History of Early Dog Shows

An Early History of Conformation Dog Shows

Throughout history, dogs were primarily bred for their skills as hunters, trackers, herders, or draft dogs. It wasn't until the nineteenth century that dogs began to be appreciated for their beauty and individuality. As the times changed and people no longer looked upon dogs as workers, they began to see dogs in a different light and bred them as companions. Eventually consistent physical appearance became an important factor for breeders.

1859. The very first organized conformation show was held in Newcastle-on- Tyne, England. Prior to this date there had been informal matches called "Pot House Shows" at which hunters could compare and discuss their dogs. The 1859 show was the first that took pre-show entries and offered a printed catalogue. Only sixty dogs participated, all of them pointers or setters.

1860. A show was held in Birmingham the following year and the number of dogs involved grew to 267. Two divisions were established in an attempt to categorize the dogs. One division was for sporting dogs, while the other included sheepherding, non-sporting, toy, and terrier dogs. This was the precursor of the group divisions that we see today.

1863. More than a thousand dogs were entered at the Birmingham show, and by 1892 the public was so enthralled by seeing dogs exhibited that more than two hundred different shows took place throughout England.

1873. As the popularity and interest in dogs grew, the Kennel Club was formed. Twelve men got together and made up a committee that set down a code of rules regulate shows, and all the dog clubs . societies that abided by these rules could be eligible for the Stud Book, which covered shows from 1859 to 1873.

1874. The first dog show held in the United dates took place in Chicago.

1877. At the first Westminster Show, thirtyfive breeds were represented. This show, now the second-oldest sporting event held in the United States, second only to the Kentucky Derby.

1884. The American Kennel Club was founded. The AKC's aim was to establish and maintain breeding records on purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is le second-oldest amateur sports organization in the United States, the first being 1e U.S. Lawn Tennis Association.

1888. The Canadian Kennel Club was founded as a response to Canadians' not fishing to have their dogs judged under CKC rules.

1911. The Federation Cynologique Interlationale or FCI was established in Belgium. This organization. comprising seventy-five member countries, licenses and conducts shows around the world. The "'World Show. as it is called, is held in a different member country every year.

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