Why Do We Show Our Dogs?
Here at Gallivant, we understand that showing dogs is more than a pastime; it's a commitment to excellence and a key aspect of ethical breeding. Many people might wonder why we invest so much effort into the show ring or what championship titles truly mean when it comes to choosing a puppy. For us, these accomplishments represent not only our dedication to the breed but also a clear standard of health, temperament, and structure. Through showing, we uphold these high standards, ensuring that each dog in our program is a reflection of the best qualities of the Labrador breed, which ultimately benefits every puppy we produce.
Dog Shows Preserve Breed Integrity
Our stunning Cutter took home Best of Breed at Westminster, one of the most prestigious dog shows of the year! As a proud sire to many exceptional puppies, Cutter is passing on his outstanding qualities, helping to shape the future of our breed.
Dog shows give breeders a valuable opportunity to assess the appearance and temperament of our dogs, ensuring that only the finest representatives are selected for future breeding. At dog shows, dogs aren’t judged by the individual tastes of the judges. Instead, they’re meticulously evaluated against the breed’s AKC standard—a detailed guide that defines the ideal structure, traits, temperament, and movement unique to each breed.
For Labrador Retrievers, the AKC standard ensures they remain true to their heritage as both skilled hunting dogs and loyal family companions. The standard describes Labradors as “bred to perform as an efficient Retriever of game with a stable temperament suitable for a variety of pursuits beyond the hunting environment.” The comprehensive standard emphasizes their wellbalanced and sound build for effective field work, their dense, weather-resistant coat that allows them to thrive in all conditions, and their friendly, stable temperament that makes them ideal family dogs.
By selecting and awarding Labradors that best match this standard, we’re safeguarding the breed’s essence and character. At Gallivant Labradors, every dog earns their place in the show ring before breeding, ensuring these beloved qualities endure for generations.
How Showing Allows Us to Bond With And Socialize Our Dogs
While showing is a crucial part of our breeding program, we’re certain we’d participate even if we didn’t breed. Like any shared activity, showing builds a special bond with our dogs. Preparing for the ring offers countless moments of connection and joy, from training and conditioning to grooming and teaching them how to be handled by a judge. To truly showcase a dog well, you need to connect with them and establish mutual trust. Every show is an opportunity to strengthen that bond, creating a partnership that grows with each experience.
Showing our dogs also helps socialize them by exposing them to various environments, people, and other dogs. In the show setting, dogs become accustomed to being handled by strangers and being surrounded by crowds of people and dogs, loud noises and unfamiliar scents. Their experience with showing fosters an inner confidence and adaptibility, allowing them to remain relaxed under different conditions, which has a great importance to their overall happiness and well-being. The close interaction with the judges, other competitors, and the other show dogs, helps them to develop trust and positive responses to strangers, which again improves their behaviour outside the show ring.
Additionally, showing dogs is also just fun! The training, grooming, and competition each bring their own unique challenges, making every moment at a dog show incredibly rewarding. The electric atmosphere in the show ring is something you have to experience to fully appreciate, and the exhilaration of that instant when the judge points to you as the winner is indescribable! Plus, the camaraderie and sense of community among fellow exhibitors make the show ring an unforgettable place to be.
Each time we step into the ring, we’re celebrating the traits that make Labradors exceptional, from their well-balanced conformation and powerful movement, to their exceptionally sweet and easy-going temperament. It’s a rewarding experience that connects us to a community of passionate breeders and show-people, and ensures that our beloves breed maintain their role as loyal family companions and skilled field dogs for generations to come.
