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:
1. 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.
2. The AKC's stated objective is to advance the study, breeding, exhibiting, running and maintenance of
purebred dogs.
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/Tracking 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.
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.
CKC: 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. 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.
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 Conformation Classes are:
- Puppy 6 months to under 9 months ("6 to 9")
- Puppy 9 months to under 12 months ("9 to 12")
- Junior 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)
- CanBred ("CanBred" - bred & whelped in the USA)
- 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 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 (Amo 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 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.
Croup: The lower spinal region of a dog, containing the back of the pelvis to the root of the tail.
Dog: Used specifically, a term to describe a MALE canine. Generally, a term used to describe the canine
species.
Ex-Pen: A portable wire fencing unit taken to shows to allow dogs a safe, clean place to eliminate and
stretch out.
Finish: In conformation competition, to finish means to have won enough points to be awarded the title of
Champion of Record. In obedience a finish is a transitional movement the dog makes between the
completion of a recall, and the return to the heel position.
Flyball: A canine sport for dogs. A relay race with consisting of 4 dogs that individually run over 4 hurdles
placed 10 feet apart and retrieve a tennis ball after triggering a box. The dog must then return back over
the jumps with the tennis ball in their mouth. Once the dog has crossed the finish line, the next dog goes.
Once all 4 dogs have completed, the race is over. This sport is played with two lanes and whichever team
crosses the finish line first wins the race. Dogs compete for titles as well as for rosettes for defeating other
teams.
Free Bait: To use food, toy, or some other enticement to get the dog to stack properly (without physical
interaction from the handler) and show alert, animated expression while standing in the breed ring being
judged. The term "free" comes from "hands-free."
Futurity: A non-regular competition whereby the breeder nominates a litter before it is whelped, and
enters the produce from that litter in a special competition (usually held at National Specialty Shows). The
idea is that these dogs represent that breeders best efforts in researching and planing their highest quality
litter for that year, based upon their knowledge, understanding and confidence of the genetic potential of
the proposed breeding.
Gait: The most efficient way of moving for a particular dog. Most breeds are gaited at a trot or jogging
speed.
Get: The offspring of a stud dog.
Groom: To bathe, dry, comb, clip and scissors a dog to best exhibit its virtues. Very strict rules and
traditions govern "correct" grooming, and significant talent and experience is required to become excellent
at show-grooming the coated breeds.
Group(s): Groupings of dogs by their traditional functional similarities. The AKC and CKC currently has seven
group:
- Sporting (dogs used for upland gamebird hunting i.e. retrievers, pointers, setters, spaniels)
- Hound (dogs who track by sight or scent)
- Working (guard, pulling and/or rescue dogs)
- Terrier (dogs who were bred to kill vermin)
- Toy (dogs who were bred strictly as small companions to people)
- Non-Sporting (dogs whose original job no longer exists, or who no longer are used for their original
function)
- Herding (Dogs bred to gather and move livestock - formerly part of the Working Group)
Each recognized breed belongs to a specific Group. Each breed awards a Best of Breed (BOB) winner to
represent that breed in the afternoon's Group competition, whereby the BOB contestants compete for
group placement awards of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in group. The winner of each group's first place award
goes on to represent their group in the Best in Show competition at the end of the day.
Handler: The person presenting the dog in competition. Often a term used to refer to a professional
handler.
Judge: An adjudicating official tasked with evaluating and comparing how well, in his/her opinion, and in
comparison to the other dogs entered in the class that day, a dog conforms to its breed's written standard
of excellence. Other performance events also have official judges.
Judging Schedule: A small (usually free) publication offered by the superintendent/show secretary which
lists when and where each breed will be judged that day, and by whom. For a complete listing of dogs,
their breeders, owners, etc, buy a complete catalog.
Junior: A young person between the ages of 10 and up to their 18th birthday, who competes with other
juniors of similar age/experience levels in exhibiting their technical skills of handling dogs, ring conduct, and
sportsmanship.
