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Conformation
Conformation shows and matches are offered by many
different organizations such as the American and Canadian Kennel Clubs (AKC/CKC)
, Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA), United Kennel Club (UKC),
local clubs, and others. Points are awarded for wins toward earning
a championship. Each organization has its own award system and
rules. For more information, check with each organization.
Dogs are judged on how closely they conform to the
Breed Standard. A dog may earn a
championship and some go on to compete as a "Special" where Champion
dogs compete for points and ranking.
The following summary is from the American Kennel
Club:
Most competitive
events held under AKC rules are dog shows, where the accent is on
conformation. After being examined by a judge, dogs are placed
according to how well (in the judge's opinion) they measure up to
their breed standard.
To be eligible to enter, an AKC-registered dog must be at least six
months old on the day of the show and be of a breed for which classes
are offered in the premium list (the list of breeds being shown). Dogs
that are spayed or neutered are only eligible to be shown in stud dog
and brood bitch classes. Dogs with disqualifying faults as described
in their breed standard are ineligible.
There are three types of dog shows: specialty, group and
all-breed. Specialty shows are limited to dogs of one breed and
group shows are limited to a particular AKC group. All-breed shows, as
the name indicates, are for all AKC breeds.
Most show dogs are competing for points toward their championship. To
become an official AKC champion of record, a dog must earn a total of
15 points, which would include 2 major wins under 2 different judges.
These points are awarded based on the number of dogs in actual
competition--the more dogs, the more points. However, the number of
dogs required for points varies with the breed, sex and geographical
location of the show. The AKC makes up a schedule of points each year
to help equalize competition from breed to breed and area to area.
Dogs can earn from one to five points at a show. A win of three, four
or five points is called a major. The 15 points required for a
championship must be won under at least three different judges, and
must include two majors won under different judges.
There are six regular classes in which dogs seeking points may
compete. (Dogs that are competing for points are frequently referred
to as class dogs.) these classes are
Puppy (frequently subdivided into 6 to 9 months and 9 to
12 months);
12 to 18 Months;
Novice (dogs that have no points toward their championship
and have not won three first prizes in the Novice class or a first
prize in any but the Puppy classes);
Bred by Exhibitor (the dog must be owned or co-owned by any
one of the breeders of record or a spouse and must be shown by one
of the breeders of record or a member of their immediate families);
American Bred;
and Open (which may be divided according to weight or color).
There is no intersex competition in these classes; dogs compete
against other dogs, and bitches against other bitches. Only one male
(dog) and one female (bitch) of each breed can win points at a show.
Judging in every breed proceeds along the same lines. The judge begins
with the Puppy Dog class. In each class the dogs are evaluated and
placements are made for first, second, third and fourth. Only the
first-place winner in each class remains in competition; the others
are eliminated.
After the judge has completed the Puppy Dogs, 12-to-18-Month Dogs,
Novice Dogs, Bred-by-Exhibitor Dogs, American-Bred Dogs and Open Dogs,
the first place winners from each class are brought back to compete
against one another. This is called Winners class. The dog selected
best is the Winners Dog. He is the male who receives the points at the
show. Next, the dog that placed second to the Winners Dog in his
original class is brought into the ring to compete with the other
class winners for Reserve Winners Dog. The Reserve Winners Dog will
receive the points if for any reason the Winners Dog is disallowed by
the AKC.
The same process is repeated in bitches, resulting in a Winners Bitch
(the only bitch of the breed to receive points at the show) and a
Reserve Winners Bitch.
Next, the Best of Breed/Variety class is judged. All dogs and bitches
that are already champions enter in the ring for this class, joined by
the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch, the judge selects one Best of
Breed/Variety. Then, between the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch, the
judge selects a Best of Winners. If either the Winners Dog or the
Winners Bitch is selected Best of Breed, it automatically becomes Best
of Winners. (The Best of Winners gets the higher number of points,
too. If the points at the show for the defeated Winner were higher
than those of the Best of Winners, the Best now gets the same higher
total.) The judge finishes the breed judging by selecting a Best of
Opposite Sex to the Best of Breed/Variety. (A Variety exists when
there are two or more varieties of a breed. Such breed divisions are
approved by the AKC and may be according to height, weight, color, or
hair type.)
