A Parson Russell Terrier.
Dogs compete in many different dog show classes based on place of birth, who is handling them, and the number of points they have won. At other times, they may compete in classes based on age, as they do in sweepstakes (sweeps) and futurity classes. These classes, usually held at breed or group specialty shows, have other restrictions, as well.
Purpose of Showing Dogs
Dog shows originally served a dual purpose. They were both social and practical, permitting breeders to evaluate their breeding stock and to discuss their successes and difficulties with others who bred the same kinds of dogs. The sport retains these same aspects after centuries of being, although improved technology allows breeders to evaluate their dogs even more meticulously through genetic testing and provides them with instant communication outside the show hall.
Breed or Group Specialties
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) Glossary, a specialty show is a "Conformation show in which only dogs of an individual breed or group of breeds are eligible to enter." Group specialty shows allow breeders dogs within the same group--such as all terriers, all herding dogs, or all toy dogs--can gather and compare their efforts in improving the genetic health of their breeds. Similarly, breeders with related breeds can often alert each other to potential genetic problems that might appear.
Breed specialty shows can bring hundreds of dogs of a single breed together, allowing comparison between some of the best dogs of that breed in the country, even when ordinary shows might attract fewer than a dozen. Sweepstakes and futurity classes are most often found at specialty shows, although they are less often found at all-breed shows as well.
Sweepstakes Classes
The AKC Glossary defines the sweepstakes as being "A non-regular competition offered in conjunction with regular classes at specialty shows for puppies or veterans. Class divisions, requirements and conditions are established by the club." This definition is expanded by veterinarian M. C. Wakeman, at The Actual Dog Show site, which explains that the sweeps classes are for "6- to 18-month-old puppies and young adult." Although no championship points are awarded for sweepstakes wins, the entry money is often divided into cash prizes for the top winners.
Futurity Classes
Like the sweepstakes competition, the futurity is a series of special classes held for a single breed. Unlike the sweeps, however, the participants must be nominated before and shortly after birth to be able to compete. In addition, the dog's owner must pay a series of fees before the date of the futurity. The national breed club usually sponsors futurity competitions, which are held in conjunction with the breed's "nationals," the specialty show(s) held under the authority of the national breed club and that club's national registry. One example of such a show would be the American Brittany Club show, which conforms to the rules and breed standard published by the American Kennel Club.
Importance of Sweeps and Futurity Classes
The requirement to renew the litter or puppy futurity nomination requires the breeder or owner to repeatedly evaluate the dog(s) in question. In addition, sweeps and futurity classes are often judged by individuals who have repeatedly produced winning dogs in that breed over a period of years. Such scrutiny on the upcoming generation of show dogs and breeding stock performs an invaluable service for breeders.
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