after* they have finished showing. Please do not touch or feed the dogs without first receiving the owner's direct permission.
American Kennel Club
Organized in the late 1800's, the AKC is a body of licensed clubs whose stated mission is to:
Maintain a registry for purebred dogs and preserve its integrity. Sanction dog events that promote interest in, and sustain the process of, breeding for type and function of purebred dogs.
The AKC's stated objective is to advance the study, breeding, exhibiting, running and maintenance of purebred dogs. AKC states its' core values as:
"The human/animal bond, which is perpetuated and supported by purpose-bred dogs for companionship, sport, work, service, etc., is valuable. Dogs bring joy and people who keep dogs as pets feel safer and live longer. All dogs are wonderful, but purpose bred or purebred dogs are more predictable in many important ways than random- bred dogs and therefore make better pets. Pet ownership is more widespread in the US today than in any other country of the world, at any time in history. More than 50% of all households have pets; 36% keep dogs, about a third of which are recognizable breeds. Breeding for type and function to create, preserve and improve breeds ties modern urban populations with the 12,000 year tradition of animal husbandry, now vanishing from the rest of our culture. In the last 100 years, this country, along with the rest of the Western world, has undergone what many historians call the most dramatic transformation in human history. It is the shift from rural, agricultural society to an urban technological one. When AKC was created, more than half of all Americans lived on farms. Even at the turn of the century, 85% of all jobs were agriculturally based. Today, less than one in fifty Americans lives on a farm but more than 50% of households maintains positive contact with animals by keeping pets. Very few people have hands-on experience in animal husbandry anymore-- and that make AKC's constituents unique subject matter experts in an area that touches and matters to half of all households. AKC breeders are the experts, the preservationist, the ones who tie society to its past and support society's present need to maintain the human/animal bond."
Armband
A number printed on paper which an exhibitor wears to indicate the entered dog's (or Junior's) reference number in the judge's book and catalog. This number is the only identification that the judge is allowed access to before and during the competition.
Article
Items used in Obedience Trial competition which are utilized in exercises testing retrieval on command or scent discrimination. These can be wooden, leather or metal dumbbells.
Bait
When used as a verb, as "to bait the dog" or "to freebait," this refers to using an item of food or toy to gain the dogs' attention; showing expression and animation to the judge. When used as a noun, it refers to items of food (usually cooked liver, cheese, or other treat) used to bait the dog to show expression and animation.
Benched Show
An all-breed show specifically designed for public education and enjoyment, wherein all dogs are required to stay in an assigned "benching area" for the duration of the show, (except when being exercised, groomed, or exhibited) in order that the public may easily view the exhibits up close and talk to the breeders, owners, and handlers. There are very few benched shows left in the USA - the ones that readily come to mind are Westminster Kennel Club in New York City, International Kennel Club in Chicago, and Golden Gate in San Francisco. These are very large, heavily attended shows by the public. Excellent for the public, but can be exhausting for the exhibitors.
Best In Show (BIS)
A coveted award given to the ONE dog who, at the end of an all-breed dog show, has successfully defeated ALL other dogs of all breeds entered that day - by being judged to be the dog who - on that day, is considered to be the most closely conforming to it's own breed's written standard of excellence. The rosette given for a BIS win is red, white and blue.
Best Junior Handler (BJH)
The award given to the ONE Junior Handler at an all-breed or specialty show, who is judged to have exhibited the highest degree of skill in presenting their dog as effectively and skillfully as possible, by way of defeating the balance of other junior handling entrants. The rosette given for a BJH win is pink and green.
Best of Winners (BOW)
A competition between the Winners Dog and the Winners Bitch, held during the Best of Breed Competition, whereby the two dogs are judged as to which one is considered to be most closely conformed to its written breed standard. The winner of BOW receives the highest number of points given to that breed's WD or WB that day. For instance, if it was only two points in Dogs that day, and 4 points in Bitches, and the Dog won Best of Winners, he, too would be awarded 4 points.
Bitch
A female dog. NOT a dirty word. Get used to it.
Brace
Two dogs of the same breed and exact same ownership being shown together as a pair in order to display the breeder's consistency in their breeding program. Dogs selected to be shown in a brace should display the same attributes, virtues, style and type. Brace competition is a non-regular competition and no points are awarded.
