What does SS mean at a dog show? - briefly
SS at a dog show stands for "Select Bitch." It is an award given to a female dog that has won the Best of Breed title multiple times and has also produced offspring that have excelled in the show ring.
To understand this designation, it is essential to recognize the criteria and achievements that qualify a dog for this honor. The title of Select Bitch is conferred by the judge and is not a regular class in the show but rather a special recognition. The criteria typically include:
- The dog must have won the Best of Breed title at a minimum of three different shows.
- The dog must have produced offspring that have also achieved success in the show ring, often including champions.
- The dog must be of exceptional quality and represent the breed standard admirably.
This recognition is a testament to both the dog's individual excellence and its contribution to the breed through its progeny. It highlights the dog's outstanding conformation, temperament, and genetic potential. The process of earning the Select Bitch designation involves rigorous evaluation by experienced judges who assess the dog's physical attributes, movement, and overall presentation. Additionally, the judge considers the dog's breeding record and the achievements of its offspring, ensuring that the honor is bestowed upon dogs that have made a significant impact on the breed.
What does SS mean at a dog show? - in detail
At a dog show, the term "SS" stands for "Select Dog" or "Select Bitch," depending on the gender of the dog. This designation is a significant recognition of a dog's achievements and qualities. The term is used to identify dogs that have achieved high honors in conformation shows, which are competitions where dogs are judged based on how closely they adhere to the breed standard.
The designation of "Select Dog" or "Select Bitch" is awarded to dogs that have won a significant number of points towards their championship and have also been selected by the judge as one of the best dogs in the show, regardless of whether they are competing for a championship title that day. This recognition is particularly noteworthy because it is given by the judge in addition to the regular class placements.
To earn the "Select" designation, a dog must be of exceptional quality. Judges look for several key factors, including:
- Conformation: The dog's physical structure and how well it aligns with the breed standard.
- Temperament: The dog's behavior and demeanor, which should be in line with the breed's typical temperament.
- Condition: The dog's overall health and fitness, which reflects how well it has been cared for and prepared for the show.
The "Select" designation is not just an acknowledgment of the dog's physical attributes but also of its overall presentation and the handler's ability to showcase the dog's best qualities. It is a testament to the dog's breeding, training, and the dedication of its owner or handler.
In summary, the "Select Dog" or "Select Bitch" designation at a dog show is a prestigious honor that recognizes a dog's exceptional conformation, temperament, and overall presentation. It is a mark of excellence that sets the dog apart from its peers and highlights its adherence to the breed standard. This designation is a reflection of the dog's quality and the efforts of its handler and breeder.