This kind of dog show in the photos above was called a BENCHED SHOW. All the dogs were partitioned off in designated spaces, on public display for the entire day as the show was running. Westminster Kennel Club is one of the 6 shows left in the USA which are still benched.
Exhibitors would go to great lengths to decorate their benched areas in elaborate ways, and clubs would many times have contests and give awards for the best display. The concept was fantastic for both exhibitors and spectators who could find any dog, breeder, or breed at any time during the day. Once benching dogs became out of fashion, the show scene changed dramatically to a “show and go” atmosphere.
I think the fancy is really missing a lot by not encouraging breeders to sit together all day long where they inevitably end up chatting about pedigrees , litters, experiences in the breed … like a “stitch n bitch” (quilting bee) for dog breeders.
Ty for the pictures and article. I would love to see a revival if the benched show!
Hi Lori, I sure wish they would come back as well! I think we lost the “essence of the dog show” when the benching went away. People had to communicate, face to face and were able to get their hands one anothers dogs. When you sit in one place all day long it is inevitable that breeders will open up and talk about the highs and lows and network about solutions to problems. in the breed. Thanks for reading the article!