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GLOSSARY
OF DOG RELATED TERMS, ABBREVIATIONS & TITLES TERMINOLOGY
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.
Organized in the late 1800's, the AKC is a body of licensed
clubs whose stated mission is to:
- 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.
The AKC's stated objective is to advance the study, breeding, exhibiting,
running and maintenance of purebred dogs. AKC states its' core values
as:
"The human/animal bond, which is perpetuated and supported by purpose-bred
dogs for companionship, sport, work, service, etc., is valuable. Dogs
bring joy and people who keep dogs as pets feel safer and live longer.
All dogs are wonderful, but purpose bred or purebred dogs are more predictable
in many important ways than random- bred dogs and therefore make better
pets. Pet ownership is more widespread in the US today than in any other
country of the world, at any time in history. More than 50% of all households
have pets; 36% keep dogs, about a third of which are recognizable breeds.
Breeding for type and function to create, preserve and improve breeds
ties modern urban populations with the 12,000 year tradition of animal
husbandry, now vanishing from the rest of our culture. In the last 100
years, this country, along with the rest of the Western world, has undergone
what many historians call the most dramatic transformation in human
history. It is the shift from rural, agricultural society to an urban
technological one. When AKC was created, more than half of all Americans
lived on farms. Even at the turn of the century, 85% of all jobs were
agriculturally based. Today, less than one in fifty Americans lives
on a farm but more than 50% of households maintains positive contact
with animals by keeping pets. Very few people have hands-on experience
in animal husbandry anymore-- and that make AKC's constituents unique
subject matter experts in an area that touches and matters to half of
all households. AKC breeders are the experts, the preservationist, the
ones who tie society to its past and support society's present need
to maintain the human/animal bond."
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 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. NOT a dirty word. Get used to it.
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.
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.
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.
The 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. The CKC cooperates with governments
at all levels in Canada in the development of legislation which will effectively
control the activities of irresponsible dog owners and breeders without
unduly restricting responsible owners and breeders. The C.K.C maintains
a system of registration of purebred dogs that satisfies the requirements
of the Animal Pedigree Act, Agriculture Canada and the Club members. 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.
Choke
As a noun, a "choke" is a metal, nylon, or leather
collar consisting of a straight piece of the material, usually joined
by looping it through one of two rings on each end. This is the most
common collar worn by dogs in the breed ring. Worn properly, with
the pull loop coming off the top of the head, this does NOT actually
choke the dog, but rather gives a quick correction to get the dog's
attention. It immediately releases. Kind of a quick "Hello?!" or "Hey,
knock it off!" signal from the handler to the dog.
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 Conformatoin Classes are:
-
Junior Puppy 6 months to under 9 months ("6 to
9")
-
Senior Puppy 9 months to under 12 months ("9 to
12")
- 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)
-
Canadian Bred ("CanBred" - bred & whelped in Canada)
or AmBred bred amd whelped in the US
-
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 Specials
Only class for 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 (American) - those trying to 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
3-4 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. Crates
function in much the same way as does a child's safety seat; preventing
dogs from being hurled through glass windows during a collision, and
taking the impact of a crash. DOGS (and people for that matter) SHOULD
*NEVER* ride loose in the back of a truck. If you wouldn't allow your
three year old barefoot human child to stand on a hot or wet and slippery
truckbed floor with no protection from the elements or from the effects
of a sudden stop, bump, turn, or collision, why would you allow your
dog??!! Illegal in most states and grounds for *immediate* and non-negotiable,
contractually enforced return of any dog we adopt into a new family.
Croup
The lower spinal region of a dog, containing the back
of the pelvis to the root of the tail.
Crufts
"The" international dog show of the year, held outside
of London, England each March. Visit Crufts' page.
Dog
Used specifically, a term to describe a MALE canine.
Generally, a term used to describe the canine species.
Ex
A handy term used to refer to one's former spouse
(you know - the one who hated dogs :) --OR-- an abbreviation for the
verb to exercise (potty) one's dog - allowing them to eliminate, stretch
their legs, etc. As in "I'm going to ex the dogs before bed."
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.
Flexi
"Flexi-Lead" is the common brand name of a retractable,
spring loaded lead which allows a dog to wander and traverse at a
distance from the handler without getting caught up in the lead itself.
Not used in competition, but a god-send for casual walks and exercises.
Available at any large pet supply store or from vendors at a show.
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.
Garden (The)
Slang for the Westminster Kennel Club's high visibility,
prestigious, and well respected benched show held in New York City's
Madison Square Garden each February. Normally held and internationally
televised on the Monday and Tuesday of the second week in February
each year. The '98 show will be held during the third week in February,
due to scheduling conflicts with Madision Square Garden.
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 groups;
-
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.
