dog show: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral; used in both formal (e.g., event listings) and informal contexts.
Quick answer
What does “dog show” mean?
A competitive event where purebred dogs are judged against their breed standards, typically focusing on conformation, movement, and temperament.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A competitive event where purebred dogs are judged against their breed standards, typically focusing on conformation, movement, and temperament.
Any public event or exhibition featuring dogs, which can include not only conformation shows but also performance events like agility, obedience, or flyball competitions. In broader usage, it can metaphorically refer to any situation of public display, scrutiny, or controlled chaos.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'dog show' is a broad term; the premier event is 'Crufts'. In the US, 'dog show' often specifically refers to conformation shows sanctioned by the American Kennel Club (AKC), with the premier event being the 'Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show'. The term 'benched show' (where dogs must be on display when not competing) is more common in American historical context.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties. Can connote either serious, genteel competition or, in informal contexts, a mildly chaotic but organized event.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to greater media coverage of major events like Westminster.
Grammar
How to Use “dog show” in a Sentence
[Subject] entered [Possessive] poodle in a dog show.The [dog show] was held [Location].[Participant] competed at/in the [dog show].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dog show” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They decided to dog-show at Crufts this year. (informal/rare)
- He's been dog-showing for decades.
American English
- She loves to dog-show on the weekend circuit. (informal/rare)
- They dog-showed their terrier in Maryland.
adverb
British English
- The poodle was trimmed dog-show perfectly. (informal)
- He presented the spaniel very dog-show. (informal)
American English
- The handler moved dog-show smooth. (informal)
- She stacked the setter quite dog-show professional. (informal)
adjective
British English
- He's a dog-show judge with an impeccable reputation.
- They bought a dog-show lead.
American English
- She has a dog-show grooming table in her van.
- It's a major dog-show event.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Sponsorship opportunities and veterinary supply marketing at major dog shows.
Academic
Studied in anthropology/sociology as a site of human-animal interaction and cultural values regarding breeding and aesthetics.
Everyday
Talking about a weekend local event or a television programme one watched.
Technical
Referring to specific event types governed by kennel club rules: 'open show', 'championship show', 'limited show'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dog show”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dog show”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dog show”
- Using 'dog show' to refer to any event with dogs, e.g., a dog agility trial (though increasingly accepted). Confusing 'dog show' (conformation) with 'dog racing' (speed competition).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While agility competitions are often held alongside or as part of a larger 'dog show' event, the core term 'dog show' typically refers to conformation shows. Agility is a separate performance sport.
In traditional conformation shows, only registered purebred dogs are eligible. However, many events now include separate categories for mixed-breeds (often called 'scruffts' or 'all-American' shows), and mixed-breeds are welcome in performance events like agility.
'Best in Show' is the top award at a conformation dog show. It is given to the single dog judged as the best overall champion from among the winners of each individual breed group.
Criticisms include concerns that breeding for extreme physical standards (like flat faces in bulldogs) can harm dogs' health, and that the focus on aesthetics may overlook temperament and welfare.
A competitive event where purebred dogs are judged against their breed standards, typically focusing on conformation, movement, and temperament.
Dog show is usually neutral; used in both formal (e.g., event listings) and informal contexts. in register.
Dog show: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒɡ ʃəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɔːɡ ʃoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a real dog show. (informal, meaning a chaotic or poorly managed situation)”
- “Not just a pretty face at a dog show. (suggessing substance beyond appearance)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of DOGS on SHOWcase. 'Dog' + 'Show' = dogs being shown off.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A DOG SHOW (suggesting we are all on display, being judged against standards).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely to be a primary focus at a traditional conformation 'dog show'?