The definitions I am using here are not designed to dazzle
the seasoned breeder or competitor. I am simply trying to
use layman’s language to make the sport a little more
friendly to the non-dog person who might see these terms and
abbreviations used on this and other web pages and wonder
what on earth they stand for.
Conformation:
Refers to how the dog is physically put together (structure
and appearance).
Conformation Show: Refers to a type of dog show
where dogs are judged solely on how they compare to their breed
standard.
Obedience Show: Refers to a type of dog show
where dogs are judged solely on how well they perform specified
excersises laid before them.
Agility Competition: Refers to a competition
whereby dogs must complete an obstacle course within a given
time frame.
Standard: This is the written form of the ideal
dog. Each breed has its own. Breeders try to create animals
that come as close as they can to that ideal.
Type: The sum total of characteristics that
make any breed district from the others.
Group: Each breed of dog is categorized usually
by the purpose for which it has been bred and assigned one of
seven group designations. The Groups include Sporting, Hounds,
Working, Terriers, Toys, Non–Sporting, and Herding. Shelties
are in the herding group along with some of the better known
breeds like the German Shepherd and the Australian Cattle Dog
as well as some of the lesser known breeds like the Norwegian
Buhund and the Swedish Vallhund.
CKC: The Canadian
Kennel Club is the Canadian registration body
for purebred dogs. It also oversees the competition at many
events associated with purebred dogs.
AKC: The American
Kennel Club is a national organization
in the United States devoted to the advancement and welfare
of pure-bred dogs.
Dog: Refers to the species in general e.g. dog
as opposed to horse or it refers to the male of the species.
Bitch: Refers to the female of the species and
is a common term among breeders no different than using the
term mare to describe a female horse.
The
Following Terms Refer to Conformation Dog Shows:
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Ch: Champion is a
term designated to a dog who has attained a total of 10 pts
under 3 separate judges.
Class Dog or Bitch: Any male or female competing
in a conformation event that has not attained the status of
champion.
Specials Dog or Bitch: Any male or female competing
in a conformation event that has attained the status of champion.
WD: Winners Dog, a
dog show term. WD has beaten all the male class dogs present
in that breed. WD is assessed points towards their Ch according to the number of dogs he has defeated.
WB(F): Winners Bitch (Female), a dog
show term. WB has beaten all the female class dogs present in
that breed. WB is assessed points toward her Ch according to the number of dogs she has defeated.
Reserve: This is designated by an R before WD or WB. If something happens that eliminates
WD or WB the reserve dog will then be assessed the points according
to the number of dogs they have defeated. Unofficially known
as Best of Losers.
BW: Best of Winners,
a dog show term. The BW dog is the judge deems to be the best
representative of the breed between WD and WB.
BOB: Best of Breed,
a dog show term. The BOB winner has defeated all the dogs present
from their breed. The BOB winner will compete with other BOB
winners in its group for Gr. Placings.
Gr. Placings: All BOB winners
within each of the 7 groups compete to earn placings 1 through
4. Gr. 1st winners go on to compete for Best
In Show.
BOS: Best of Opposite Sex,
a dog show term. The BOS winner is the dog the judge deems to
be the best representative of the breed in the sex opposite
to that which won BOB.
BPIB: Best Puppy In Breed is a dog under 1 year of age that has defeated all other dogs
in the same age category within its breed. This puppy will go
on to compete for Best Puppy In Group.
BPIG: Best Puppy In Group is a dog under 1 year of age that has defeated all other dogs
in the same age category within its group. This puppy will go
on to compete with for Best Puppy In Show.
BIS: Best In Show has defeated all
dogs present at that show.
BISS: Best In Specialty Sweepstakes (NOT Best In Specialty Show which is actually a "Specialty BOB")
BPIS: Best Puppy In Show is a dog under
1 year of age that has defeated all other dogs in the same age
category at that show.
Specialty: A separate show hosted by a club
formed to promote a single breed or group of dogs. The judge
is usually someone with intimate knowledge (a breeder) of that
breed or group.
The
Following Terms Refer to Obedience Competition:
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CD: Companion Dog is a title awarded a dog who has passed its first level of obedience
competition. These dogs impress me!
CDX: Companion Dog Excellent is
a title awarded a dog who has passed its second level of obedience
competition. This is no small feat.
UD: Utility Dog is
a title awarded a dog who has passed its third level of obedience
competition. I am in awe of this accomplishment!
CGC: Canine Good Citizen indicates that a dog has successfully participated in AKC's
CGC test - a casual set of exercises testing the dog's skills
and basic obedience.
Other
Terms Found In Our Site:
vWD Clear By Parentage: Reference to von Willebrand's
Disease. This is an abnormality involving a protein called von
Willebrand's factor. This disease is an inherited bleeding disorder
of dogs. Cleared by parentage means both of the dog's parents
DNA have been checked for von Willebrand's Disease.
OFA: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals An
organization of veterinary orthopedists whose mission is to
organize, collate and disseminate information concerning orthopedic
and genetic disease of animals.
SASSA: Saskatoon Area Shetland Sheepdog
Association
WASSA: Winnipeg Area Shetland Sheepdog
Association
CSSA: Canadian Shetland Sheepdog Association
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