For breed and kennel clubs, they hold competitions like breed shows, dog shows and conformation shows to determine whether the participating dogs meet the standards of their breeds. There are also affairs like specialty shows where only specific breeds are being observed.

Prior to the show, judges already set the standards that would serve as the criteria for evaluation. In choosing the dogs that meet the standard, the decision can be exceptionally difficult because judgments are purely subjective. So one dog is not only placed in comparison with the other dogs but it has to match all the breed standards to a near perfection.

The long list which includes the breed standard is referred to as the conformation point. There may be general requirements but the conformation point may vary for every competition. The most significant feature that is taken into consideration is the fur, followed by color of the pet, pattern, markings, color and shape of the head, healthy skin without pigmentation, temperament, behavior, structure of the teeth, color and shape of the eyes, tail, feet, grooming, gait and walking style. The list can be quite lengthy.

Just like any other competitions, dog shows are conducted on different levels ranging from local to national competitions. Participants can come from different places within the country. Most of the time, dog show competitions are hierarchical in nature. Those declared as winners of every level get a chance to earn points that would make them eligible for the next level. And finally, the dog that comes out as the winner at the highest level becomes the champion.

Champions in dog shows not only bring home the prize but will have highly valuable puppies. For breeders, this is truly beneficial because they can sell their little pups at amazingly high prices. A lot of people would go after the litter of champions no matter how high the price may be because they would want to have for themselves a pet that would bear a resemblance to the winner. And with the strict standards set during dog shows, buyers would have the assurance that the expensive puppies would also have remarkable genes.

Dog shows are not only fun for the dog owners, it is also one of the best times that dogs can socialize with each other. And these days, dog shows are becoming more popular because of the numerous advantages that they could bring for dog owners, breeders and pet dogs. It is also a very good way to show others how wonderful it is to have dogs as pets.

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