It’s a Dog’s show

June 5, 2015

Dog shows – the 2000 Christopher Guest dog show parody movie "Best in Show" not withstanding – can run the gamut, from the highbrow canine royalty of the Westminster Dog Show to more casual summertime contests focusing on the town’s ugliest or most patriotic pet.

Somewhere in the middle is the Grand Traverse Kennel Club’s All Breed Show, a respected annual American Kennel Club-sanctioned event that showcases dogs’ best qualities in several different ways. We got the scoop from show chairwoman Sally Watkeys.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 

All breed shows like the Traverse City event include all recognized American Kennel Club breeds according to AKC rules.

Conformation – the more elegant name for dog show – includes the beauty pageantlike judging that many are familiar with via the Westminster Dog Show, where dogs are evaluated according to how well they meet the standards of their breed, but the GTKC show features several additional categories.

"Showmanship is for people who love showing dogs and are learning the sport," Watkeys explained. "The judging for that category on the handler’s ability."

Obedience challenges the dogs to complete certain exercises, often on a course, in order to win the title. Rally, the newest dog sport, involves stations where dogs and their handlers must also complete certain tasks – such as "sit, "stay" – before they can advance to the next station.

TALK TO THE JUDGE 

The judges, Watkeys said, use the breed standard written by each National Breed Club as their criteria.

"Then, they compare the attributes of each dog against said standard and award the dog that most fits that standard," she explained.

Each judge, while working to remain impartial, still might have their own likes and dislikes of each breed, Watkeys added. So, while judging is generally by the book, individual discretion also adds to the choice.

And yes, there really is a Best in Show award for the most impressive dog overall.

"I always say, "˜it’s a dog show. Tomorrow is another dog show with another judge and another opinion,’" she chuckled. "Tomorrow just might be my dog’s day, and that is what makes this worth the effort."

MANY PEOPLE, MANY DOGS 

Watkeys and her husband have a shih tzu, which she describes as "a big dog in a small dog body."

"I have owned several breeds, though, and I’ve loved them all," she said. "If we all liked the same breed, it would be a very boring world!" Watkeys said northern Michigan’s most popular breeds are Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, Portuguese water dogs and pointers, a result of locals’ penchant for outdoor sports. These are the dogs that fit that bill.

"Then, there are those who just want a small, sweet pet that can go for little walks, but will mostly be a house dog, like Maltese, pugs and Yorkies," she said.

Each breed has its own specific issues, which is the reason it’s best to educate yourself about a dog before you add one to your family.

"Only the family can decide if the qualities of the breed are the right ones for their family," she said. "But, most of all, you have to remember that a dog is a long-time – often 12-15- year – commitment, not a throwaway toy."

CANINE VARIETY 

Watkeys suggested the American Kennel Club as the place to start when looking for breed attributes. Of course, going to dog shows like the GTKC show is another great way to meet the dogs, handlers and breeders in person before deciding on the right dog for you.

It’s also fun to see some of the more unusual breeds that enter the GTKC show and, with 500- 600 dogs attending, there’s no shortage of variety.

"Last year, we had Tibetan mastiffs, bouvier des Flandres, cane corsos and several other not-so-well-known breeds," she said. "It’s always such a joy to see them. The public is definitely invited to come out to the show; it’s the best place and time to see many different breeds."

The Grand Traverse Kennel Club dog shows take place June 12-14 at the Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds. More at gtkc.org.

GET THE MOST OUT OF THE DOG SHOW: 

- Leave your own dog at home unless they’re signed up to compete. 

- The best and busiest time to view the GTKC show each day is between 8am and noon. 

- If you want find out what times you can see specific breeds competing, visit infodog.com under "show calendar" and search GTKC.

- Most of the handlers and breeders welcome questions, but don’t interrupt them when they’re prepping their dog or about to go into the ring. 

- Similarly, the ring isn’t for spectators; stay clear of the entrances and out of the ring (unless you’re a dog and it’s your turn). 

- Don’t distract the dogs. Keep food, waving arms, ringing cell phones and noisy/running kids away from the ring during competition. - Always ask before you approach or pet a strange dog. 

- And yes, watch where you step; accidents do happen, especially with the stress of showtime.