At the time, Nic is flopped on his side on the living room carpet. A couple dachshunds and a basset hound compete for the Willards' attention. The house bears the marks of canine habitation, noseprints on the windows and bent blinds. The competition in mid-February was broadcast by the USA Network. There's Alan Willard in the ring, dressed up and looking nervous.
Judges carefully check each dog against the breed standard.
When pulled forward, ears should reach beyond the end of the nose. Judges check the dog's teeth. An overbite can doom a dog's chances. Handlers also trot around the ring with their dogs. Judges make sure the dogs have the proper gait.