Definition

1. Noun:
   • A competitive exhibition of dogs: An organized event where dogs are judged against established breed standards or performance criteria to determine winners in various categories.

Usage

• As a subject: "The dog show attracts breeders and enthusiasts from across the country."
• As an object: "We are preparing our poodle for the upcoming dog show."
• With prepositions: "She won a ribbon at the dog show." / "He is a judge for the regional dog show."

Examples

• Noun:
  • The annual dog show features over a hundred different breeds.
  • Winning best in show at a prestigious dog show is a great honor for any handler.

Advanced Usage

• "benched dog show": A specific type of dog show where each entered dog must be displayed on an assigned bench when not being judged, allowing the public to view them.
  • The benched dog show format is less common today but offers excellent educational opportunities for spectators.

Variants and Related Words

• Dog showing (n): The activity or sport of participating in dog shows.
  • She has been involved in dog showing for over a decade.
• Conformation show (n): A type of dog show where judges evaluate how closely each dog conforms to the official breed standard.
  • The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is a famous conformation show.

Synonyms

• Canine exhibition: A formal display of dogs.
• Breed show: A competitive event focused on purebred dogs.

Related Phrases

• "Best in show": The top award given to the single best dog judged at an all-breed conformation show.
  • The terrier went on to win best in show.
• "Handler": A person who presents and controls a dog in the show ring.
  • The professional handler guided the dog expertly around the ring.

Noun

1. a competitive exhibition of dogs