As information for the 2009 shows become available you will find it here!

2009 Dates

Great Lakes Terrier Association Group Show Wed., Feb 18^th
Park Shore Kennel Club – Thurs., Feb. 19^th (Unbenched)
Blackhawk Kennel Club – Fri., Feb. 20^th (Unbenched)
International Kennel Club – Sat., Feb. 21^st (Benched)
International Kennel Club – Sun., Feb. 22^nd (Benched)

All About Dog Shows

• The main event at the International Kennel Club Dog Shows is conformation, which allows breeders to evaluate their breeding program as well as the dogs for use as future breeding stock. The American Kennel Club has guidelines for the conformation, or shape and proportion, of every recognized breed of dog, called "breed standards." Breed standards cover every aspect of a dog, from the shape of the head to the length of the tail, as well as temperament and how a dog should move. The judges examine the dogs and place them according to how closely each dog compares with the judge's mental image of the perfect dog as described in the breed standard. The judges are looking for characteristics that allow the dog to perform the function for which it was bred. After assessing conformation, judges look to a dog's showmanship, the element that gives a winning dog extra sparkle, as if the dog is saying to the judge, "Here I am, I'm the best there is and I'm going to win!" Small dogs are examined on a table, and short, heavy dogs are often examined on a ramp.
• A dog show is a continuous process of elimination; the IKC shows begin with close to 3000 dogs, ending up with just one Best in Show winner. Dogs first compete in their breed or variety. Dogs that have not yet attained their AKC championship are competing for champion points; champion dogs, called "specials," are competing for the best of their breed or variety, so that they may go forward into group competition. Only one dog (male) or bitch (female) may be awarded Best of Breed or Variety in each respective breed.
• Each Best of Breed or Variety winner then moves on to compete in its respective group. The American Kennel Club has categorized dog breeds into groups based on what dogs have been bred to do. There are four placements awarded in each group; however, only the group winner will go on to compete for Best in Show.
• By winning the "First in Group" competition, that dog joins an elite group of winners of the seven group competitions that go on to compete for the ultimate "Best in Show award, the coveted red, white and blue ribbon. At the Detroit Kennel Club Dog Shows, each Best in Show winner earns a trophy, grooming bag, coupons for 225 pounds of dog food and $100. It also receives a point for each dog defeated, in this case 3000 dogs, and these points are accumulated to achieve national ranking.
• More important, at an all breed dog show, the majority of dogs are competing for points toward a championship. Champion dogs are much like thoroughbred horses. When they retire from the show ring, champion dogs are more valuable for breeding, to pass on their good genes to future generations.

 Dog Show Etiquette

• At the International Kennel Club benched dog shows, you will have a unique opportunity to not only meet breeders, but to meet their dogs. To make sure that your time spent with 3000 dogs is safe as well as enjoyable, here are a few things you should know in order to avoid any misunderstandings between you, your children, breeders, handlers and of course, the dogs.
• Always ask a dog's owner if you may pet the dog.
  Not all dogs respond in the same manner toward all people. The owner will tell you how you should approach a particular dog.
• Never pet a dog while it is being groomed.
  Many show dogs spend many hours on the grooming table in preparation for being shown. Petting a dog that is in the process of being groomed may inadvertently spoil the dog's coat for the ring, necessitating the groomer to repeat the preparation.
• Do not approach dogs in exercise pens.
  At a benched show, dogs must "do their business" indoors, using exercise pens and dog runs. Talking to a dog in a pen diverts him from what he was put in there to do.
• Always approach a dog from the front or the side.
  Hold your hands low and speak softly. Do not surprise a dog from behind, scream at or otherwise startle him.
• Never stare a dog in the eye.
  Many breeds of dogs, especially those bred as guards, are protective, and perceive a stare as a challenge. This is particularly important with children, as they are often at eye level and are inclined to stare.
  
  Never put your fingers in a dog's crate.
  Dogs naturally defend their territories, and often consider the crate as their personal space. Sticking your hand inside a strange dog's pen may put him in a defensive situation and he may react accordingly.
• Allow the dogs to eat in peace.
  Do not approach a dog that is eating. Many dogs are defensive around their food dish.
• Do not ask questions of handlers as they are entering the ring.
  While showing a dog may look easy, it is often stressful on the handler. He or she is watching the ring for procedure, as well as sizing up the competition. Most breeders and handlers will be happy to talk to you once the judging for that breed is completed.
• By respecting the dog and using a little common sense, you and your family will have a wonderful time meeting many breeds of dogs and their owners.

Just for Kids

• Junior Dog Show Judging (Check back next week for more information)

What you will see

• At the International Kennel Club Dog Shows, the dogs are sitting in their benching area arranged just like at a grocery store. There are aisles with signs telling you which dogs are where. You'll see big dogs, little dogs, bald dogs (Chinese Cresteds) and very hairy dogs (Old English Sheepdogs). You'll also see spotted dogs (Dalmatians), dogs that can't bark (Basenjis), dogs with long droopy ears (Basset Hounds) and dogs with ribbons in their hair (Shih Tzus).
• You'll see dogs with short, squashed looking faces (Pugs) and dogs with long snouts (Fox Terriers). You'll see dogs with short stubby legs (Welsh Corgis) and dogs with such long legs they look like small horses (Irish Wolfhounds). You'll see dogs that are familiar (Golden Retrievers) and dogs you may never have heard of (Schipperkes).
• You will also see dogs doing amazing things. You will see dogs that are so well behaved that they could visit the President. You will see dogs that are so energetic that they jump over hurdles and weave through poles.

