Competitions for Toy Dogs

When it comes to dog shows and competitions, toy dog breeds are no different from other breeds in that they too compete with one another. Toy dog breed competitions consist of several different breeds of dog competing against one another. Toy dogs are no exception to the American Kennel Club rules regarding how they behave and are groomed for competition. Their breed dictates the qualifications the must meet in order to compete. Let's take a look at a few different toy dogs and the AKC standards they have to meet.

The American Kennel Club has established certain specifications for each dog to meet, regardless of their breed. If the specifications are not met, the dog may be disqualified or not allowed to enter the competition. Some of the criterion the judges will look at before allowing a dog to enter a competition are:
• Parents of the dog
• The litter the dog came from
• General appearance
• Head
• Body
• Legs and feet
• Coat
• Colors
• Chest and legs
• Weight
There may be other things that are viewed depending on the type of competition but these are the general criteria that are judged in a toy dog competition. Let's look at an example to give you a better idea of what to expect when putting your toy dog into competitions.

Yorkshire Terrier Breed

The Yorkshire Terrier is a popular toy dog breed and has some specifications to meet in order to compete with others in its group.
• Head. The head is small and flat on top; the skull should not be too prominent or round. The muzzle not too long with neither an over or under bite. The nose is generally black and eyes are medium in size; not too prominent. The ears are small, v-shaped and sit erect; not too far apart.
• Body. The body should be well-proportioned and compact. The back is short, back line level, with the height and rump height being the same.
• Legs and Feet. The forelegs are generally straight; elbows neither in nor out. The hind legs are also straight but stifles are moderately bent when viewed from the side. Feet are round with black toenails.
• Coat. The quality, texture and quantity of the Terrier's coat is of utmost importance. The hair should be glossy, fine and silky in texture. The body coat is moderately long, straight and may be trimmed to floor length, if desired. The hair on top can be tied with one bow in the center of the head or parted and tied with two bows, one on each side. Hair needs to be trimmed short on the tip of the ears and feet to give them a neat appearance.
• Colors. The puppies of Yorkshire Terriers are usually born black and tan and will also have a darker body color until they are mature. As they grow into adults the hair on the body and richness of tan color on the head and legs are extremely important. Color requirements apply when competing; blue is a dark steel blue, not silver and not mixed with fawn or black hairs. All the tan hair should be darker at the roots than in the middle. There should be no sooty black hair mixed with any of the tan.
• Weight. The weight of an adult Yorkshire Terrier entering competition must not exceed seven pounds.
• Disqualifications may include any solid color or combination of colors other than the blue and tan and white markings on other places besides the forechest.

As you can see there are several different and very specific qualifications that toy dogs, as well as other dogs, have to meet in order to compete. Toy dog breed competitions are found all over the world so if you're looking to get involved, do some research and make sure that your dog fits the criteria.

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