At all-breed shows, this process of elimination takes place in every
breed. Each Best of Breed/Variety winner then competes against other
Best of Breed/Variety winners within its Group (Hound, Sporting,
Working, Non-Sporting, Herding, Toy, Terrier). In the Group judging,
the judge's job is to pick the dog that most embodies the standard for
its breed. Four placements are awarded in each Group, but only the
first-place winner remains in competition. Finally, the seven Group
winners are brought into the ring and a Best in Show winner is
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The World of Dog Shows
Showing dogs is a great sport where the thrill of competition
is combined with the joy of seeing beautiful dogs. Dog shows are
one of many types of AKC dog events in which AKC-registered dogs
can compete. These events, which draw nearly two million entries
annually, include dog shows and tests of instinct and
trainability, such as obedience trials, Canine Good Citizen tests,
field trials, agility trials, lure coursing, rally, hunting tests,
herding trials, tracking tests, coonhound and earthdog events.
Dog shows (conformation events) are intended to evaluate
breeding stock. The size of these events ranges from large
all-breed shows, with over 3,000 dogs entered, to small local
specialty club shows, featuring a specific breed. The dog's
conformation (overall appearance and structure), an indication of
the dog's ability to produce quality puppies, is judged.
Types of Conformation Dog Shows
There are three types of conformation dog shows:
All-breed
shows offer competitions for over 150 breeds and varieties of
dogs recognized by the AKC. All-breed shows are the type often
shown on television
Specialty shows are restricted to dogs of a specific breed
or to varieties of one breed. For example, the Bulldog Club of
America Specialty is for Bulldogs only, but the Poodle Club of
America's specialty show includes the three varieties of the
Poodle - Standard, Miniature and Toy.
Group shows are limited to dogs belonging to one of the
seven groups. For example, the Potomac Hound Group show features
only breeds belonging to the Hound group.
Which Dogs May Participate
To be eligible to compete, a dog must:
- be individually registered with the American Kennel Club
- be 6 months of age or older
- be a breed for which classes are offered at a show
- meet any eligibility requirements in the written standard
for its breed
Spayed or neutered dogs are not eligible to compete in
conformation classes at a dog show, because the purpose of a dog
show is to evaluate breeding stock.
The Role of the Judge
Judges examine the dogs, then give awards according to how closely
each dog compares to the judge's mental image of the "perfect" dog
described in the breed's official standard.
The standard describes the characteristics that allow the
breed to perform the function for which it was bred. These
standards include specifications for structure, temperament and
movement. In short, they
The official written standard for each breed is maintained by
the breed's national club and is included in the
The Complete Dog Book published by the AKC.
The judges are experts on the breeds they are judging. They
examine ("go over") each dog with their hands to see if the teeth,
muscles, bones and coat texture conform to the breed's standard.
They view each dog in profile for overall balance, and watch each
dog gait ("move") to see how all of those features fit together in
action.
How A Dog Show Works
Each dog presented to a judge is exhibited ("handled") by its
owner, breeder or a hired professional. The role of a handler is
similar to that of a jockey who rides a horse around the track
and, hopefully, into the winner's circle.
Most dogs in competition at conformation shows are competing
for points toward their AKC championships. It takes fifteen
points, including two majors (wins of three, four or five points)
awarded by at least three different judges, to become an American
Kennel Club "Champion of Record."
The number of championship points awarded at a show depends on
the number of males ("dogs") and females ("bitches") of the breed
actually in competition. The larger the entry, the greater the
number of points a male or a female can win. The maximum number of
points awarded to a dog at any show is 5 points.
Males and females compete separately within their respective
breeds, in six regular classes. The following classes are offered,
and are divided by sex:
Puppy - dogs between six and twelve months of age,
that are not yet champions.