Junior Handling: The actual competitive classes offered for Juniors exhibiting their handling skills, which are
usually offered at dog shows and matches. The AKC and CKC offer classes for two age groups, each divided
by skill:
- Novice Junior (Ages 10 up to 14, who have won less than three 1st place awards with competition)
- Novice Senior (Ages 14 up to 18, who have won less than three 1st place awards with competition)
- Open Junior (Ages 10 up to 14, who have won at least three 1st place awards with competition)
- Open Senior (Ages 14 up to 18, who have won at least three 1st place awards with competition)
The first place winners of each of these four classes compete for Best Junior Handler.
Lead: A thin leather, nylon, cotton, etc. piece of material usually with a metal snap or clip connector on
one end to attach to the dog's collar, and a loop on the other end for the handler to hold on to, leading
the dog around the show ring. This is not called a leash - which is a thick piece of material used to take your
dogs for a walk or compete in obedience.
Loin: The area of the body between the last ribcage and the beginning of the pelvis. (In human terms, this
would be the waist). The lower portion of the loin is known as the "tuck-up."
Major: "A Major" is a big win for a class dog who has defeated enough dogs that day by going Winners Dog
or Winners Bitch, to earn either 3, 4, or 5 points towards its championship. The point schedule is different
for each breed, sex, and region, depending upon entries. Also see "Points" definition below.
National: An annual specialty show hosted by the breed's national parent breed club. Usually considered
that breed's most important, competitive, and prestigious event to win or place well in.
Novice A/B: Basic level Obedience classes. Dogs successfully achieving three qualifying scores ("legs") of at
least 170 out of 200 points (including earning at least 50% of available points for each separate exercise)
are awarded the title "Companion Dog" and are allowed to add the "CD" suffix to their registered name.
Obedience classes are divided into two groups; (A and B) - "A" for exhibitors who have not yet added this
title to a dog's name that they have either handled or trained, and "B" or more experienced exhibitors who
have. Exercises in these classes include:
Heel on Leash and Figure Eight........40 points
Stand for Examination....................30 points
Heel Free (off leash) ........................40 points
Recall (return to handler and sit front)......30 points
Long Sit (1 minute)...........................30 points
Long Down (3 minutes) .....................30 points
Maximum Total Score....................200 points
In AKC competition the stand for exam is done off leash and in CKC competition the Stand for Exam is done
off leash and in CKC competition the Stand for Exam is done on leash.
Novice Junior: A handling class for young people between the ages of 10 and up to their 14th birthday
who have not yet won three first place awards in a novice handling class *with* competition.
Novice Senior: A handling class for young people between the ages of 14 and up to their 18th birthday
who have not yet won three first place awards in a novice handling class *with* competition.
Obedience: A competitive performance event whereby the dog and handler are judged on their ability to
execute a predetermined set of exercises which display the dog's ability to adhere to certain commands.
Dogs are scored on their tractability, style, and execution using a *very* strict scale of 0 - 200 points. Dogs
achieving 3 qualifying scores ("legs") of at least 170 are awarded official AKC/CKC titles as suffixes to their
registered name. The three regular AKC/CKC obedience classes - in order of degree of difficulty) are:
- Novice (which earns the title of "Companion Dog" or "CD")
- Open (which earns the title of "Companion Dog Excellent" or "CDX")
- Utility (which earns the title of "Utility Dog" or "UD")
There are additional titles available for dogs competing at the highest levels, such as UDX for dogs earning
10 qualifying scores in both Open B and Utility B, and OTCH (Obedience Trial Champion). Obedience Trials
can be held in conjunction with all-breed conformation shows, or as independent events. In Canada, 3 UD
legs earns the title of OTCH. In the US 100 points must be collected to earn the title of OTCH.
Occiput: A boney section of the skull located at the back of the topskull. Also known as an Occipital
Protuberance. This bone, during puberty, or if not situated properly in an adult, creates an unattractive
bump (or protuberance) in the shape of the headpiece. Situated properly, it creates a slight dome to the
skull.