Dogs with jobs.

• Many dogs have jobs, and for centuries they have been trained to help people. Certain types of dogs are especially good at certain types of jobs.
• In the past, most people in the Arctic got around with dogsleds. Dogs that can handle the cold are great at pulling sleds, such as the strong Alaskan Malamute and the fast Siberian Husky. Samoyeds also love the cold weather, and used to work herding reindeer.
• In western Europe, huge Mastiffs pulled carts and also worked as guard dogs. In the eighteenth and nineteenth century, people used to race their dog-powered carts, and sometimes the dogs won!
• Dogs used to help Native Americans haul their possessions from one camp to another. The dogs would be hitched up to a pair of sticks that trailed them, with the load tied onto the poles.
• Some dogs are great at herding farm animals around. Collies are excellent at herding sheep. The Border Collie is the champ of shepherding and uses its staring eyes to almost hypnotize sheep into obeying.
• Because of their excellent sense of sight, smell and hearing, dogs are wonderful at helping to guard families and buildings. Some are also highly trained to help the blind, deaf and the disabled.
• Many dogs were originally bred to help man hunt. Retrievers, Spaniels, Setters and Pointers all have special hunting skills.
• Mountain rescue dogs sniff out lost hikers and avalanche victims. Some K-9 dogs help the police by sniffing out bombs and drugs. Dogs have even gone to war. Many saved countless lives in wartime by alerting their handlers to danger or the presence of an enemy.
• At the International Kennel Club Dogs Shows, whatever you do you're sure to have a dog-gone good time!

Breed Education

 Visit aisle after aisle to learn more about the breeds. Don’t forget to visit the many individual Breed Booths and Rescue Booth.

Dog Show Questions

 Here are some of the most common questions asked by visitors to the International Kennel Club Dog Shows.

• Q: The dog show is so big! How do I find my way around?
  A: There are maps available at the Information Desk, which is at the front of the hall. Folks there will be happy to answer your questions and lead you to the breeds you want to visit and events you want to watch. You may also purchase a catalog, which not only contains a map, but has a schedule of the breed judging, the special events, as well as a listing of some of the breeders exhibiting at the show. Every dog entered in the show is listed in the catalog.
• Q: May I bring my own dog to the show? He/she would love to see all those other dogs.
  A: Sorry, you must leave your own pooch at home. By AKC rules, only dogs entered into the dog shows are allowed to be in McCormick Place. However, feel free to buy your pet a wonderful consolation prize from any of the many vendors who will be selling a fabulous range of doggie items at the show!
• Q: I came to look at a particular breed, and there aren't any on the bench. Where are they?
  A: If there is a space on the bench for the dog, but it is not there, it is most likely being shown or exercised. If the catalog lists the dog, but there is no space on the bench, then it is probably in the handlers' section. Since handlers often show more than one breed, they are allowed to bench the dogs with them, rather than in the breed section. It makes it much easier for them when they must run from ring to ring. If the handler's name is listed in the catalog (under 'agent'), then you should be able to find the dog in that handler's section. Also, if there is only one or two of a particular breed entered, the numbers may be too small for a dog to receive points, so the owner decided to leave the dog at home.
• Q: Can I bring a camera?
  A: Yes! Just make sure to ask the owner before taking a picture of a particular dog. He or she will help set the dog up so that it looks its best.
• Q: Are strollers allowed?
  A: Yes! The aisles are nice and wide at McCormick Place. Just try to avoid the more popular breeds during the busiest parts of the day.
• Q: What is there for kids to do?
  A: There are special events taking place all day that kids will enjoy. We will have a schedule posted as soon as we put the finishing touches on it.
• Q: What is the best time to come?
  A: At the International Kennel Club Dog Shows, there is plenty to see throughout the entire day. In the morning, the dogs are rested, so they are perky and eager to be petted. The busiest time is usually in the early afternoon, just after lunch. Even though things are quieter in the mid afternoon, they can also be more exciting, as by this time, the judges have chosen the best dogs in their breeds and are judging them in groups, the elite of the field! If you can stay until 5 or 6PM, you'll get to see the presentation of Best in Show, the culmination of the whole day.
• Q: This will be my first visit to a dog show. What should I look for?
  A: Definitely go up and down the aisles where the dogs are sitting on benches when not competing in the ring. The IKC is one of only six benched shows left in the country. Instead of a "show-and-go," where the dogs leave as soon as they are finished competing, these dogs are required to stay until they are released. You will get to see them up close and personal, ask questions of their owners, breeders or handlers, and watch them get groomed for the ring. There will also be a day full of special events, in which dogs compete, perform and demonstrate the amazing versatility of purebred dogs.
• Q: Is there food available at the show?
  A: There is a wide selection of food concessions both inside the main exhibition hall as well as in the restaurant on the upper level. No one, including the dogs, will go hungry!
• Q: How can I meet different breeders and learn about my favorite breed?
  A: The benching set-up makes this the perfect opportunity to make contacts with top people in the breed. You can pick up business cards, have conversations with breeders, and learn a lot just by asking questions and watching that breed compete in the ring. Many of the breed clubs holding supported entries or Specialties will have displays with information on their respective breeds as well as club members to answer your questions.
• Didn't find the answer to your question? Ask here!

Our thanks to our sister club THE DETROIT KENNEL CLUB for their FAQ’s on Dog Shows.

Just for Fun look at our 2006 Photo Album