Bred By
A competitive class in conformation, the Bred by Exhibitor class is a breeder's showcase of the specimens s/he is most proud of - and those that they wish to represent the best of their kennel. Exhibits must be shown by the actual breeder of record - not a handler. AKC has recently implemented a program to award dogs who finish their championships entirely from the BBE class. A medallion is given to the breeder as special recognition.
Breed
Used as a verb, to breed is to cause the reproduction of two animals. As a noun, the term "Breed" is used to describe a particular sub-species of animals of similar type and heritage, who have been carefully and intentionally bred to meet certain functional, temperamental, and physical characteristics. "Breed competition" or "in the breed ring" are also common references to competiting in the conformation classes at a dog show.
Breed Standard
A written standard of excellence describing the functional, temperamental, and physical attributes which the dedicated students and caretakers of the breed - via their national parent organization, have agreed upon as the official description of perfection for their particular breed.
Campaign (Conformation)
To enter and compete in a large number of shows with a Champion of Record (a "Special") - in order to obtain national rankings by way of defeating the greatest number of other dogs. Most commonly done by using the services of a Professional Handler. Requires a substantial investment and an excellent dog and handler.
Campaign (Obedience)
To enter and compete in a large number of obedience trials at the Open or Utility level. Points are accumulated with the scores achieved. Top dogs are recognized by the CKC and/or the AKC for placements in both the breed and group. An overall "Top 10" list is accumulated of the dogs and handlers that achieve the highest point totals in their respective countries during a calendar year.
Canine Good Citizen
AKC's temperament certification program aimed mostly towards the general public as an encouragement to buy/breed only temperamentally sound dogs, and to do at least a *little* obedience training, so that their dogs will be welcome, safe, and happy in public situations. Dogs and their handlers are put through a series of simple exercises such as walking on lead through a crowd of strangers, sitting on command, standing for examination, response to being left alone for a moment, etc. Successful participants are given a certificate of achievement. Although the "CGC" is NOT an official AKC title, many people are proud to list this among their dogs accomplishments, as it represents that the dog is of stable temperament in public.
The CKC
The Canadian Kennel Club is devoted to encouraging, guiding and advancing the interests of purebred dogs and their responsible owners and breeders in Canada. It promotes the knowledge and understanding of the benefits which dogs can bring to Canada and the means by which these benefits can most effectively be enjoyed. The CKC cooperates with governments at all levels in Canada in the development of legislation which will effectively control the activities of irresponsible dog owners and breeders without unduly restricting responsible owners and breeders. The C.K.C maintains a system of registration of purebred dogs that satisfies the requirements of the Animal Pedigree Act, Agriculture Canada and the Club members. It maintains a system whereby clubs and associations wishing to do so may hold dogs shows, obedience trials, field trials and other trials, tests and activities for purebred dogs under the auspices of and in accordance with the rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures established by the Club. It encourages and assists persons and organizations engaged in these activities and co-operates with other associations and clubs engaged in furthering the interests of purebred animals.
Catalogue
A document sold at shows which lists each entered dog's entry number, class entered, registered name and number, breeder, owner, sire, dam, and date of birth. Excellent tool for following along with the competition and looking for patterns in breeding that you prefer, as well as breeders and exhibitors to contact. If the show also has obedience classes the catalogue will list each dog by class and entry numbers. It will also list the same information about the handler and dog as for the conformation classes.
Champion
In AKC competition, a Champion of Record ("CH") title is given to a dog or bitch who has won a total of 15 points at licensed AKC shows. At least 6 of these points must have come from "Major" wins (see "Points") under different judges. A Champion of Record may then enter and compete in the Best of Breed competition, and the "CH" becomes an official prefix to the dog's registered name. In CKC competition, a Champion of Record ("CH") title is given to a dog or bitch earning 10 points at licensed CKC shows under at least 3 different judges. As with the AKC, a Champion of Record may then enter and compete in the Best of Breed competition, and the "CH" becomes an official prefix to the dog's registered name. Champions are often referred to as "specials" - usually when they are being actively campaigned. Champions of Record also used to be commonly referred to as "bench champions" referring to the formerly common practice of holding benched shows.
Choke
As a noun, a "choke" is a metal, nylon, or leather collar consisting of a straight piece of the material, usually joined by looping it through one of two rings on each end. This is the most common collar worn by dogs in the breed ring. Worn properly, with the pull loop coming off the top of the head, this does NOT actually choke the dog, but rather gives a quick correction to get the dog's attention. It immediately releases. Kind of a quick "Hello?!" or "Hey, knock it off!" signal from the handler to the dog.
