How Competing in Group Competitions Works

By Kelly Marshall

Your dog is qualified to compete in a dog clubs group judging if chosen as 'Best of Breed'. Contrary to what some novices believe, as long as your dog shows well, is well trained, in good health, and in good condition, he can go Best of Breed regardless of whether this is you or your pets first or fifteenth show. Occasionally a dog entered in a dog show ends up being the only dog of that particular breed entered. If the judge believes that your dog is a good example of that particular breed, you are entitled to compete in Best of Breed. Although you do not 'have to' compete, if your dog is chosen or eligible to enter the group competition and you may feel there is very little chance for him to win or even place, it is a great experience you should not miss out on. Both you and your dog will benefit from experiencing the dog 'group competition' event.

One difference when showing in the group competition is the size of the dog ring, which is an awful lot bigger than other dog show rings. The larger show ring results in both the dog and handler having to cover more ground when gaiting around the show ring. Another difference is, instead of only competing again the same breed of dog as yours, you will be competing against other breeds that are Best of Breed winners.

To examine a dog, the judge in the group judging often remains in one place and has every individual dog brought to him or her. When the dogs go around the ring, if the judge could not get a good view or for some reason they dispensed with circling the ring, the judge will normally have each dog individually gait. This way the judge looks for soundness while standing in the ring at the end and then moves to see the overall appearance of the dog from the other side.

It is important to have your dog between the judge and you, which you do by moving the lead to the other hand when necessary. One option instead of having the dog individually gaited and examined by taking the dog to the judge is the judge examining and gaiting each dog individually by walking alone the line and then examining the next. Some judges prefer examining all the animals and the gait them all.

Everyone is nervous in the group ring whether it is their first time or they have been there many times before. The judge follows the same procedures in the breed classes when he or she places the dogs First through Fourth place.

For more information recommended by Kelly Marshall, see these recent articles The Keen Sense of Smell and Tips On The Family Dog