The Biggest Event In The Dog Kingdom

What is the biggest event in the dog kingdom? Acamaraderie and competition in the dog show world.
dog show is the answer to this question. It is alsoIn this group are:
called the breed ring or the fancy. Thousands of dogDog Fanciers or Shih Tzu Fanciers gathering to
shows takes place in the United States every year.celebrate the distinctive features of their dogs and
Thousands of Shih Tzu are entered into these dogto determine which of these fanciers are breeding
shows. There are only a few countries in this worldtruest to those features.
that are not involved in the dog show sport. So youJudges have to be present. They attempt to match
can imagine just how many dogs and owners arean actual living Shih Tzu or other breed of dog to a
traveling to a show on any given weekend. Thepre-written standard. It is often that discontent losing
number has to got be absolutely astronomical!exhibitors will find many faults with the judges sight,
Just what is the reason for all these people/dogshonor, or mental capacity. You can imagine how
Shih Tzu teams to leave their warm and snug homesnasty this can be with people who are sore losers.
to go to a dog show that might be held in rain, sleetKennel Clubs and exhibitors of Shih Tzu and all dog
or snow? Well, if you think about it, why do peoplebreeds will be quick to tell you that dog showing is
go to baseball games, and basketball games and footfor the betterment of the purebred dog. In this
ball games? Probably very much the same reasonarrangement will be those dogs fit and worthy,
people travel far and near through all kinds ofaccording to these individuals, to carry on the
weather to a dog/Shih Tzu show. There has to bebloodlines. However, reality is not as true as they
more in it than just a tiny piece of silk ribbon or awould have us to believe. There are reputable Shih
trophy. And there is more to it for those who enjoyTzu show dog breeders and there are Shih Tzu
this type of sport. Many people just love theshow dog breeders who are not reputable.
breathtaking beauty of the Shih Tzu show dogs.Remember how some people will do almost anything
Others enjoy the adrenal surge when they step outto win in competitive situations. It is those people
into the ring for a chance to prove their Shih Tzu isthat may not be as careful about the health of the
the very best Shih Tzu. A person has to have apuppies they produce from the champions as they
competitive side to their personality to be a part ofare with how well those parents do in the ring.
the Shih Tzu Show Dog World.Dont doubt it for a second: Purebred dogs are big
Records indicate the earliest existing official dog showbusiness and big bucks. There are more than a million
was in June of 1859 at Newcastle-on-Tyne, England.purebred dogs registered with the American Kennel
At that time only Pointers and Setters were shown.Club per year and the number keeps increasing. AKC
There were approximately 60 dogs representingpapers certify a Shih Tzu is a purebred officially in
these two breeds. The British Kennel Club waswriting. AKC papers do increase the value of a Shih
founded in 1873.Tzu. Champion parents increase the value of a Shih
In the United States the earliest records for a dogTzu even more. More and more the object of the
show was on June 4, 1874. The Westminster Kennelgame is to produce dogs that will be beautiful enough
Club held its first show three years later. Recordsand fit the written standard enough to win and
indicate there were about 35 breeds represented.become Champions to sire and mother Shih Tzu
The Westminster continuous sporting event is thepuppies that will bring in even more big bucks when
second oldest in the country. The Kentucky Derby isthey are sold.
in first place for being the oldest and only by a fewAnd dont doubt it for a second: The original goal is
years.still the goal of loving reputable Shih Tzu show dog
The American Kennel Club was established in 1884.breeders. These are the dedicated Shih Tzu and
Their job was to maintain the breeding records ofother dog breed show dog breeders who care only
purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is inthat their chosen breed continue in good health
second place to the U.S. Lawn Tennis Association asphysically and mentally.
the oldest governing body of amateur sport still inThey work hard to eliminate genetic disorders even
existence.from the most beautiful specimen that fits the AKC
Following close behind the American Kennel Club is astandard completely and will eliminate that dog from
family-owned kennel club called the United Kenneltheir breeding program in spite of how much they
Club (UKC) that began in 1898. The founders of thewould be capable of winning in the ring based on their
United Kennel Club were concerned that the originalappearance and ability to fit the AKC standard. They
functions of dog breeds were being lost, so theywork hard to improve the temperament and ensure
focused on performance events like obedience andthe dogs physically match the standards as closely as
gun dog competitions. They also included the popularpossible.
dog show, where I imagine our beautiful Shih TzuSo that even in the show dog world, there are good
was allowed to be on stage as well.apples and bad apples in the basket. The consumer
The first dog shows in Canada were held under AKCneeds to be just as careful with dog breeders who
rules, with Canadian dogs registered with the AKC.are involved in the dog shows as those who are not.
However, the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) began inSome of these are reputable and will raise healthy
1888. Financial problems in the beginning returnedpuppies as well as those who fit the standard well
control to the AKC. By 1896 the Canadians wereenough to be in the show ring. Dont assume that
operating quite nicely independent of the U.S. Thebecause a dog is registered with the American Kennel
Shih Tzu standard is Canada is a much larger sizeClub that he will be free of health problems. Dont
than the U.S. American Kennel Club standards.assume that just because you purchase a Shih Tzu
How did dog showing and Shih Tzu shows inor any breed of dog that fits the AKC standard
particular begin? It all began as a competition amongperfectly in weight, size, and in all other ways from a
friends interested in breeding dogs as well as ourshow dog breeder that the dog will be free of health
beautiful and beloved Shih Tzu. They were in theproblems.
group also. There has always been an odd blend ofThis article is FREE to publish with the resource box.