Open A/B: Mid-level obedience classes (off leash) which earn the suffix title of Companion Dog Excellent
("CDX") when they earn three qualifying scores of at least 170 out of 200 points (including earning at least
50% of available points for each separate exercise) from three different judges. Obedience classes are
divided into two groups; (A and B) - "A" for exhibitors who have not yet added this title to a dog's name
that they have either handled or trained, and "B" or more experienced exhibitors who have. Exercises
include:
- Heel Free and Figure Eight.............40 points
- Drop on Recall.........................30 points
- Retrieve on Flat.......................20 points
- Retrieve over High Jump................30 points
- Broad Jump.............................20 points
- Long Sit - out of site.................30 points
- Long Down - out of site................30 points
- Maximum Total Score.......................200 points
Open Junior: A handling class for young people between the ages of 10 and up to their 14th birthday
who have already won three first place awards in a novice handling class *with* competition.
Open Senior: A handling class for young people between the ages of 14 and up to their 18th birthday
who have already won three first place awards in a novice handling class *with* competition.
Parent Club (aka National Breed Club): The officially recognized national organization governing each
specific breed's independent specialty clubs. Parent clubs or "National Breed Clubs" are tasked with being
the official guardians of their breeds and their written standards and stud book in this country, and to
protect the welfare and integrity of their respective breeds.
Pastern: The area between a dog's paws and it's lower arm, which - in the front - relates to a human wrist
area, and in the rear relates to a human's sole of foot. In the rear, the pasterns are topped by "hocks"
which relate to a human heel / ankle bone. Often, this entire rear foot assembly in general is mistakenly
referred to as the "hock." A good way to understand and visualize the components of a dogs foot / leg
assembly is to sit in a chair barefooted and rest your weight on just your bent toes. Your toes and ball of
foot would be the dog's "paw" or foot; your soles would be the pasterns, and your heels/ankle would be
the hocks. See also Stifle and Patella.
Patella: The knee joint of a dog's rear legs which allow the dog's legs to bend and flex as they move. The
patellar joint consists of bone, ligaments and muscle tissue. A frequent disorder of this joint, Patellar luxation
is a looseness or hyperextension of the joining tendons which allows the kneecap to slip off of its "runners"
causing pain and inability to move correctly. Luxated Patellae can be surgically corrected. LP is thought to be
a genetically inheritable tendency, but can also be caused by injury.
Points: In conformation ("breed") competition, CKC & AKC award between one and five points towards
their Champion of Record title - depending on the regional point schedule and/or how many dogs defeated
- to both the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch of each breed entered at a show.To receive the title of
Champion in Canada a dog must earn at least 10 points, winning points from at least e judges. To receive
the title of Champion in US, a dog must earn at least 15 points; at least 6 of which must come from two
different judges, and be "majors." A "major" is a substantial achievement earned by defeating a large
number of dogs relative to that breed. A major consists of either 3, 4, or 5 points. In obedience
competition, points are awarded towards the Obedience Trial Champion title based on scores and the
number of dogs defeated. 100 points earns the title of OTCH in the US. Points are also given out to
qualifying scores in the Open and Utility level and accumulate within a calendar year to determine placing
within the breed and within the group. While earning each title scores are given to the dog and handler.
Any score over 170 points earns a qualifying "leg" towards their title. Three "legs" and the dog earns the
title associated with the scores. In junior handling competition, points are garnered by the number of
competitors defeated. In the most widely recognized scoring system, which AKC is in the process of
beginning to track, one point is awarded for each competitor you defeat. (You do not count yourself, as
you did not defeat yourself). The Best Jr. Handler receives one point for each other competitor entered
and defeated that day.
Post Sternum: The "breastbone" on a dog. Located on its forechest midway between its point of
shoulders, a somewhat protruding post sternum is desirable in most sporting, working, and herding breed -
as it is thought to indicate a chest cavity large enough to accommodate lungs and heart expansion as they
work in heavy physical activity.
