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Part one of this series ended with judging of Winners Bitch (WB) and Reserve Winners Bitch (RWB). Immediately afterward, the steward calls in the dogs for Best of Breed (BOB) competition. This consists of the dogs who have already finished their championships (often referred to as "specials"), the Winners Dog, and the Winners Bitch. The judge individually examines the specials, and evaluates them stacked and moving. Often competition is quite keen, and in this class showmanship can be critical.

After careful consideration, the judge makes three awards. Best of Breed is awarded to the dog that most closely approaches the breed standard on that day, in the judge's opinion. Next Best of Winners is awarded, which is exactly what it says, the best between the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch. The last award given is Best of Opposite Sex (BOS). If BOB is a male, BOS is given to the most outstanding female, and vice versa. There is no rule stating that BOB and/or BOS must be champions, and in fact it is not uncommon for class dogs to win these awards.

The dog judged Best of Breed is eligible for the next level of competition, known as group judging. All fully recognized AKC breeds are divided into seven variety groups. They are: Sporting Group, Hound Group, Working Group, Terrier Group, Toy Group, Non-Sporting Group, and Herding Group.

The steward calls each Best of Breed winner into the group ring, and they all line up, stacked and looking their best. All dogs are individually examined and gaited, even if they are showing to the same judge who did their individual breed. It is important to remember that the dogs are not really being judged against each other, but against the perfect specimen of its breed described by the breed standard. In other words, not "is the Papillon prettier than the Pug," but "does the Papillon more closely match its breed standard than the Pug." Four placements are made in each variety group, first, second, third and fourth.

After all of the groups are judged, it's time for the main event! The seven group winners are called into the ring for Best In Show (BIS) judging. Once again, dogs are judged starting from scratch. A BIS judge must know the breed standards for all breeds, a great feat of memory.

Many judges have a theatrical flair, and make the award in a dramatic fashion. With a great flourish, the judge points at the Best in Show winner that day. There are congratulations, tears and laughter. The awarding of Best In Show brings our day at the dog show to an end.

Copyright 2002 by Kiesha Crawmer. Used with permission. All rights reserved.