Classes
Although there ARE actual instructional classes available to learn to handle dogs in many performance events, the most common use of the term "Classes" is when referring to the different class divisions which are available to show your dog in when entered at a dog show. In conformation, the "class dogs" (those who have not finished their championships) are divided first by sex (males go in first), then further divided by age group and experience level.
Regular Conformatoin Classes are:
Junior Puppy 6 months to under 9 months ("6 to 9")
Senior Puppy 9 months to under 12 months ("9 to 12")
12 months to under 18 months ("12 to 18") (Specialties only)
Novice (for unpointed dogs)
Bred By Exhibitor ("Bred-By" - shown by the dog's breeder)
Canadian Bred ("CanBred" - bred & whelped in Canada) or AmBred bred amd whelped in the US
Open (open to all purebred dogs at least 6 mos old, but usually containing fully mature dogs)
The first place winners of each of these classes in each sex compete for Winners Dog or Winners Bitch. These two remaining dogs are the only dogs of that breed who, at that show, receive points towards their championships. These two dogs also compete in the Specials Only class for Best of Breed that day.
In obedience competition, the following classes exist:
Novice A - dogs and handlers that are trying to obtain a CD for the first time
Novice B - dogs and handlers that are trying to obtain a CD that have an OTCH on a dog or are professional trainers
Open A - dogs and handlers that are trying to obtain a CDX for the first time
Open B - dogs and handlers that have obtained a CDX or are professional trainers.
Utility (Canadian) - those trying to obtain the UD and OTCH designation
Utility A (American) - those trying to obtain the UD title for the first time
Utility B (American) - those trying to obtain an OTCH in the US
In obedience competition, dogs and handlers compete for "LEGS" which are qualifying scores of 170 or more out of a possible 200. To earn a title, a dog and handler must get 3 "LEGS" under at least 2 different judges.
Closing Date
The last date by which entries must be received by the show superintendent or secretary, in order for an entry to be valid and included in the show's competition. Entries usually close 3-4 weeks prior to the show date in order to allow the club to arrange the judging schedule and prepare and print the catalogs etc. Closing dates are always listed clearly in the premium lists, as well as in the CKC's "Dogs in Canada" magazine for Canadian Shows or for American shows, the AKC's Gazette
Conformation
How well a specific dog's structure, type and temperament conform to it's breed's written standard of excellence.
Conformation competition is also commonly referred to as "breed competition."
The term "dog confirmation," on the other hand, is reserved for dogs who confirm their faith by regularly attending Catholic Mass.
Crate
A containment unit used to safely transport and house a dog during rest periods. Dogs feel very safe and secure in their crates, which double as their private "dens." Crates are a CRITICAL piece of safety equipment for ALL dogs travelling in cars. Crates function in much the same way as does a child's safety seat; preventing dogs from being hurled through glass windows during a collision, and taking the impact of a crash. DOGS (and people for that matter) SHOULD *NEVER* ride loose in the back of a truck. If you wouldn't allow your three year old barefoot human child to stand on a hot or wet and slippery truckbed floor with no protection from the elements or from the effects of a sudden stop, bump, turn, or collision, why would you allow your dog??!! Illegal in most states and grounds for *immediate* and non-negotiable, contractually enforced return of any dog we adopt into a new family.
Croup
The lower spinal region of a dog, containing the back of the pelvis to the root of the tail.
Crufts
"The" international dog show of the year, held outside of London, England each March. Visit Crufts' page.
Read More: Kennel Club
Agility
An obstacle race for dogs. Dogs and handlers complete course made up of jumps, A-frames, dog walks, weave pole, tunnels and other apparatus at a controlled pace. Speed and accuracy are important in developing the skills required for agility.
All-Breed Club
An organized group of dog fanciers, recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) and/or American Kennel Club (AKC) to hold all-breed dog shows and performance events within their geographic boundaries. New clubs are considered "Sanctioned" which means that although they are officially recognized, they are not yet authorized to hold pointed shows. "Licensed" clubs have successfully completed a series of pre-requisite qualifying events, and are now authorized to conduct official all-breed events which award points. "Member" clubs are licensed clubs who have opted to have a representative regularly attend and represent their interests as a voting member club of the CKC and/or AKC. An important requisite mission that all clubs must perform is their duty to educate the general public on responsible dog ownership, breeding practices, and the multi-faceted world of purebred dogs.
