Why do some breeds get to be judged multiple times just because of the color of their coats or the fact that their hair is longer? The Beagle has 2 sizes but those can be born in the same litter. It's not like there are breeders of short and tall. Cocker Spaniels have 3 colors in competition. The standards for the breed are the same except for color. Dachshunds have 3 different coats and 2 sizes. Why don't Labradors have dogs entered in all 3 colors? Doesn't seem fair to others.

You're right, it isn't a level playing field. Why are the labbies and goldens America's "favorite dogs" but never win the show? If each breed is judged to its own standard, why do they never win or even makde the cut?

Those dogs that do have multiple varieties (cocker spaniels, poodles, dachsunds, etc.) were done so for a variety of reasons. In the early days of dog shows, (early 1900's) different breeds had more power in the AKC than others did and they decided to have more varieties so they could have a better chance of winning. This includes most of these dogs. Also, many different breeds that you see today, and are called different things came from one breed many years ago. Norfolk and Norwich Terriers were one breed, as were Wire and Smooth Fox Terriers. These both look different but it was more recently that they were seperated into more breeds and before this looked much more alike. As for the dogs that didn't make the cut, even though they are "America's Dogs" and popular breeds, they were not seen as good of quality as the judge would think. Popularity isn't always good. I think with so many dogs entered in the more popular breeds, the judges are forced to be more picky when judging that breed (at other large shows it is very common to see 100+ Labs or Golden Retrievers.) This makes it much more difficult for that breed to win at this level of show.

Obviously you are very knowledgeable about the dog show culture and innerworkings. As a naive viewer and I must admit, Lab owner I wonder about a couple things. Why don't they limit the number of entries in the lab breed, wouldn't that make the cream rise to the top? And also I was wondering, if there are so many entries and that forces the judges to be more picky, wouldn't the truly awesome dogs win that breed and have a better chance to win the group? Of course, everyone wants "their" breed to win, so go labbies tonight!

True, the Labs do have a lot of dogs entered. Why don't they seperate them into black, chocolate and golden just like Cockers? Would be the same and then they might have a better chance of winning.