8/31/25

Into The Ring; A Look Inside The Dog Show

A Day at a Dog Show: Stepping Into the Ring

If you have been around me for any length of time, then you are aware that my daughter and I raise Black and Tan Coonhounds and show them at dog shows. Some of you have heard about my recent (mis)adventures in Colorado and Utah, which I’m sure will be the subject of a blog article at some point. It did occur to me recently that most people might know of dog shows because of Westminster and The AKC Championship shows they might see on TV, but most people don’t really know much about dog shows as a rule. So I thought it would be fun to take you through a brief synopsis of what happens at a dog show and why they are important.

If you’ve never been to a dog show, it can feel overwhelming at first. There is a lot going on especially at indoor shows, where, there are rings in one area, grooming in another, and venders around the walls. There are crates and dogs in the aisles, pretty much everywhere you look. But let me take you behind the scenes and walk you through what really happens at one of these events.

Morning Preparations

The day usually starts early. Long before spectators arrive, dogs are being groomed—coats blown out, ears cleaned, nails polished, and every detail perfected. Much of the time, the coonhounds, as a breed that does not require a lot of grooming, are scheduled to be in the ring early in the day (hello 8 am) so we are getting to ringside before that so we can collect our armbands and settle the dogs before it is their turn. When we were showing Borzoi, there was many an early morning with a brush and a spray bottle, getting ring ready.

Entering the Ring

When it’s time for each breed to show, the ring steward calls everyone in. Picture it: Golden Retrievers lining up in one ring, Dobermans in another, Borzoi sweeping past with their elegant strides. Each breed has its moment to shine.

The judge steps forward, clipboard in hand, but what they’re really holding is knowledge—a deep understanding of what each breed is meant to be. When my Black and Tan Coonhounds step into the ring, the judge isn’t asking, “Is this a good dog?” They’re asking, “Is this the best example of the breed standard today?”

One by one, dogs are examined: teeth, muscles, movement. A good dog doesn’t just look right—they move right, carrying the essence of the breed in every step.

Competing for Championship Points

Here’s something many people don’t realize: when you see dogs in the ring, they aren’t just competing for ribbons—they’re competing for championship points.

In the American Kennel Club (AKC), a dog must earn 15 points (including at least two “major wins”) to become a Champion. Points are awarded based on the number of dogs defeated in competition that day—the more dogs entered, the more points at stake.

Moving Up the Ladder

After the championship classes, the winners compete for Best of Breed, then move on to their Group (Hound, Working, Sporting, etc.). The best from each Group faces off in the finale: Best in Show.

If you’ve ever watched that moment on TV, it feels glamorous, but what you don’t see is the years of hard work, miles of travel, and countless early mornings that lead up to that one shining lap around the ring.

Beyond the Ribbons

From the outside, a dog show might look like a beauty pageant. But standing in that ring, you realize it’s about something deeper. It’s about history, preservation, and love.

Every dog represents years of dedication—careful breeding, thoughtful planning, and countless hours of training. Every ribbon (and every championship point) tells a story of the bond between human and dog. And for me, as a photographer, every moment in the ring is a chance to capture the artistry of these animals—the way a Borzoi floats across the ground, or the way a Coonhound’s head tilts proudly under the lights. If you watch closely you will see the bond these dogs have with their people. It is truly magical.

Why It Matters

At the end of the day, dog shows are not just competitions—they’re living museums. They preserve the legacy of breeds, ensuring that the Borzoi remains swift, the Coonhound remains true to its nose, the Labrador remains a capable retriever.

And they remind us of something important: dogs are more than companions. They are history, function, and beauty brought to life.

So next time you hear about a dog show, imagine it not as a contest, but as a grand celebration—a place where tradition meets passion, and where every dog tells a story.

Photo credit: Best In Show Photography