Derby Hats, Dog Show Hats

In light of the Kentucky Derby this weekend I thought it would be a good opportunity to write about hats at dog shows.  Hats at the Kentucky Derby are talked, photographed, and written about almost as much as the horses themselves.  These famous “Derby Hats” can be simple to unbelievably over the top! 

Hats worn at dog shows and more specifically in the ring is up for debate.  I am completely for wearing hats when it’s raining to keep dry (or somewhat) and keep the water from running down faces of handlers while trying to show their dogs.  These “rain hats” are often baseball hats or whatever is available are worn completely for function.  However, hats worn at shows where weather is more than pleasant is up for question.  Sun hats and fashionable hats can be cumbersome and distracting while in the ring.  Baseball hats on men and women make expensive suits and outfits look sloppy.  Trust me I fully understand the benefits of wearing a hat for protection from the sun.  Wearing a can help protect your face from the sun, but is it appropriate in the ring?

I have seen time and time again judges trying to get the attention of a handler to move to the front of the class or group and a handler wearing a hat missing the signal because the hat is obstructing their view of the ring and judge.  Obstructing is the key word for me on why hats shouldn’t be worn in the show ring.  When setting up dogs they may hit a dog and scare the dog.  Sometimes just the sight of a hat can even scare a dog.   You do not have a clear view of the ring, the judge, your dog, and others in the ring when wearing a hat.  They can flop or even fly off when running or moving around the ring.  

There is one show where hats are not only expected but a tradition, and that is Morris and Essex.  Morris and Essex is held once every 5 years in October over the famous Montgomery County weekend.  According to their website,

Every five years, a very special dog show appears, and we are transported to a gentler time honoring the heritage of one of the dog show world’s most devoted benefactors and the Show’s founder, Mrs. Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge. (http://www.morrisandessexkc.com/heritage.html)

Exhibitors and spectators are asked to dressed to “the nines” and are encouraged to wear hats.  It was common for ladies and men to wear hats (beautiful and sometimes not very functional hats) at outdoor events during the roaring twenties when Morris and Essex Kennel Club formed.