History of Poodles
The standard poodle was originally chosen for its beauty, brains, and hypoallergenic qualities. As time went on we learned more and more about color, health factors, temperament, and the great versatility of the breed. Basically, a poodle can do anything.
1960 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
Each dog at a dog show is presented to a judge by either its owner, breeder, or a hired professional. This person is known as the exhibitor or the handler of the dog.
The purpose of conformation shows (also known as dog shows) is to evaluate breeding stock. Judges select winners based on their ability to contribute and improve the next generation of dogs. Dogs start out in the classes competing for points toward their AKC championship title. Dogs win points based on the number of dogs defeated. The more dogs entered, the more points per win. It takes fifteen points, including two majors (wins of three, four or five points), awarded by at least three different judges, to become an American Kennel Club champion.
At Westminster, all of the entrants are AKC champions of record and therefore compete in the Best of Breed class. In this class there are two top awards:
Best of Breed – The dog judged that is judge Best of Breed that day.
Best of Opposite Sex – The best dog that is the opposite sex to the Best of Breed winner