Summary
In the podcast episode "Selects: How Dog Shows Work" from Stuff You Should Know, the hosts delve into the captivating world of dog shows, comparing dog breeds, and discussing the controversies surrounding these events. The fascination with dog shows stems from the evaluation of various breeds based on their physical attributes and character traits, generally conforming to the American Kennel Club (AKC) standards. To participate in these esteemed events, dogs must accumulate points from previous competitions.
Dog shows segregate dogs into various classes, such as puppies, novice, bred by exhibitor, American bread, and open. Judges evaluate dogs based on several factors, including appearance, attitude, balance, weight, size, eyes, whiskers, teeth, tails, shoulders, and coat quality. The conformation shows are the main focus, where purebred dogs display their unique breed qualities.
The prestigious Westminster dog show in the United States showcases AKC-recognized breeds, which are divided into groups based on their characteristics. Dogs compete in different categories, such as Best of Breed and the All-Star Game/Super Bowl, with breed winners moving on to group competitions and subsequently the all-breed show like Westminster. However, the best in show winners often spark heated debates and controversies on social media.
Dog shows have been criticized for various reasons, primarily due to issues associated with purebred dogs. Critics argue that inbreeding, shorter lifespans, and breed-specific issues result from the pressure to maintain certain breed standards. For instance, the American Border Collie Association (ABCA) petitioned to exclude their breed from AKC recognition due to concerns over inbreeding.
Advocacy groups like PETA object to practices such as tail docking and ear cropping, which require surgical procedures to alter a dog's appearance to conform to breed standards. Critics like Jonah Goldberg liken the AKC's focus on breeding to eugenics.
Contrarily, England's Crufts dog show, run by the Kennel Club, includes agility and obedience trials in addition to appearance-based judging. The AKC hosts these events separately. Moreover, England's Kennel Club organizes a competition called Scruffs, which is open to non-purebred and crossbreed dogs, focusing on judging attributes such as temperament, health, and character.