All-Breed Show
An event where dogs are judged as to how closely each CONFORMS (hence the term "conformation") to it's own breed's written standard of perfection. Often shows are accompanied by Obedience Trials, Junior Showmanship Competition, and some non-regular class events, such as sweepstakes and futurities or Canine Good Citizen tests. Exhibitors are usually happy to talk to you about their breed, their breeding program, etc. *after* they have finished showing. Please do not touch or feed the dogs without first receiving the owner's direct permission.
American Kennel Club
Organized in the late 1800's, the AKC is a body of licensed clubs whose stated mission is to:
Maintain a registry for purebred dogs and preserve its integrity. Sanction dog events that promote interest in, and sustain the process of, breeding for type and function of purebred dogs.
The AKC's stated objective is to advance the study, breeding, exhibiting, running and maintenance of purebred dogs. AKC states its' core values as:
"The human/animal bond, which is perpetuated and supported by purpose-bred dogs for companionship, sport, work, service, etc., is valuable. Dogs bring joy and people who keep dogs as pets feel safer and live longer. All dogs are wonderful, but purpose bred or purebred dogs are more predictable in many important ways than random- bred dogs and therefore make better pets. Pet ownership is more widespread in the US today than in any other country of the world, at any time in history. More than 50% of all households have pets; 36% keep dogs, about a third of which are recognizable breeds. Breeding for type and function to create, preserve and improve breeds ties modern urban populations with the 12,000 year tradition of animal husbandry, now vanishing from the rest of our culture. In the last 100 years, this country, along with the rest of the Western world, has undergone what many historians call the most dramatic transformation in human history. It is the shift from rural, agricultural society to an urban technological one. When AKC was created, more than half of all Americans lived on farms. Even at the turn of the century, 85% of all jobs were agriculturally based. Today, less than one in fifty Americans lives on a farm but more than 50% of households maintains positive contact with animals by keeping pets. Very few people have hands-on experience in animal husbandry anymore-- and that make AKC's constituents unique subject matter experts in an area that touches and matters to half of all households. AKC breeders are the experts, the preservationist, the ones who tie society to its past and support society's present need to maintain the human/animal bond."
Armband
A number printed on paper which an exhibitor wears to indicate the entered dog's (or Junior's) reference number in the judge's book and catalog. This number is the only identification that the judge is allowed access to before and during the competition.
Article
Items used in Obedience Trial competition which are utilized in exercises testing retrieval on command or scent discrimination. These can be wooden, leather or metal dumbbells.
Bait
When used as a verb, as "to bait the dog" or "to freebait," this refers to using an item of food or toy to gain the dogs' attention; showing expression and animation to the judge. When used as a noun, it refers to items of food (usually cooked liver, cheese, or other treat) used to bait the dog to show expression and animation.
Benched Show
An all-breed show specifically designed for public education and enjoyment, wherein all dogs are required to stay in an assigned "benching area" for the duration of the show, (except when being exercised, groomed, or exhibited) in order that the public may easily view the exhibits up close and talk to the breeders, owners, and handlers. There are very few benched shows left in the USA - the ones that readily come to mind are Westminster Kennel Club in New York City, International Kennel Club in Chicago, and Golden Gate in San Francisco. These are very large, heavily attended shows by the public. Excellent for the public, but can be exhausting for the exhibitors.
Best In Show (BIS)
A coveted award given to the ONE dog who, at the end of an all-breed dog show, has successfully defeated ALL other dogs of all breeds entered that day - by being judged to be the dog who - on that day, is considered to be the most closely conforming to it's own breed's written standard of excellence. The rosette given for a BIS win is red, white and blue.
Best Junior Handler (BJH)
The award given to the ONE Junior Handler at an all-breed or specialty show, who is judged to have exhibited the highest degree of skill in presenting their dog as effectively and skillfully as possible, by way of defeating the balance of other junior handling entrants. The rosette given for a BJH win is pink and green.
