|
What is the Land O'Lakes Specialty?
The Minnesota Malamute Club hosts one show each year with a particular emphasis on Alaskan Malamutes. This specialty show is held during the Land O'Lakes all-breed shows held in St. Paul in January. Where and when is it held? This show is traditionally at the RiverCenter in St. Paul, MN. It is usually the first weekend of January. |
Open Bitches class (2018). Berquist.
|
"Vesta." Owned by Julia Berquist.
What are dog shows?
Dog shows - also called conformation - are a way to hold individual dogs up to the breed standard, the written description of the ideal Alaskan Malamute. How well do they literally conform to the ideal dog described in the standard? Gaiting around the ring showcases the animal’s movement. Are they balanced? Do their back feet fall in the spots vacated by the front? Do they reach? Do they drive with their back legs? Do they converge into a centerline? Does their topline flow smoothly? Does everything look effortless?
What kind of equipment do you need?
If you believe your dog fits the standard, there are a lot of supplies to obtain. Invest in a nice grooming table, blower, set of combs and brushes, show lead and collar, and get prepared for those entry fees!
Dog shows - also called conformation - are a way to hold individual dogs up to the breed standard, the written description of the ideal Alaskan Malamute. How well do they literally conform to the ideal dog described in the standard? Gaiting around the ring showcases the animal’s movement. Are they balanced? Do their back feet fall in the spots vacated by the front? Do they reach? Do they drive with their back legs? Do they converge into a centerline? Does their topline flow smoothly? Does everything look effortless?
What kind of equipment do you need?
If you believe your dog fits the standard, there are a lot of supplies to obtain. Invest in a nice grooming table, blower, set of combs and brushes, show lead and collar, and get prepared for those entry fees!
"Sherlock." Owned by Alexis Smith.
How do you train?
Find a mentor! There are conformation drop-in classes, which can be helpful, but hard to find. Your breeder might be able to help you.
What do you win?
Those dogs that best match up with the standard win points towards their championships. Champions are dogs identified as having ‘conformed’ particularly well to the standard. In the AKC, they must earn 15 points and two majors (meaning, they beat a certain number of dogs).
Find a mentor! There are conformation drop-in classes, which can be helpful, but hard to find. Your breeder might be able to help you.
What do you win?
Those dogs that best match up with the standard win points towards their championships. Champions are dogs identified as having ‘conformed’ particularly well to the standard. In the AKC, they must earn 15 points and two majors (meaning, they beat a certain number of dogs).
Banner: "2018 Land O'Lakes Specialty." Berquist.