merlindog The American Kennel Club has been holding its national championships in Long Beach for five years now, so there’s really no excuse for not knowing how to behave when you attend this year’s event today and Saturday at the Convention Center.

Just in case you haven’t been—and this will be your last chance for awhile; the AKC is taking its show somewhere else next year—here are some Tips for the First-Time Spectator, lifted from the AKC website:

  • If the grooming area is open to spectators, visit it and talk with professional groomers to get tips on keeping your dog looking his best.
  • However tempting, do not pet a dog without asking for permission first. The dog may have just been groomed in preparation for being judged.
  • At each dog show, you will find vendors and information booths. Many club booths offer helpful information to the general public.
  • Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Unless you bring a chair or arrive early, be prepared to stand most of the time, as seating is usually limited.
  • If you are considering getting a purebred dog, talk to the breeders and exhibitors – they are experts in their breeds
  • If you bring a baby stroller to a dog show, be careful that you do not run over any dog’s tail, and that your child does not grab or poke the dogs it can reach. Avoid having them near ring entrances, which are especially crowded. Some shows prohibit baby strollers.

 And while we’re at it, here is some basic dog-show vocabulary, the better that you don’t embarrass yourself.
Angulation – Angles created by bones meeting at their joints.
Baiting – Using liver or some treat to get the dog’s attention and have him look alert.
Bench Show – A dog show at which the dogs are kept on assigned benches when not being shown in competition, so they can be viewed and discussed by attendees, exhibitors and breeders.
Exhibitor – A person who brings a dog to a dog show and shows it in the appropriate class.
Fancier – A person who is especially interested, and usually active, in some phase of the sport of purebred dogs.
Gait – The way a dog moves, movement is a good indicator of structure and condition.
Groom – To brush, comb, trim or otherwise make a dog’s coat neat.
Handler – A person or agent who takes a dog into the show ring or who works the dog at a field trial or other performance event.
Heel – A command to a dog to keep close beside its handler.
Match Show – A usually informal dog show at which no championship points are awarded.
Miscellaneous Class – Transitional class for breeds attempting to advance to full AKC recognition.
Pedigree – The written record of a dog’s family tree of three or more generations.
Points – Credits earned toward a championship.
Soundness – Mental and physical well-being.
Stacking – Posing the dog’s legs and body to create a pleasing picture.

For tickets and show times, go to www.akc.org/aenc.