There are seven different GROUPS of A.K.C. dogs recognized by the American Kennel club. They are: Working, Herding, Toy, Hound, Non sporting, Sporting, and Terriers. .Thus, in the Group Ring, the judge has a variety of dogs presented to them . These dogs have already won their Best of Breed wins and are thus considered the best representative. Not all the dogs in each group may be represented, it may may be for example that no representative of that particular breed came to that particular dog show. Or it may be that the exhibitor of the dog that took the Best of Breed in the class does not attend the group (this is permissible and is up to the discretion of the exhibitor.) There may be both males and females present, depending on whether a male or a female took the Best of Breed in the class. Some bitches may be in heat. (It is entirely permissible for a bitch in heat to be shown in the conformation ring).The Judge must judge each Group of diverse breeds by comparing, mentally, the dogs that are presented to him , against the standard for the breed and not against each other. He picks a first (GROUP ONE). second, (GROUP TWO), third, (GROUP THREE), and fourth (GROUP FOUR), place winner. The Group wins are special...photographs are taken and much to-do .....but only the GROUP ONE winner is to go any farther in the competition.