bench show

American  

noun

1. a dog show in which the animals of each breed are judged and awarded prizes on the basis of standards established for that breed.

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Etymology

Origin of bench show

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Example Sentences

Her most high-profile rulings from the federal bench show her leanings on sensitive topics of national resonance and consequence.

From New York Times • Feb. 9, 2022

“The purpose of a bench show is public education. It makes it a lot easier for the public to find the breeds they’re interested in,” explained Gail Miller Bisher, Westminster’s resident canine expert.

From Washington Post • Jun. 14, 2021

So in San Francisco, when he somehow got into a bench show with a houseful of snooty thoroughbreds, he was awarded another medal and a ribbon�for being the most traveled dog in the world.

From Time Magazine Archive

They did not turn a hair, and walked about within twenty feet of the wolf with their tails carried as gayly as though they were on exhibition at a bench show.

From Hunting in Many Lands The Book of the Boone and Crockett Club by Various

The cabman professed never to have seen a dog as "classy" as Nap, and voiced the cheerful prophecy that in any bench show he would make them all look like mutts.

From Bunker Bean by Wilson, Harry Leon