dog show

noun

1. a competitive event in which dogs are exhibited and judged by an established standard or set of ideals prescribed for each breed.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dog show¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

And, in fact, I continued to think I wouldn’t write anything until we were driving back home in the evening, when, with some distance, I realized the profundity of my day at the dog show.

From Time

Because what I took away from the dog show is not dissimilar from what I’ve taken away from three months of being a dog owner myself.

From Time

At one point, I asked one veteran dog show professional about whether labradoodles—like my now-5-month-old puppy—would ever be a breed that could compete on the dog show circuit.

From Time

“So the dog show world was not the place for him,” Mellon says.

From The Daily Beast

The Puppy Bowl would be a good obvious choice, with the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show as a close second.

From The Daily Beast

Sure enough, something breaks—an IRA attack at a dog show in Belfast.

From The Daily Beast

“They felt that it served only to attempt to influence AKC judges,” the dog-show author/consultant/judge Pat Hastings told me.

From The Daily Beast

Billy Wheeler, the man behind Dog Show Poop, the most influential blog in the game, agrees.

From The Daily Beast

Edward Henry's taxi-cab in that Square seemed like a homeless cat that had strayed into a dog-show.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a dog show, that of the 'Ladies' Kennel Association.'

From Project Gutenberg

To-day was the third of September, and on the eleventh a dog-show was to be held at Brooch.

From Project Gutenberg

When they get tired of that we take them to the dog show, which is Jack's collection of beautiful china dogs.

From Project Gutenberg

From one of these exhibitors the Mistress learned of a dog-show rule that was wholly new to her.

From Project Gutenberg

More About Dog Show

What is a dog show?

A dog show is a competitive event in which dogs are judged based on the standards set for their breed. It’s essentially a contest to determine which dog in the show is the most ideal specimen (like a beauty pageant for dogs).

Dog shows typically consist of dogs being presented by their handlers and being observed and inspected by judges, who assign scores based on criteria like gait, teeth, and other physical attributes, as well as behavior and obedience. Awards are often presented for “best of breed” and “best in show” (best overall).

Of course, though it’s the dogs that are judged, the competition is also thought to be among the handlers and caretakers who raise the dogs and prepare them for the show.

The most prestigious and well-known dog show in the U.S. is the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, commonly called the Westminster Dog Show. 

Other prominent dog shows in the U.S. include the American Kennel Club (AKC) National Championship and the National Dog Show.

The term dog show is also sometimes applied to events in which dogs compete in athletic-style competitions, such as completing obstacle courses or leaping.

When is the Westminster Dog Show?

The 2024 Westminster Dog Show will be held from May 13–14.

More information and context on dog show

Breeding dogs based on desired traits or characteristics is an ancient tradition, but the modern dog show is thought to trace back to an 1859 event in Newcastle, England. The first Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was held in 1877.

Dogs at dog shows are often grouped into categories, including Sporting, Hound, Working, Tracking, Herding, Terrier, Non-Sporting, and Toy.

The term dog show should not be confused with the expression dog and pony show, which refers to elaborate presentation or campaign, especially one held to drum up publicity or attention. (This phrase is a reference to the traveling variety shows that once used actual dogs and ponies as part of the entertainment).

What are some terms that often get used in discussing dog show?

• best in show
• dog
• breed
• standard
• groom
• judge
• handler
• gait
• obedience
• training
• macadamia nut

How is dog show discussed in real life?

Big dog shows like the Westminster Dog Show are often televised and have become pop culture events.

Claire the Scottish Deerhound Wins Best in Show at the 2020 National Dog Show​ https://t.co/FRLYLRDA84

— People (@people) November 26, 2020

The 1932 WKC Dog Show may have been almost 90 years ago, but it still may look familiar. Can you guess who won Best in Show that year? #WKCArchives pic.twitter.com/XfBiLkZA2X

— Westminster Kennel Club (@WKCDOGS) May 12, 2021

I CANT WATCH THE GRAMMYS BC MY PARENTS ARE WATCHING THE WESTMINSTER DOG SHOW. WE ARENT EVEN DOG PEOPLE

— Lynsey Jeffery (@lynsjeffery) February 16, 2016

 

Try using dog show!

True or False?

Dog shows often separate dogs by breeds or categories like “working” or “herding.”