In the beginning, breed standards were either lax or nonexistant; for example, there was no official dog body to govern what distinguished an Irish setter from an English setter. Furthermore, the owners themselves often had only the haziest of ideas of what breed or class their dog belonged to. As a result, a motley assortment of dogs would often compete for the same breed title.

This situation quickly improved as exemplary specimens of the principal breeds were selected as landmarks of the future. As stated in a report from the Kennel Gazette, published in July 1887, "If mistakes had been made in those days dog shows and dog breeding might have collapsed. But in the main the judgment bestowed upon dogs has been correct, and if types and the nicety of points have altered in some breeds more than others, the correct lines and true characters of class have been wonderfully preserved."

In comparison to today's shows, the earliest dog shows were primarily focused on working dogs and their abilities in the field rather than the appearance alone. Indoor dog shows were held on floors covered with sawdust rather than carpeting, which was a concern for female exhibitors whose flowing skirts were compromised when the floor became wet. The number of judges likewise pailed in comparison to today's mega-events, with only three judges overseeing the first dog show in 1859.

"History of Dog Shows" Continued »