What does excellent rating mean at a dog show? - briefly
In a dog show, an "excellent" rating signifies that the dog meets all breed-specific standards and excels in characteristics such as temperament, health, and conformation. This top rating is highly sought after by breeders and owners, indicating the dog's superior quality and adherence to the ideal of its breed.
What does excellent rating mean at a dog show? - in detail
The term "excellent" in the context of a dog show is one of the highest ratings a dog can receive from judges. This rating signifies that the dog closely adheres to its breed standard, which is a detailed description of what an ideal representative of that breed should look like, including size, proportions, movement, temperament, and overall condition.
When a judge awards an "excellent" rating, they are indicating that the dog displays exceptional qualities that make it stand out among its peers. This includes not only physical attributes but also how well the dog moves in the ring, its temperament, and overall presentation. The judge is assessing whether the dog is a near-perfect representation of its breed according to the established standard.
Moreover, the "excellent" rating is a crucial step towards winning Best in Show, as it qualifies the dog for further competition within its group (e.g., Sporting, Hound, Working). To achieve this high honor, the dog must not only meet the breed standard but also excel above other dogs of the same breed in terms of conformation and showmanship.
In essence, an "excellent" rating is a significant acknowledgment of a dog's superior qualities and its close adherence to the breed standard, making it a noteworthy accomplishment in the world of dog shows.