Twelve-To-Eighteen Months - dogs twelve to eighteen
months of age, that are not yet champions.
Novice - dogs that have never won a blue ribbon in any of
the other classes, or have won fewer than three first place
ribbons in the Novice class.
Bred By Exhibitor - the dog is not yet a champion, and
the exhibitor is the breeder and the owner.
American-Bred - a dog whose parents were mated in
America, and the dog was born in America. The dog is not yet a
champion.
Open - any dog of the breed, at least 6 months of age.
After these classes are judged, all the dogs that won first
place in a class compete again to see who is the best of the
winning dogs. Males and females are judged separately. Only the
best male (Winners Dog) and the best female (Winners Bitch)
receive championship points. The Winners Dog and Winners Bitch
then compete with the champions for the Best of Breed award. At
the end of the Best of Breed Competition, three awards are usually
given:
Best of Breed - the dog judged as the best in its
breed category.
Best of Winners - the dog judged as the better of the
Winners Dog and Winners Bitch.
Best of Opposite Sex - the best dog that is the opposite
sex to the Best of Breed winner.
The Road to Best in Show
Dog shows are a process of elimination, with one dog being
named Best in Show at the end of the show.
Only the Best of Breed winners advance to compete in the
Group competitions. Each AKC-recognized breed falls into one
of seven group classifications. The seven groups are Sporting,
Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding. Four
placements are awarded in each group, but only the first-place
winner advances to the Best In Show competition.
The Seven Groups in All-Breed
Shows
Sporting - These dogs were bred to hunt game birds both on land and
in the water. The breeds in this group include Pointers,
Retrievers, Setters and Spaniels.
Hounds - These breeds were bred for hunting other game by
sight or scent. These breeds include such dogs as Beagles,
Bassets, Dachshunds and Greyhounds.
Working - These dogs were bred to pull carts, guard
property and perform search and rescue services. Among the breeds
in this group are the Akita, Boxer, Doberman Pinscher and St.
Bernard.
Terrier - This group includes breeds such as the Airedale,
Cairn Terrier and Scottish Terrier. Terriers were bred to rid
property of vermin such as rats.
Toy - These dogs were bred to be household companions. This
group includes little dogs such as the Chihuahua, Maltese,
Pomeranian and Pug.
Non-Sporting - This diverse group includes the Chow Chow,
Bulldog, Dalmatian and Poodle. These dogs vary in size and
function, and many are considered companion dogs.
Herding - These dogs were bred to help shepherds and
ranchers herd their livestock. The Briard, Collie, German Shepherd
Dog and Old English Sheepdog are some of the breeds in this group.
Finally, the seven group winners are brought into the ring where
they compete for Best In Show, the highest award at a dog
show.
The Road to Best in Show
Dog show classes are a process of elimination that ultimately
results in one dog being selected Best In Show.
Ribbons
Each dog that receives an award is given a ribbon by the
judge. The color of the ribbon indicates the type of award the dog
has won.
Blue - awarded for first place in any regular class. Also
awarded to the winner of each group competition, usually in the
form of a "rosette".
Red - awarded for second place in each class. Also awarded
for second place in each group competition, usually in the form of
a "rosette".
Yellow - awarded for third place in each class. Also
awarded for third place in each group competition, usually in the
form of a "rosette".
White - awarded for fourth place in each class. Also
awarded for fourth place of each group competition, usually in the
form of a "rosette".
Purple - awarded to the winners of the Winners Dog and
Winners Bitch classes. Since these are the classes in which
championship points are earned, these ribbons are highly coveted.
Purple and White - awarded to the Reserve Winners; that is,
the runners-up to the winner of the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch
classes.
Blue and White - awarded to the dog that wins Best of
Winners; that is, the better of the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch
winners.
Purple and Gold - awarded to the dog judged "Best of Breed"
in each breed competition. This is highly coveted because it
allows advancement to the Group competition.
Red and White - awarded to the Best of Opposite Sex. This
means the best dog of the breed that is the opposite sex of the
Best of Breed winner.
