The following article has been provided by the above author. All copy rights are held by the author and any reproduction of this material in whole or in part must have the authors approval. One of the most beautiful spectator sports in existence is a conformation or all-breed dog show.
Some dog lovers are already aficionados of the sport, attending shows in their hometown.
Many more people enjoy the Westminster show each February on television. The AKC is a national dog organization that oversees and maintains the registry of purebred dog breeds as well as supervising the showing of these dogs. While all dogs are marvelous creatures, purebred dogs have been created and bred for specific traits, skills, and physical characteristics in order to perform a unique job, such as retrieving water fowl or herding sheep. At a show, dogs that most nearly conform to their breed's standard are judged to be the best. The competition starts with class judging, which is divided by gender and age.