Kennel clubs in many countries sponsor dog shows. At these competitive events, dogs are evaluated on their physical appearance. In the United States, the AKC regulates most dog shows, and dogs must be AKC registered to compete. The club maintains official descriptions of each dog breed called breed standards. Breed standards include such details as the size and shape of the dog's body and the color and texture of its coat. Other characteristics that may be covered include temperament, type of movement, and how the coat must be trimmed. Show judges award points based on how closely an animal meets the breed standard.

In an all-breed dog show, the judges first select the best member of each recognized AKC breed. These dogs then compete against one another to be chosen best in each of the seven major groups of dogs. From these seven dogs, the judges name one as "best in show."

At some dog shows, called bench shows, handlers must display their dogs in stalls mounted on benches when they are not competing in the show ring. The Westminster Kennel Club of New York City holds the most important bench shows in the United States in February at Madison Square Garden. The shows have been held annually since 1877.

Other competitive events for dogs include obedience trials and field trials. Obedience trials are tests of how people and dogs work together. Any recognized breed may compete, and appearance is not a factor in awarding points. Exercises in obedience trials may include jumping, retrieving, and scent discrimination.

Field trials are competitions for hunting breeds. Hounds are judged on their ability to pursue rabbits or hares by scent. Pointing breeds must stop and point when they scent a game bird planted in the trial field. Retrievers must fetch from both water and land. Spaniels must locate planted game, flush birds into the air, and retrieve on command.

Terri McGinnis, "Dog," Discovery Channel School, original content provided by World Book Online, 6/18/2001.