Hi,
I can tell you about dog shows in UK. My sister shows dogs, and I have been with her a few times.
There are smaller dog shows... and shows for smaller (toy) dogs. They, however would be dog shows for mostly one type of breed.
Because the number of dogs entered is less, they could be in smaller halls, but I've never heard of one being held in a hotel. Not in the UK anyway.
During summer, some shows are held outside in a park or showground. Mostly though, due to British weather, the outside shows have marquees as a back up.
A huge show like Crufts which has international entries is held in a very large convention centre, and Crufts has a large seating area for the audience. I think you would call them 'bleachers'. The smaller shows, usually just have rows of chairs round the 'showing' ring.
I think you can visit the areas where the dogs are prepared and see what's going on. However, I can't really say if this area is open to the public, or just to people who have dogs entered in the show. Again, I'd think it depended on the size of the show. I haven't noticed much security at the smaller shows. The bigger shows also have a retail area.
Most owners show their own dogs, but again the more professional breeders hire people to show their dog, though I think that only happens at the really big international shows.
Also, at the dog shows I've attended, the human 'showers' usually primp up a bit as well.
With small dogs the judge will examine the dog on a table. Use their hands and eyes to judge the dog. Then the person showing is asked to walk the dog around the ring, so the judge can inspect the dog's movement.
Finally, the judge will ask all the owners and dogs to line up and will take some time to take another look. If it's a big class, she'll pull out a shortleet and maybe ask to see the dogs walking again. Only after that will she make her final selection. Normally, first down to third, then a highly commended.
Mind you, with Crufts, to keep up the tension for the TV cameras, I think they reverse the order of the placements and the first -- Best in Show -- is announced last.
That's how it's done in the UK anyway, and I hope it answers some of your questions.
Yours Jenni
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