Best of Winners (BOW)
A competition between the Winners Dog and the Winners Bitch, held during the Best of Breed Competition, whereby the two dogs are judged as to which one is considered to be most closely conformed to its written breed standard. The winner of BOW receives the highest number of points given to that breed's WD or WB that day. For instance, if it was only two points in Dogs that day, and 4 points in Bitches, and the Dog won Best of Winners, he, too would be awarded 4 points.
Bitch
A female dog. NOT a dirty word. Get used to it.
Brace
Two dogs of the same breed and exact same ownership being shown together as a pair in order to display the breeder's consistency in their breeding program. Dogs selected to be shown in a brace should display the same attributes, virtues, style and type. Brace competition is a non-regular competition and no points are awarded.
Bred By
A competitive class in conformation, the Bred by Exhibitor class is a breeder's showcase of the specimens s/he is most proud of - and those that they wish to represent the best of their kennel. Exhibits must be shown by the actual breeder of record - not a handler. AKC has recently implemented a program to award dogs who finish their championships entirely from the BBE class. A medallion is given to the breeder as special recognition.
Breed
Used as a verb, to breed is to cause the reproduction of two animals. As a noun, the term "Breed" is used to describe a particular sub-species of animals of similar type and heritage, who have been carefully and intentionally bred to meet certain functional, temperamental, and physical characteristics. "Breed competition" or "in the breed ring" are also common references to competiting in the conformation classes at a dog show.
Breed Standard
A written standard of excellence describing the functional, temperamental, and physical attributes which the dedicated students and caretakers of the breed - via their national parent organization, have agreed upon as the official description of perfection for their particular breed.
Campaign (Conformation)
To enter and compete in a large number of shows with a Champion of Record (a "Special") - in order to obtain national rankings by way of defeating the greatest number of other dogs. Most commonly done by using the services of a Professional Handler. Requires a substantial investment and an excellent dog and handler.
Campaign (Obedience)
To enter and compete in a large number of obedience trials at the Open or Utility level. Points are accumulated with the scores achieved. Top dogs are recognized by the CKC and/or the AKC for placements in both the breed and group. An overall "Top 10" list is accumulated of the dogs and handlers that achieve the highest point totals in their respective countries during a calendar year.
Canine Good Citizen
AKC's temperament certification program aimed mostly towards the general public as an encouragement to buy/breed only temperamentally sound dogs, and to do at least a *little* obedience training, so that their dogs will be welcome, safe, and happy in public situations. Dogs and their handlers are put through a series of simple exercises such as walking on lead through a crowd of strangers, sitting on command, standing for examination, response to being left alone for a moment, etc. Successful participants are given a certificate of achievement. Although the "CGC" is NOT an official AKC title, many people are proud to list this among their dogs accomplishments, as it represents that the dog is of stable temperament in public.
The CKC
The Canadian Kennel Club is devoted to encouraging, guiding and advancing the interests of purebred dogs and their responsible owners and breeders in Canada. It promotes the knowledge and understanding of the benefits which dogs can bring to Canada and the means by which these benefits can most effectively be enjoyed. The CKC cooperates with governments at all levels in Canada in the development of legislation which will effectively control the activities of irresponsible dog owners and breeders without unduly restricting responsible owners and breeders. The C.K.C maintains a system of registration of purebred dogs that satisfies the requirements of the Animal Pedigree Act, Agriculture Canada and the Club members. It maintains a system whereby clubs and associations wishing to do so may hold dogs shows, obedience trials, field trials and other trials, tests and activities for purebred dogs under the auspices of and in accordance with the rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures established by the Club. It encourages and assists persons and organizations engaged in these activities and co-operates with other associations and clubs engaged in furthering the interests of purebred animals.
Catalogue
A document sold at shows which lists each entered dog's entry number, class entered, registered name and number, breeder, owner, sire, dam, and date of birth. Excellent tool for following along with the competition and looking for patterns in breeding that you prefer, as well as breeders and exhibitors to contact. If the show also has obedience classes the catalogue will list each dog by class and entry numbers. It will also list the same information about the handler and dog as for the conformation classes.
