Monday, October 11
Zuchtschau/Breed Show
Judge Herr Andreas Tornau , Bad Salzuflen, Germany
The Zuchtschau is a conformation show where every dog is individually evaluated according to the FCI Dachshund Standard. Each dog will receive a verbal critique and a written evaluation.
Zuchtschau Location
Forest City Dog Training Club
6203 Material Ave.
Loves Park, IL 61111
Just 12 miles from the beagle club!
Spacious facility, fully matted, restrooms, plenty of parking.
Zuchtschau Guidance
(Recommendations for showing)
Breed standard To select the dogs you want to enter, please carefully read FCI Breed Standard #148.
Dress code: There is no written rule on dress code, but it is very casual. Shorts and jeans are accepted (not the stained and ripped ones). Hunting outfits are seen often in Europe, but if you wish to dress up, you should feel free to do so.
Attendance: All exhibitors have to stay until the judging is over. This is not only polite for the judge and the last exhibitors, but this amount of time is needed to prepare the paperwork of your dog.
Weight of the dog: Most dogs at American shows are considered overweight for European standards. The general rule for weight in Europe should be emphasized: the ribs should not be visible, but clearly palpable. So a thin layer of tissue should cover the chest. Less weight usually induces a little more tuck up of the underline.
Dress code: There is no written rule on dress code, but it is very casual. Shorts and jeans are accepted (not the stained and ripped ones). Hunting outfits are seen often in Europe, but if you wish to dress up, you should feel free to do so.
Attendance: All exhibitors have to stay until the judging is over. This is not only polite for the judge and the last exhibitors, but this amount of time is needed to prepare the paperwork of your dog.
Weight of the dog: Most dogs at American shows are considered overweight for European standards. The general rule for weight in Europe should be emphasized: the ribs should not be visible, but clearly palpable. So a thin layer of tissue should cover the chest. Less weight usually induces a little more tuck up of the underline.
Dress is casual...grooming is minimal for all coats...dogs are exhibited at lesser weights than is common at US shows.
Stacking (table): The dog is stacked on the table, never on the floor or ground. Do not extend the hindquarters as far as it is done here in the US. The hock is positioned slightly behind the rear.
The judge will ask the age of your dog. Indicate the age in months before 2 years (e.g. 21 months) and after 2 years of age in years and half years (e.g. 3½ years).
The dog’s tail will be checked thoroughly: vertebra by vertebra. Make sure your dog does not mind this examination procedure.
The teeth are very important according to the FCI breed standard (see the chart of tooth faults on the next page). The judge will check and count all of your dog’s teeth, including the back teeth (molars and premolars). Almost all judges prefer to check the teeth themselves, however, only if your dog does not feel comfortable with this at all, you could request to show your own dog’s teeth. Make sure all teeth are clearly visible for the judge. In most instances, your fingers block the view. It is advised that you allow the judge check the teeth, when you are not sure about how to show them yourself.
The judge will ask the age of your dog. Indicate the age in months before 2 years (e.g. 21 months) and after 2 years of age in years and half years (e.g. 3½ years).
The dog’s tail will be checked thoroughly: vertebra by vertebra. Make sure your dog does not mind this examination procedure.
The teeth are very important according to the FCI breed standard (see the chart of tooth faults on the next page). The judge will check and count all of your dog’s teeth, including the back teeth (molars and premolars). Almost all judges prefer to check the teeth themselves, however, only if your dog does not feel comfortable with this at all, you could request to show your own dog’s teeth. Make sure all teeth are clearly visible for the judge. In most instances, your fingers block the view. It is advised that you allow the judge check the teeth, when you are not sure about how to show them yourself.
DTK judges make a thorough evaluation of teeth...and tails...and every entry receives a written evaluation.
Stance (floor): A natural stance is required on the floor. When the judge asks you to have your dog stand in front of him, you are not allowed to touch your dog. It takes a little practice to make sure your dogs stands nicely on its own during a few minutes, while the judge is dictating his evaluation. Take your time when doing this. The judge will wait until you feel your dog is ready to be evaluated. If you do not like your dog’s stance, you may want to reset your dog by quickly looping around and come to a standstill in front of the judge again. Remember you cannot touch your dog while doing this.
Most FCI judges will test the temperament of the dog by making strange noises and/or movements, when the dog stands on the floor (not table). A dachshund is not supposed to be fearful or aggressive.
Gaiting: Some judges ask handlers to walk their dog on loose lead. You are not obligated to do this, unless upon the judge’s request. A dog being able to trot on a loose lead, even when this is not requested, will impress most judges.
The gait is the most important aspect of FCI showing. Most dogs have a tempo in which it moves most beautifully. During gaiting, handlers are supposed to use the full size of the ring. Do not loop around in a small circle unless the judge asks you to do so. Continue walking until the judge or ring steward tells you otherwise.