Premium List: A publication created by the show superintendent or secretary which is mailed to
prospective exhibitors, listing the show giving club, the date and location of the show, the judges, classes
and awards ("premiums") offered, etc. Premium lists contain forms and fees for entering, and list the closing
date by which entries must be received. You may request a specific premium list by contacting the show
superintendent or secretary for the show you are interested in. The name of the super/sec for each
individual show in Canada is listed in the CKC Dogs in Canada magazine. The names of the super/sec in the
US for each individual show is listed in the AKC gazette.
Regional: A grouping of states with similar numbers of entries, which AKC designates as a Region for
calculating point schedules.
Reserve (or Reserve Winners): See "Winners Bitch" and/or "Winners Dog" descriptions below.
Ring Steward: A judge's assistant who is tasked with coordinating the logistics of getting the exhibitors
and their dogs into and out of the rings efficiently. Stewards check in the exhibitors, answer questions
about ring procedures, call in the classes, prepare the ribbons and trophies for distribution, and maintain
their own marked catalogs as back-up documentation for official placements. Stewards are responsible for
the smooth operation of their rings, and the comfort of the judges they are assigned to assist. Some
Stewards are club volunteers while others are paid for their professional services.
Roadwork: To exercise and condition a dog usually by walking, jogging, or biking.
Secretary: A show official (usually an individual person) licensed by the CKC or AKC, and hired by the show
giving club to act as the coordinating management for the show. The secretary usually generates and
distributes the premium lists, receives the entries, creates the catalogs, provides the equipment and
materials needed, keeps all the records and generates the reports for CKC.
Set Up: The area on the show grounds in which you establish your home-base for grooming and holding
your dogs while you are not in the ring. Pray for a space close to the rings with an electrical outlet!
Sidegait: The movement of a dog as it is seen from the dog's side. Look for how effectively it tracks, and
how appropriately it reaches with it's front legs, and drives off of it's rear.
Slicker: A small grooming tool with a rectangular head on the end containing fine teeth with bent tops
which is used to separate and brush out topcoat and furnishings such as hock hair.
Special: Slang for a Champion of Record who is being actively campaigned.
Specialty: A show consisting of only one breed, given by a "Specialty Club." Specialty clubs are groups of
individuals (breeders, exhibitors, pet enthusiasts, etc.) who share a passion for a specific breed of dogs, and
who host events specific to promoting that breed. Specialties usually draw a large entry of dogs, and wins
garnered from specialties are very high visibility within the national family of that breed's fanciers.
Stack: To cause your dog to stand in a manner that best displays it's virtues. In most breeds, the dog's
forelegs are stacked in alignment with their withers, and their rear pasterns are squarely aligned and
presented at a 90 degree angle from the floor. There are exceptions by breed i.e. German Shepherd Dogs,
etc. One may "Hand stack" their dog by manually placing each foot in it's best position, or else "Free stack"
by using a hands free method of using bait, verbal commands, body language, or lead correction to get the
dog to stack itself.
Standard: The officially recognized written description of an ideal specimen of a specific breed. This is the
document judges are tasked to interpret when judging in the breed ring, where dogs are judged as to how
well they conform to this written standard of excellence. Original breed standards are written by the
national parent clubs of each individual breed, and are then adopted by the Kennel Club of the appropriate
county, ie CKC/AKC.
Stifle: The curved area on a dog's rear legs containing the thighs and patella (knee). The actual bend of
stifle regulates how much flexibility the dog will have to drive off of its rear.
Stop: The skeletal junction on the skull's foreface between the back of the muzzle and the beginning of
the topskull. Collies and Afghans have very little "stop" and Chihuahuas, Labrador Retrievers, and St.
Bernards have a great deal of "stop."
Superintendent: A show official (usually a professional show managing company) licensed by the CKC/AKC,
and hired by the show giving club to act as the coordinating management team for the show. The
superintendent usually generates and distributes the premium lists, receives the entries, creates the
catalogs, provides the equipment and materials needed, keeps all the records and generates the reports for
the appropriate kennel club.
