A dog show is meant to show off your breeding stock and earn a coveted bench championship title. Unlike some of the performance events (racing, specifically), dog shows are entirely subjective. A dog show judge compares each entry against his or her image of the perfect standard for that breed and awards placements accordingly.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is the most popular registry for purebred dogs and most dog shows are AKC shows. Non-champion dogs and bitches compete against their own sex, with the winners of each class competing against one another for Winners Dog or Winners Bitch. The Winners in both sexes go on to compete with "Specials" (champions) in Best of Breed, where a Best of Breed, Best of Winners, and Best of Opposite will be picked. In large shows, Awards of Merit might be awarded.

The Best of Breed winners will usually go on to compete in the Group competition. Most Sighthounds compete in the Hound Group. The winner of the Hound Group will go on to compete for Best of Show. Many dogs who regularly win their breed and compete in Group are handled by professionals who make their living from showing dogs to their best.

It's quite a thrill to win Winners Dog in a dog show. Someday I hope to get a Best of Breed, or even a Group placement. I can't even imagine getting a Best in Show!