Grooming: At European shows, the grooming is done prior to the show. Only minor combing or brushing is done just before showing. Make sure you plan the grooming well in advance.
The European longhairs are not groomed as much as here. Most of the furnishings are left intact. The feet should be trimmed neatly (between the toes). The same counts for the wirehairs. Most European breeders strip their dogs 6-8 weeks prior to a show. German judges love the beard and eyebrows so do not over-trim.
Never shave off whiskers and eyebrows on any dog. The nails should be kept relatively short. The dog should be able to stand properly with the nails lightly touching the ground.
Do not apply any artificial fragrances and oils to your dachshunds. Keep in mind that dachshunds are supposed to be hunting dogs.
Do not bathe your dog shortly prior to the show. It will negatively affect your dog's coat, especially in the case of longhaired and wirehaired dachshunds.
Tooth and Bite Faults in Dachshunds:
The following chart gives an overview of tooth faults (missing teeth) that might influence the evaluation score (Formwert) for your dog at the upcoming Zuchtschau. The teeth are listed in the order of inspection.
This chart was published in “Der Dachshund” as a reminder for conformation judges. The chart was drawn up by Heinz Eiben, Federal Chairman for Conformation Shows and Wilfried Petersen, Federal Chairman for Conformation Judges.
Most FCI judges will test the temperament of the dog by making strange noises and/or movements, when the dog stands on the floor (not table). A dachshund is not supposed to be fearful or aggressive.
Gaiting: Some judges ask handlers to walk their dog on loose lead. You are not obligated to do this, unless upon the judge’s request. A dog being able to trot on a loose lead, even when this is not requested, will impress most judges.
The gait is the most important aspect of FCI showing. Most dogs have a tempo in which it moves most beautifully. During gaiting, handlers are supposed to use the full size of the ring. Do not loop around in a small circle unless the judge asks you to do so. Continue walking until the judge or ring steward tells you otherwise.
Grooming: At European shows, the grooming is done prior to the show. Only minor combing or brushing is done just before showing. Make sure you plan the grooming well in advance.
The European longhairs are not groomed as much as here. Most of the furnishings are left intact. The feet should be trimmed neatly (between the toes). The same counts for the wirehairs. Most European breeders strip their dogs 6-8 weeks prior to a show. German judges love the beard and eyebrows so do not over-trim.
Never shave off whiskers and eyebrows on any dog. The nails should be kept relatively short. The dog should be able to stand properly with the nails lightly touching the ground.
Do not apply any artificial fragrances and oils to your dachshunds. Keep in mind that dachshunds are supposed to be hunting dogs.
Do not bathe your dog shortly prior to the show. It will negatively affect your dog's coat, especially in the case of longhaired and wirehaired dachshunds.
Tooth and Bite Faults in Dachshunds:
The following chart gives an overview of tooth faults (missing teeth) that might influence the evaluation score (Formwert) for your dog at the upcoming Zuchtschau. The teeth are listed in the order of inspection.
This chart was published in “Der Dachshund” as a reminder for conformation judges. The chart was drawn up by Heinz Eiben, Federal Chairman for Conformation Shows and Wilfried Petersen, Federal Chairman for Conformation Judges.
| tooth_faults_chart.doc |
Dogs with pincer bite can receive only the second highest Formwert of “sehr gut” [very good], unless the pincer bite is caused by age (worn teeth). Undershot, overshot or wry bites are disqualifying faults. Narrow positioning of the lower canines is also a disqualifying fault.
Missing teeth as noted above and tail irregularities (kinked tail) may disqualify your dog. In case of pulled teeth and broken tails, a veterinary statement is needed or more preferably a radiograph with the dog’s name, taken by a licensed veterinarian.
Missing teeth as noted above and tail irregularities (kinked tail) may disqualify your dog. In case of pulled teeth and broken tails, a veterinary statement is needed or more preferably a radiograph with the dog’s name, taken by a licensed veterinarian.
Eligible dogs
Dachshunds, which are at least 9 months old, will get a written evaluation and an official rating.
Puppies between 6-9 months are not given an official rating but will still receive a written evaluation.
The following dogs are not allowed to enter the Zuchtschau:
· monorchid, cryptorchid dogs
· neutered or spayed dogs
· dogs with contagious diseases
· puppies younger than 6 months
NOTE: Bitches in season will be evaluated after all other dogs have been judged.
Dachshunds, which are at least 9 months old, will get a written evaluation and an official rating.
Puppies between 6-9 months are not given an official rating but will still receive a written evaluation.
The following dogs are not allowed to enter the Zuchtschau:
· monorchid, cryptorchid dogs
· neutered or spayed dogs
· dogs with contagious diseases
· puppies younger than 6 months
NOTE: Bitches in season will be evaluated after all other dogs have been judged.