Sweepstakes: A non-regular class, usually offered at specialty shows, which are specifically designed to
recognize outstanding young dogs and puppies. Winners of Best in Sweeps, Best Opposite Sex in Sweeps,
and often all of the class placement winners, receive a portion of the entry fees as prizes for their
placement. Sweepstakes are the only classes where money prizes are normally awarded.
Tack: Equipment (collars, leads, grooming products, combs, brushes, shears, etc) used to prepare and show
a dog. Hopefully found in a "Tack Box" when not in use.
Topline: The spinal section of a dog from it's withers (top of shoulder blades) to the end of it's croup (at
the tail root).
Utility A/B: Highest level of obedience classes for people seeking to earn the suffix title of Utility Dog
("UD") when they earn three qualifying scores of at least 170 out of 200 points (including earning at least
50% of available points for each separate exercise) from three different judges. Obedience classes are
divided into two groups; (A and B) - "A" for exhibitors who have not yet added this title to a dog's name
that they have either handled or trained, and "B" or more experienced exhibitors who have. Exercises (all
off leash) include:
- Signal Exercise.....................40 points
- Scent Discrimination Article #1.....30 points *
- Scent Discrimination Article #2.....30 points *
- Directed Retrieve...................30 points
- Moving Stand and Examination........30 points
- Directed Jumping....................40 points
- Maximum Total Score....................200 points
* The scent discrimination exercise is different in both Canada and in the US. In Canada, there are 3 articles,
wood, metal and leather. In the US only the wood and metal are used.
In the US, there are A and B classes. Once the UD is achieved in the US, competitors continue to compete
for placements to accumulate 100 points to earn their OTCH designation. In Canada, there is only the one
Utility class. In Canada, 3 legs earns the title UD and OTCH.
Veterans: A non-regular but competitive class for dogs at least 7-8 years old, designed to honor those dogs
who have maintained their structural integrity, health, vigor and love of showing into their golden years.
Boxes of Kleenex are mandatory at ringside...trust me.
Withers: The point at which the shoulder blades (scapulae) meet. This critical structural point and its
adjoining muscles and ligaments regulate how effectively a dog is able to cover ground with the rest of its
front assembly. the tightness or looseness of the shoulders can make the difference between a sloppy
thrown front and a clean tracking one. The angulation that the shoulders make create the transition
between the neck and spine, and contribute to how easily a dog can reach ahead of itself and how it
carries it's head. The withers is also the point at which actual HEIGHT of a dog is measured with a tool
called a wicket. The height of the dog needs to be determined for obedience, agility and flyball competition
as it will determine the jumping height of the dog.
Whelp: To give birth to a litter of puppies. A pregnant bitch is considered to be "in whelp." When she is
giving birth, she is said to be "whelping."
Winners Bitch: The class (aka "unfinished" or "non-champion") bitch who has defeated all other class
bitches of that breed at that show is the ONE female of that breed to be awarded points towards her
championship . The first place winners from each of the bitch classes in that breed that day**, compete for
Winners Bitch.
**This would be the 1st place 6-9 month Puppy Bitch, the 1st place 9-12 Puppy Bitch, the 1st place 12-18
Junior Bitch, the 1st place Novice Bitch, the 1st Place Bred-by Bitch, the First place Can-Bred Bitch, and the
1st place Open Bitch. After one Winners Bitch is selected, the bitch who originally took 2nd place to her in
the classes is asked to come in and compete with the remaining bitches for "Reserve Winners Bitch." The
winner of the "Reserve" is like a "runner- up" and is only awarded points if, in the future, the Winners Bitch
is found to be disqualified for some reason and the award is disallowed. During the Best of Breed
competition, which is held after all class dogs (male and female) of that breed have been judged, the
Winners Bitch and Winners Dog compete with each other for "Best of Winners." They may *also* be
awarded Best of Breed or Best of Opposite Sex to BOB against the other, already finished champions in the
BOB competition.
Winners Dog: Same as above, but for males. Substitute "Dog" for "Bitch" where appropriate.
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