Items On Sale At Brandykegs' Store

Skull & Spooky Sign for Halloween Hanging

BRANDYKEGS STORE

Halloween Themed Tissue Box Cover

Halloween Bib/Costume For Big Dogs

Our model, Bernardo; is modeling the two Halloween themed drool bibs offered at Brandykegs' Store. Your big dog can also use this as their Halloween costume. For pricing vist our store.

New Products At Brandykegs' Store

BRANDYKEGS' Store will soon be offering award documents. If you are looking for something unique for your next Specialty or All Breed Show, you will want to take a look at these award documents. There will be framed parchment documents for the following:
Best of Breed
Best of Opposite Sex
Best of Winners
Winners Dog
Winners Bitch
Best Puppy
Best Bred-By Exhibitor
Best Junior Handler
Grand Champion Select
Award of Merit
Reserve Winners Dog
Reserve Winner Bitch
Best in Sweepstakes

Tips For First Time Exhibitor

Here are some tips for the first time exhibitor:

1. Make sure your dog is registered with the American Kennel Club.

2. Make sure your dog's vaccinations are current.

3. Learn how to properly groom your dog.

4. Learn how to properly present your dog in the show ring. Take some handling classes.

5. Familiarize yourself with the AKC Rules and Regulations for dog shows.

6. Beforehand view your breed at a show. Take note of how others are handling their dogs in the ring.

7. Get a program at the show you are entered in; so you will know the ring and time your dog will be competing.

8. Don't be afraid to ask questions of other handlers, your breeder, or even judges.

9. Join a local all-breed or specialty club.

Ribbon Colors

The color of the ribbon awarded to your dog by a judge indicates the type of award your dog has won.

Blue - This color is awarded for first place in any regular class.

Red - This color is awarded for second place in each class.

Yellow - This color is awarded for third place in each class.

White - This color is awarded for fourth place in each class.

Purple - This color is awarded to the winners of Winners Dog and Winners Bitch classes.

Purple and White - This color is awarded to the Reserve Winners, the runners-up to the
Winners Dog and Winners Bitch.

Blue and White - This color is awarded to the dog that wins Best of Winners, the better of the
Winners Dog or Winners Bitch.

Purple and Gold - This color is awarded to the Best of Breed.

Red and White - This color is awarded to the Best of Opposite Sex. The winner of this is
the opposite sex of the Best of Breed.

Red, White and Blue - This color is awarded to Best in Show.

Seven Groups At All Breed Shows

Here are the seven groups in an All-Breed Show:

1. Sporting - Dogs that are bred to hunt game birds on land and in the water.

2. Hounds - Dogs that are bred to hunt by sight or scent.

3. Working - Dogs bred to pull carts, guard property, and perform search and rescue.

4. Terrier - Dogs bred to rid property of vermin, like rats.

5. Toy - Dogs bred to be household companions.

6. Non-Sporting - Dogs vary in size and function, and many are considered companion dogs.

7. Herding - Dogs bred to help shepherds and ranchers herd their livestock.

Dogs Are Competing For Points

In the conformation ring the dogs are competing for points. In order to become a Champion of Record with the American Kennel Club a dog must win a total of 15 points. Of these 15 points, there must be two major wins (these wins consist of either 3, 4, or 5 points) awarded by at least three different judges. The number of points given at a conformation show depend upon the number of dogs (males) and bitches (females) competing. The maximum number of points awarded at a show is 5.

Role of the Judge

The role of the Judge at a Conformation Show is to examine each dog, and give awards to those dogs that most closely fit the breed's standard.

The Judge goes over each dog with their hands to see if the teeth, muscles, bones, and coat texture conforms to the breed's standard. The dog is observed in profile for overall balance, the dog is gaited (moved) to see how the dog appears in motion.

I have discussed with various judges how difficult it must be to pick a winner in the conformation ring. They have all agreed it is a difficult task and they take it very seriously. A few have told me it is really difficult to pick a winner, when none of the entrants match the breed standard.

Who Can Compete In Conformation Shows?

In order to compete in a conformation show the following must be met:

1. Registered with the American Kennel Club.

2. Six months of age or older.

3. Be of a breed which classes are offered at a show.

4. Meet any eligibility requirements in the written standard for its breed.

Spayed or neutered dogs are not eligible to compete in conformation shows, except for those old enough to be entered in the veteran class.