Dawn Klassen and other dog owners from Estevan and the surrounding area recently participated in the Crocus Valley Dog Show in Brandon, showcasing their canines in a Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) competition and earning recognition for their dedication to maintaining high breed standards.
Klassen, who has been involved in dog shows for nearly 40 years, brought three dogs to the event: Freda, a border terrier; Stevie, a rough collie; and Annie, another rough collie. A fellow competitor also showed a miniature schnauzer. Other dog owners from Estevan and the region also participated, highlighting the area’s small but active dog-showing community.
While winning an entire show is rare, participants focused on earning CKC points, which are awarded based on individual performance. Each of the dogs taken to the show successfully earned points, marking the event as a success for the local competitors.
Judging criteria at CKC events vary by breed, with specific attributes assessed based on breed standards. Klassen emphasized that dog shows are not simply about looks but about how well a dog represents its breed.
“You’re not looking for the prettiest dog there,” she said. “You're actually looking for whether your dog best represents what the standard says. Judges compare your dog to a written standard rather than just to the other dogs in the ring.”
While dog shows are competitive, Klassen stressed that they are primarily about evaluating breed quality rather than financial reward.
“Sadly, there is very little financial recompense,” she said. “It starts as a competition to ensure that the animals being bred meet high standards. Preservation breeders focus on improving the breed rather than just increasing numbers.”
In the show ring, dogs are judged based on their physical structure, health, and temperament.
“You want to bring the best to the best structurally, following a standard to achieve both physical and mental well-being,” Klassen said. “Dogs also need intellectual fortitude to be shown—it’s not just about looks.”
Competitors earn points and championships rather than significant prize money.
“The prizes and ribbons are nice, but what you're really after are those points and the championship title,” Klassen said. “It’s about proving that your dog is of great quality, not just good quality.”
For many, dog shows are also a bonding experience.
“It’s a great sport and a way to get out and do something with your dog,” Klassen said. “There are other activities like hunting, lure coursing, or agility, but conformation showing is another way to bond. Most dogs love it—it’s all about them for several days, and they get pampered.”
Regarding etiquette at shows, Klassen explained that dogs remain professional and well-behaved.
“There are benching areas where dogs and handlers prepare, similar to packing for any sporting event,” she said. “Dogs may glance at each other or wag their tails, but they know they’re there to do their job. You don’t want a dog jumping up and ruining two hours of grooming work.”
Dog shows range from open-entry competitions to invitationals like Westminster.
"If you have a registered purebred recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club, you can enter most shows," Klassen said. "Some shows have professional handlers competing, but many owners handle their own dogs. Judges are brought in from all over the world to keep the competition fair."
Ultimately, dog shows celebrate excellence in breeding and training, ensuring that the best traits of each breed are preserved.
"Judges compare the dogs in front of them that day—not to a dog they saw last week," Klassen said. "It’s about recognizing the best dog in the ring at that moment."
Beyond competition, Klassen encourages dog owners to find activities to do with their pets, whether it’s showing, agility, or simply spending time together.
"Just go out there and do stuff with your dog," she said. "It doesn't have to be a dog show, but they’re fun too."