Dog shows
Curtis and Thelma Brown

The first competitive dog show was held in 1859. The Kennel Club of Great Britain was formed in 1873; the American Kennel Club (AKC) was formed in 1884. As dog shows became more popular, people began breeding dogs for appearance rather than utility. Most dog breeds kept by man were developed for a work purpose. With the invention of machines, with the scarcity of game and with the changes in environment, the usefulness of dogs for work diminished. Today, Bulldogs no longer bull bait, Dachshunds seldom hunt German badger, and Scottish Deerhounds seldom follow the almost extinct stag. Without dog shows these breeds and others like them probably would have vanished. Many breeds unadopted by dog fanciers have disappeared. The last Pocket Beagle observed by the authors was in 1941. Although they were very popular as hunting dogs in Great Britain prior to World War I, they are probably now extinct. The English Water Spaniel, the Talbot Hound and the Large Water Dog have departed along with many others. If these breeds had been adopted by the dog show fanciers, their chances of survival would have been greater. As the work for dogs diminished it was fortunate that the keeping of dogs as pet and as companions increased. Breeds that evolved in size, appearance and behaviour compatible with people prospered. Today, more than ever, people want dogs distinct in type, beautiful to look at and a joy to keep. Arts does enter into dog show judging. Taken from: "The Art and Science of Judging Dogs". Curtis and Thelma Brown. USA 1976. Photos: "Dog shows and doggy people". UK,1902 "Le sport universel illustré". France, 1907 Hutchinson´s Dog Enciclopaedia. UK, 1935