While football may be tradition on
Thanksgiving, not everyone is a fan of the gridiron. Ten years ago,
Purina and the Kennel Club of Philadelphia teamed up to present The
National Dog Show. Airing after the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade each
year, it offers an alternative to those who aren't interested in what
happens on the football field.
The National Dog Show is just one of the many dog shows held annually to showcase the finest canines in the world. While some aspects of the animal can't be changed--such as its gait and bone structure--presentation can be crucial. At major dog shows, an army of pet groomers can be found on hand to bathe, trim and fluff Fido as the competitors put their best paw forward.
A brief history of dog shows
Dog shows weren't always the glitzy events we see on TV today. According to Animal Planet, the first official dog show took place in 1859 when local hunters in the United Kingdom decided to show off their dogs. That first show was limited to setters and pointers but in subsequent years, the show opened up to other breeds as well.
Those early shows had more to do with how a dog could perform in the field rather than its pretty looks. However, as dog shows evolved, breed standards were established and dogs were judged more on form than function. The oldest surviving dog show in the United States is the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show which debuted in 1877 and is considered by some to be the premier event in the dog world.
By comparison, The National Dog Show is just a baby, having started in 2002. However, it has quickly become a Thanksgiving tradition for families across the country. During its ten years, its best in show winners have included two poodles, a Doberman pinscher and a Scottish terrier. In 2011, a wire fox terrier named Steele Your Heart took the top honors.
Dog shows: More than beauty pageants
Although dog shows can have the look and feel of a canine beauty pageant, judges are looking for something more than good looks. Each recognized breed of dog has a standard that covers everything from how the dog should look to how it should move and act. For example, some breeds are expected to be bubbly and outgoing while others are aloof and reserved. Judges consider how well a particular dog matches the description of the ideal dog for that breed--otherwise known as the standard.
While a dog's temperament and body structure are paramount at a show, dog groomers are the ones who create stunning coats to cover those beautiful bodies. While some breeds such as poodles obviously require a significant amount of clipping, trimming and pruning, all breeds require some form of grooming to shine.
Groomers bathe, clip and brush dogs and other animals in a number of settings. They may work independently or be employed by pet stores, pet salons or kennels. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mobile units are increasingly popular as groomers take their services to dog owners instead of requiring that the dogs come to them.
Finding a job as a pet groomer
For those who love animals, pet grooming is an enjoyable career that can be easily accessed. Some schools offer certificates in pet grooming that can be completed in anywhere from 2 to 18 weeks. Groomers may then go on to work as apprentices for 6-10 weeks before branching out on their own.
Online certificate programs are another option for those seeking a flexible way to enter the field. Courses for these certificates focus on animal behavior, handling techniques and grooming standards for a variety of breeds.
The BLS does not maintain separate salary data for pet groomers but rather includes them under the broader category of nonfarm animal caretakers. Jobs in this category are expected to increase 21 percent from 2008-2018. Mean annual wages for all nonfarm animal caretakers was relatively low in 2010 at $22,070. However, some pet groomers indicate their annual wages are much higher. In a MSNBC feature, Oregon groomer Debra Kusch estimates pay for dog groomers averages $75,000-$100,000 per year. In Kusch's case, she charges $25-$30 per hour and grooms 8-10 dogs per day, five days a week.
The National Dog Show only happens once a year, but there is a need for dog groomers all year long. Online certificates in pet grooming are one way to combine your love of animals with a fun and flexible career.
The National Dog Show is just one of the many dog shows held annually to showcase the finest canines in the world. While some aspects of the animal can't be changed--such as its gait and bone structure--presentation can be crucial. At major dog shows, an army of pet groomers can be found on hand to bathe, trim and fluff Fido as the competitors put their best paw forward.
A brief history of dog shows
Dog shows weren't always the glitzy events we see on TV today. According to Animal Planet, the first official dog show took place in 1859 when local hunters in the United Kingdom decided to show off their dogs. That first show was limited to setters and pointers but in subsequent years, the show opened up to other breeds as well.
Those early shows had more to do with how a dog could perform in the field rather than its pretty looks. However, as dog shows evolved, breed standards were established and dogs were judged more on form than function. The oldest surviving dog show in the United States is the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show which debuted in 1877 and is considered by some to be the premier event in the dog world.
By comparison, The National Dog Show is just a baby, having started in 2002. However, it has quickly become a Thanksgiving tradition for families across the country. During its ten years, its best in show winners have included two poodles, a Doberman pinscher and a Scottish terrier. In 2011, a wire fox terrier named Steele Your Heart took the top honors.
Dog shows: More than beauty pageants
Although dog shows can have the look and feel of a canine beauty pageant, judges are looking for something more than good looks. Each recognized breed of dog has a standard that covers everything from how the dog should look to how it should move and act. For example, some breeds are expected to be bubbly and outgoing while others are aloof and reserved. Judges consider how well a particular dog matches the description of the ideal dog for that breed--otherwise known as the standard.
While a dog's temperament and body structure are paramount at a show, dog groomers are the ones who create stunning coats to cover those beautiful bodies. While some breeds such as poodles obviously require a significant amount of clipping, trimming and pruning, all breeds require some form of grooming to shine.
Groomers bathe, clip and brush dogs and other animals in a number of settings. They may work independently or be employed by pet stores, pet salons or kennels. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mobile units are increasingly popular as groomers take their services to dog owners instead of requiring that the dogs come to them.
Finding a job as a pet groomer
For those who love animals, pet grooming is an enjoyable career that can be easily accessed. Some schools offer certificates in pet grooming that can be completed in anywhere from 2 to 18 weeks. Groomers may then go on to work as apprentices for 6-10 weeks before branching out on their own.
Online certificate programs are another option for those seeking a flexible way to enter the field. Courses for these certificates focus on animal behavior, handling techniques and grooming standards for a variety of breeds.
The BLS does not maintain separate salary data for pet groomers but rather includes them under the broader category of nonfarm animal caretakers. Jobs in this category are expected to increase 21 percent from 2008-2018. Mean annual wages for all nonfarm animal caretakers was relatively low in 2010 at $22,070. However, some pet groomers indicate their annual wages are much higher. In a MSNBC feature, Oregon groomer Debra Kusch estimates pay for dog groomers averages $75,000-$100,000 per year. In Kusch's case, she charges $25-$30 per hour and grooms 8-10 dogs per day, five days a week.
The National Dog Show only happens once a year, but there is a need for dog groomers all year long. Online certificates in pet grooming are one way to combine your love of animals with a fun and flexible career.
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