Showing dogs is a great sport where the thrill of competition is combined with the joy of seeing beautiful dogs. Dog shows are one of many types of AKC dog events in which AKC-registered dogs can compete. These events, which draw over three million entries annually, include dog shows and tests of instinct and trainability, such as obedience trials, Canine Good Citizen tests, field trials, agility trials, lure coursing, rally, hunting tests, herding trials, tracking tests, coonhound and earthdog events.
Dog shows (conformation events) are intended to evaluate breeding stock. The size of these events ranges from large all-breed shows, with over 3,000 dogs entered, to small local specialty club shows, featuring a specific breed. The dog's conformation (overall appearance and structure), an indication of the dog's ability to produce quality puppies, is judged.
From the AKC's A Beginner's Guide to Dog Shows
The Afghan Hound Club of America holds two special annual events: the AHCA National Specialty and the AHCA Breeders' Cup. "The National" is the largest all-afghan hound show in the country, featuring not only conformation competition, but also lure coursing, obedience, rally, agility, junior showmanship and a puppy sweepstakes. The Breeders' Cup is special exhibition to showcase breeders' hard work through a special sweepstakes show where litters are entered and evaluated. Though no points are available at the Breeder's Cup, it is the second largest event and a great honor to win Best Puppy at the Breeders' Cup.
Registration & Information:
http://ahwc.com
Don't forget if you haven't seen your National photos, there are both win photos of the winners and ringside candids of all dogs who were present at the specialty. Proofs will not be automatically mailed to you, but please find them at http://www.juliepoole.com/Afghan/National/
During the awards banquet of the 75th Annual AHCA National Specialty, a wonderful presentation made by Dayne Jordan was displayed for all the dinner guests. Each person got to take home a DVD with the presentation on it as well. The presentation goes through all of the National Specialty winners over the years, the people that make the National happen, many of the afghans that we share our lives with and much more.