Champion
In AKC competition, a Champion of Record ("CH") title is given to a dog or bitch who has won a total of 15 points at licensed AKC shows. At least 6 of these points must have come from "Major" wins (see "Points") under different judges. A Champion of Record may then enter and compete in the Best of Breed competition, and the "CH" becomes an official prefix to the dog's registered name. In CKC competition, a Champion of Record ("CH") title is given to a dog or bitch earning 10 points at licensed CKC shows under at least 3 different judges. As with the AKC, a Champion of Record may then enter and compete in the Best of Breed competition, and the "CH" becomes an official prefix to the dog's registered name. Champions are often referred to as "specials" - usually when they are being actively campaigned. Champions of Record also used to be commonly referred to as "bench champions" referring to the formerly common practice of holding benched shows.
Choke
As a noun, a "choke" is a metal, nylon, or leather collar consisting of a straight piece of the material, usually joined by looping it through one of two rings on each end. This is the most common collar worn by dogs in the breed ring. Worn properly, with the pull loop coming off the top of the head, this does NOT actually choke the dog, but rather gives a quick correction to get the dog's attention. It immediately releases. Kind of a quick "Hello?!" or "Hey, knock it off!" signal from the handler to the dog.
Classes
Although there ARE actual instructional classes available to learn to handle dogs in many performance events, the most common use of the term "Classes" is when referring to the different class divisions which are available to show your dog in when entered at a dog show. In conformation, the "class dogs" (those who have not finished their championships) are divided first by sex (males go in first), then further divided by age group and experience level.
Regular Conformatoin Classes are:
Junior Puppy 6 months to under 9 months ("6 to 9")
Senior Puppy 9 months to under 12 months ("9 to 12")
12 months to under 18 months ("12 to 18") (Specialties only)
Novice (for unpointed dogs)
Bred By Exhibitor ("Bred-By" - shown by the dog's breeder)
Canadian Bred ("CanBred" - bred & whelped in Canada) or AmBred bred amd whelped in the US
Open (open to all purebred dogs at least 6 mos old, but usually containing fully mature dogs)
The first place winners of each of these classes in each sex compete for Winners Dog or Winners Bitch. These two remaining dogs are the only dogs of that breed who, at that show, receive points towards their championships. These two dogs also compete in the Specials Only class for Best of Breed that day.
In obedience competition, the following classes exist:
Novice A - dogs and handlers that are trying to obtain a CD for the first time
Novice B - dogs and handlers that are trying to obtain a CD that have an OTCH on a dog or are professional trainers
Open A - dogs and handlers that are trying to obtain a CDX for the first time
Open B - dogs and handlers that have obtained a CDX or are professional trainers.
Utility (Canadian) - those trying to obtain the UD and OTCH designation
Utility A (American) - those trying to obtain the UD title for the first time
Utility B (American) - those trying to obtain an OTCH in the US
In obedience competition, dogs and handlers compete for "LEGS" which are qualifying scores of 170 or more out of a possible 200. To earn a title, a dog and handler must get 3 "LEGS" under at least 2 different judges.
Closing Date
The last date by which entries must be received by the show superintendent or secretary, in order for an entry to be valid and included in the show's competition. Entries usually close 3-4 weeks prior to the show date in order to allow the club to arrange the judging schedule and prepare and print the catalogs etc. Closing dates are always listed clearly in the premium lists, as well as in the CKC's "Dogs in Canada" magazine for Canadian Shows or for American shows, the AKC's Gazette
Conformation
How well a specific dog's structure, type and temperament conform to it's breed's written standard of excellence.
Conformation competition is also commonly referred to as "breed competition."
The term "dog confirmation," on the other hand, is reserved for dogs who confirm their faith by regularly attending Catholic Mass.
Crate
A containment unit used to safely transport and house a dog during rest periods. Dogs feel very safe and secure in their crates, which double as their private "dens." Crates are a CRITICAL piece of safety equipment for ALL dogs travelling in cars. Crates function in much the same way as does a child's safety seat; preventing dogs from being hurled through glass windows during a collision, and taking the impact of a crash. DOGS (and people for that matter) SHOULD *NEVER* ride loose in the back of a truck. If you wouldn't allow your three year old barefoot human child to stand on a hot or wet and slippery truckbed floor with no protection from the elements or from the effects of a sudden stop, bump, turn, or collision, why would you allow your dog??!! Illegal in most states and grounds for *immediate* and non-negotiable, contractually enforced return of any dog we adopt into a new family.
Croup
The lower spinal region of a dog, containing the back of the pelvis to the root of the tail.
Crufts
"The" international dog show of the year, held outside of London, England each March. Visit Crufts' page.
Read More: Kennel Club
