Angulation: Angles created by bones meeting at their joints
Baiting: Using treats to get the dog's attention and have it look alert
Gait: The way a dog moves; movement is a good indicator of structure and condition
Heel: A command to a dog to keep it close beside the handler.
Pedigree: The written record of a dog's family tree of three or more generations
Points: Credits earned toward a championship
Soundness: Mental and physical well-being
Stacking: Posing the dog's legs and body to create a pleasing picture
SOURCE: American Kennel Club
THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB, established in 1884, is the country's largest not-for-profit dog registry. Under its auspices, dogs can compete for more than 40 different titles. More than 2 million dogs compete in events held by AKC licensed, member and sanctioned clubs across the United States.
Some of the most popular AKC dog show events include:
Conformation: Dogs are judged against a "breed standard," which is a description of the perfect dog of that breed. Judging includes looks, movement and temperament, as well as the mental and physical characteristics that allow each breed to perform the function for which it was developed.
Agility: Dogs of various breeds are put through an obstacle course that includes jumps, weaves, tunnels and other equipment. Dogs are classed according to jump height, rather than breed.
Obedience: Dogs are judged on their ability to follow prescribed set of exercises. Dogs perform a variety of obedience commands both on and off leash.
Herding: Dogs from recognized herding breeds and other qualified breeds demonstrate herding ability on a variety of courses and with various livestock.
Tracking: The competition form of search and rescue, and tracking events demonstrate the dogs' abilities to recognize and follow the human scent.
Lure coursing: Dogs of the breeds known as "sighthounds" must follow an artificial lure around a course on an open field. Dogs are judged on speed, enthusiasm, agility, endurance and their ability to follow the lure.
Coonhound events: Dogs of the breeds known as "scenthounds" demonstrate their hunting and tracking ability in the open field.