Vizcaya Vizslas
Bred for Conformation, Temperament and Natural Ability
Dog Show Information
This page was last updated: February 25, 2023
The American Kennel Club Dog Show events are something we take very seriously. It is a forum to exhibit our dogs and our breeding, and to have the dogs evaluated as potencial breeding stock. We take pride in our dog's carrying the CH (Champion) prefix and/or CM (Certificate of Merit) suffix and therefore proving their quality as a breeding prospect. We welcome new owners interested in the possibility of showing their new puppy and are always here for support and help during the learning process and for the life of the dog. Please feel free to ask questions about this most fun activity! For more information visit The Vizsla Club of America, The Wirehaired Vizsla Club of America, Vizsla Club of the Carolinas and Vizsla Club of Metro Atlanta
WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?
Showing dogs is a great sport where the thrill of competition is combined with the joy of seeing beautiful dogs. Dog shows and conformations events are intended to evaluate the dog's over all appearance and structure for future breeding stock. Shows can have up to over 3,000 dogs entered.
All Breed shows can include all of the registerable breeds recognized by AKC. Specialty shows are restricted to dogs of a specific breed. For example, the Vizsla Club of America National Specialty is for featuring Vizslas only.
A dog must be at least 6 months old to compete in AKC dog shows. There are classes especially for puppies under 12 months old. Spayed and neutered dogs are not permitted to participate in dog shows, but can compete in all other AKC events.
Judges examine the dogs and give awards, points, for how closely each dog represents the judges mental image of the perfect dog described in that breed's official standard, AKC Vizsla Standard, giving a first through forth ribbon in each class. Males and females are judged separately within their respective breed.
Only the best male, Winners Dog, and the best bitch, Winners Bitch, are awarded the points, after which they compete with the Champions of record for the Best of Breed, Group placements, and then go on to the Best in Show!
It takes 15 points, including two majors (a win of 3, 4 or 5 points) for a dog to achieve its AKC Championship.
After the Champion title is achieved, it then takes 25 more points, including 3 majors (a win of 3, 4 or 5 points) for dog to achieve its AKC Grand Championship. There are several levels of GCH, Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum.
DOG SHOW TERMS:
Angulation - Angles created by bones meeting at their joints, usually used to describe a dog's rear curvature between the hip and top of the hock, or the front from the whithers to the elbow.
Bait - What handlers use in the ring, liver or some kind of treat, to get the dog's attention to have him/her look alert.
Exhibitor - A person who brings an entered dog to the show and shows it in the appropriate class.
Gait - The way a dog moves, being a good indicator of structure and condition.
Handler - A person or agent who takes a dog into the show ring or who works with a dog at a hunt/field trial or other performance event.
Match - An informal dog show good for puppy and handler practice at which no championship points are awarded, but required by AKC for regional clubs.
Miscellaneous Class - Transitional class for breeds attempting to advance to full AKC recognition, ie - the Wirehaired Vizsla.
Pedigree - The written record of a dog's family tree of three or more generations.
Points - Units of credit earned toward a championship, of which 15 are required.
Soundness - Mental and physical well-being.
Stack - Placing the dog's legs and body to create a pleasing pose for the judge to 'go over' the dog.