Red, White and Blue - only one of these is awarded, at the
end of each show. It is given to the ultimate award winner, the
Best In Show.
How Do I Get Started Showing My
Dog?
The best place to start is by joining a local kennel club, whether an
all-breed kennel club or a breed-specific specialty club. A
listing of clubs by state can be found on our
Club Search page or through our customer service department by
calling (919) 233-9767.
Local clubs will have information on training classes for the
show ring, and for obedience and agility classes. Even if the show
ring is not your ultimate goal, the relationship that training
forms between you and your dog will be very rewarding to you both.
Local clubs also have "Fun Matches" where you and your dog can
test your skill in the ring.
Handling your dog is an exceptional and enjoyable experience.
From the grooming table to the show ring, you and your dog will
develop a bond. While training classes offer the best hands-on way
to practice for the show ring, attending shows and observing your
breed is also a great way to gain understanding of what judges and
other competitors do.
If you do not wish to handle your dog yourself, or have a
friend or family member do it, you may contact a
professional handler who charges a fee for showing your dog.
You're on your way! You are entering a sport that will bring
many hours of enjoyment and education to every member of your
family. You will make many friends in the sport, and will enjoy
your dog and your new hobby for many years to come.
Junior Showmanship
The AKC offers youngsters 10 to 18 years of age the
opportunity to compete with others their own age at various AKC
events. Juniors competing in conformation events are judged on how
they present their dogs.
Tips for the First-Time
Exhibitor
- Make sure your dog is registered with the AKC.
- Be sure your dog is current on all inoculations.
- Learn the proper techniques for grooming and for presenting
your dog in the ring.
- Join your breed's Parent Club, or a Local Specialty and/or
All-Breed club in your area.
- Become familiar with the
AKC rules and regulations for dog shows.
- Attend some dog shows to observe your breed being judged and
how others present your breed. Get a Judging Program at the show
to find out ring number and judging time.
- Use the knowledge of your breeder.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions.
- Attend handling classes with your dog.
Tips for the First-Time
Spectator
- If the
grooming area is open to spectators, visit it and talk with
professional groomers to get tips on keeping your dog looking
his best.
- However
tempting, do not pet a dog without asking for permission first.
The dog may have just been groomed in preparation for being
judged.
- At each
dog show, you will find vendors and information booths. Many
club booths offer helpful information to the general public.
- Wear
comfortable shoes - you'll be doing a lot of walking. Unless you
bring a chair or arrive early, be prepared to stand most of the
time, as seating is usually limited.
- If you
are considering getting a purebred dog, talk to the breeders and
exhibitors - they are experts in their breeds
- If you
bring a baby stroller to a dog show, be careful that you do not
run over any dog's tail, and that your child does not grab or
poke the dogs it can reach. Avoid having them near ring
entrances, which are especially crowded. Some shows prohibit
baby strollers.
Dog Show Terms
Angulation - Angles created by bones meeting at their
joints.
Baiting - Using liver or some treat to get the dog's
attention and have him look alert.
Bench Show - A dog show at which the dogs are kept on
assigned benches when not being shown in competition, so they can
be viewed and discussed by attendees, exhibitors and breeders.
Exhibitor - A person who brings a dog to a dog show and
shows it in the appropriate class.
Fancier - A person who is especially interested, and
usually active, in some phase of the sport of purebred dogs.
Gait - The way a dog moves, movement is a good indicator of
structure and condition.
Groom - To brush, comb, trim or otherwise make a dog's coat
neat.
Handler - A person or agent who takes a dog into the show
ring or who works the dog at a field trial or other performance
event.
Heel - A command to a dog to keep close beside its handler.
Match Show - A usually informal dog show at which no
championship points are awarded.
Miscellaneous Class - Transitional class for breeds
attempting to advance to full AKC recognition.
Pedigree - The written record of a dog's family tree of
three or more generations.
Points - Credits earned toward a championship.
Soundness - Mental and physical well-being.
Stacking - Posing the dog's legs and body to create a
pleasing picture.
Additional terms can be found in the
AKC
Glossary.
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