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. The AKC is now in the process of
creating a special "juniors" obedience division to encourage kids
to get involved! Yeah AKC!
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.
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.
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.
Produce
The offspring of a brood bitch.
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.
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.
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.
Sternum
Steward
See "Ring Steward" above.
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."
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 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.
Westminster KC
A very prestigious all-breed /all-champions limited
entry benched show held in New York City's Madison Square Garden each
February, The Westminster Kennel Club show is legendary. The WKC show
is the 2nd oldest sporting event in the United States, younger only
than the Kentucky Derby. A major social event as well, "The Garden"
is an event every dog lover should attend at least once. Normally
nationally televised over two nights. Also see "Garden" above.
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.
Same as above, but for males. Substitute "Dog" for
"Bitch" where appropriate.
For details about what these terms and titles
mean, check for definition above.
-
AI-Artificial Insemination
-
AKC - American
Kennel Club
-
ABC
- American Boxer Club
-
Am/Can-American and Canadian
-
-
BCC
- Boxer Club of Canada
-
BCSWO-Boxer Club of South Western Ontario
-
-
BISS-Best In Specialty Sweepstakes (NOT Best In
Specialty Show which is actually a "Specialty BOB")
-
BJH-Best Junior Handler - (See Junior Handling
above)
-
BOH-Breeder, Owner, Handler
-
BOS-Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed
-
BW-Best of Winners (see Winners Bitch above)
-
CD-Companion Dog (AKC/CKC obedience title from
the Novice A/B class)
-
CDX-Companion Dog Excellent (AKC/CKC obedience
title from the Open A/B class)
-
CERF-Canine Eye Registry Foundation (A group of
board certified Veterinary Ophthalmologists who maintain a registry
of purebred dogs that the ACVO Diplomats (members) examine and
have found to be unaffected by major heritable eye disease. CERF
also maintains a research data base which consists of information
that is generated by all examinations done by ACVO Diplomats.
Reports generated from this resource help breeders and ophthalmologists
identify trends in eye disease and breed susceptibility. CERF
is dedicated to educating the public on matters involving canine
eye disease. CERF provides a variety of reports, the CERF newsletter
and other eye disease materials to help educate the owner/breeder
on heritable eye disease questions, healthy breeding stock, and
breed- specific eye problems)
-
CGC-Canine
Good Citizen (AKC certificate (not an official title) indicating
that the dog has successfully participated in AKC's CGC test-a
casual set of exercises testing the dog's skills and basic obedience)
-
CH - Champion of Record (CKC/AKC title awarded
to dogs who have been awarded at least 10/15 points, including
two majors in the breed ring, where their conformation to the
written standard of excellence for their breed is judged. See
"Champion" definition above)
-
FDX-Flyball Dog Excellent title
award to a dog that competes in flyball and earns 100 points.
-
NA-Novice Agility (AKC title awarded
to dogs who completes 3 legs in AKC novice agility.
-
NAC - Novice Agility certificate earned by a dog
who completes 3 legs in NADAC novice agility.
-
NOBC-Northern
Ontario Boxer Club
-
OA-Open
Agility certificate earned by a dog who completes 3 legs in AKC
open agility.
-
OFA - Orthopedic Foundation for Animals - A research,
diagnostic, and registration organization of veterinary orthopedists
whose mission is to organize, collate and disseminate information
concerning orthopedic and genetic disease of animals. To advise,
encourage control and establish programs to lower the incidence
of orthopedic and genetic diseases. To encourage and finance researches
in orthopedic and genetic disease in animals. The OFA is a diagnostic
service and registry for:
-
Hip Dysplasia-canine and feline
-
-
-
Craniomandibular osteopathy
-
Copper Toxicosis-Bedlington Terriers
-
-
-
Von Willebrand's Disease-Shetland Sheepdog,
Doberman Pinscher, Scottish Terriers
-
Phosphofructokinase Deficiency-Cocker Spaniel,
English Springer Spaniel
-
Progressive Retinal Atrophy-Irish Setter
-
Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency-Basenji
-
PHA-Professional Handlers' Association
-
SAS-Subaeortal Arterial Stenosis a serious genetic
disorder of the cardiac system, causing heart murmurs.
-
SHDCH-Scent Hurdle Dog Champion (CKC certificate
awarded to a dog that competes succesfully in Scent Hurdle Dog
Racing)
-
TD-Tracking Dog (CKC/AKC title awarded to dogs
who have qualified in this first level of Tracking Test)
-
TDX-Tracking Dog Excellent (CKC/AKC title awarded
to dogs who have qualified in this highest level of Tracking Test)
-
WB-Winners Bitch (see definition above in terminology
section)
-
WD-Winners Dog (see definition above in terminology
section)
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