by Barbara E. Magera MD
In the last two decades, social norms have changed. Mannerisms of respect and courtesy common to yester years are no longer routinely practiced today.
In the dog show world, mutual respect and collegiality amongst exhibitors are the traditional norm. When poor sportsmanship is exhibited, this behavior is long remembered by judges, handlers, exhibitors and the audience. The AKC and breed clubs state in their policy and procedures that good sportsmanship in the ring is paramount. The AKC national club and its many breed clubs outline on their websites under ethical guidelines the expected behavior of its members and exhibitors.
Today, what defines good sportsmanship? What activities would be considered bad behavior? What consequences exist for those who demonstrate malicious or reckless behavior at a dog show? Is unacceptable behavior confined to the ring or does it apply to ringside or the show site grounds? Do negative comments posted on social media constitute bad sportsmanship or unethical behavior?
Anyone who has shown a dog in conformation is familiar with challenging scenarios in the show ring. Common examples include an aggressive exhibitor who allows their dog to deliberately “run up”, “ease out of line” another dog in the ring or engage in double handling outside the ring. These behaviors are fairly obvious to seasoned judges, experienced exhibitors, handlers and fanciers.
In the grooming area, most exhibitors practice courteous behavior; however, there are increasing incidences of space hoarding particularly when access to electrical outlets are limited. Recently, exhibitors reported the theft of grooming supplies. In the past year, thieves stole expensive leashes from an established vendor set up at the show site.
The idiom that “loose lips sink ships” also applies to the dog show world. A detrimental behavior which can easily ruin reputations is idle gossip. The dictionary definition of gossip is “unconstrained conversation or reports of other people that typically involving details that are not confined as being true”. Unfortunately, many people have a salacious appetite for gossip. When gossip is further propagated, the lies often morph into larger untruths. Malicious gossip can ruin the reputation of a handler, breeder, judge or kennel. Some choose to further propagate their gossip on social media. Studies have shown that people are more prone to post derogatory comments on social media compared to a face-to-face conversation. Additionally, the presence of a live audience may mitigate harsh, spoken language compared to posted virtual verse.
Breed clubs enthusiastically support junior handlers. Young handlers are greatly influenced by the behaviors and beliefs of exhibitors, handlers and judges. Any negative behaviour or attitudes exhibited by adults affect the Junior handlers who often strive to mimic the activities of their senior role models.
A recent social media Facebook post (August 28, 2025) included three photos of Cavaliers exhibited in the breed class at the Westminster Dog Show. The caption posted by the author read “Cavaliers are actually inbred mutts”. Responses included support and criticism of the Cavalier breed. This was a derogatory post particularly for the three individual Cavaliers depicted. This post was defaming the Cavalier owners, breeders and exhibitors or handlers. The person who authored this post continues her virtual rampage againt the Cavalier breed. Worse, on her facebook home page, she lists herself as an AKC Breeder of Merit. Should this type of social media post be considered as unprofessional behavior? Should the AKC take action against this author?
On the AKC Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club website (akccsc.org), under the Ethics Guidelines, the expected behaviors of exhibitors and handlers attending an AKC show are outlined. When signing an entry form, exhibitors agree to comply with the following guidelines set forth by the club:
1. (section IIIA General Conduct of Members) “Demonstrate good sportsmanship both inside and outside the show ring”.
2. ( section (IIIB6) “ I will not Maliciously or falsely denigrate another member, their (breed name) canines, kennel or practices”.
3. ( section IIIE) “When I exhibit my (breed name), I will be considerate of all other exhibitors and their dogs”.
4. Ethics and their rules, apply to this club and its members as well as anyone accepting AKC jurisdiction.
January 2006 is the last revision of Ethical Guidelines on the AKCCSC website, a time when social media was in its infancy. Social behavior of 20 years ago is quite different compared to today’s standards. With the explosion of social media, cell phone communication and now the unforeseen abilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs to distort images and text, the ethical guidelines set forth by the AKC and breed clubs may warrant review and revamping.
Despite the enthusiasm to secure wins and ribbons, the original purpose of conformation shows was to exhibit improvements in breeding stock. Many long term alliances and lifelong friendships are established through participation in dog show events. Perhaps a rekindling of old timey manners would encourage novices to participate in conformation and not feel intimidated. Good sportsmanship in the show-ring is expected and routinely practiced by most exhibitors. Bad sportsmanship shown by a few and are forever remembered. Often actions speak louder than words. We should all work to improve the culture of the conformation show world so that every exhibitor, handler or judge who leaves the show-ring feels their efforts were respected and appreciated. Most importantly, participating in a dog show event should be enjoyable and fun. This is a venue where learning about your favorite breed should be inviting and invigorating.
A winning starlet in the Cavalier class competition at the Westminster Dog Show.
Barbara E. Magera MD, PharmD, MMM (Caracaleeb) is a Cavalier fancier, exhibitor, breeder, photographer, and writer who lives and practices medicine in Charleston, SC.
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