How Dog Shows Work: Conformation, Judging & Breed Standards

Dog shows, also known as conformation events, are competitions where dogs are judged on how well they conform to their breed standard. This standard is a written description of the ideal dog of that breed, outlining everything from size and weight to coat color, temperament, and gait.

Conformation: Showing Off Structure

The primary focus is conformation, which refers to the dog’s overall structure and how it contributes to its ability to perform the tasks for which it was bred. Judges are not looking for the “prettiest” dog, but rather the one that most closely embodies the breed’s ideal form, function, and temperament. This ensures the breed’s health and working ability are preserved. Dogs are evaluated based on their bone structure, musculature, proportions, movement, and overall health.

Judging Process

The judging process typically involves several stages. First, dogs of the same breed and sex compete in classes. These include classes like Puppy (6-12 months), Novice, Bred-by-Exhibitor, American-Bred, and Open. The judge observes each dog individually, examining its physical attributes and assessing its movement. The judge may handle the dog to feel bone structure and musculature. Dogs are gaiting, moving in a pattern, to show off their movement. The judge awards a first-place ribbon in each class. The first-place winners then compete for Winners Dog and Winners Bitch, each receiving points toward their Championship title.

Next, the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch compete against dogs who are already champions for Best of Breed. The Best of Breed winner then proceeds to compete in one of seven Group competitions: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding. The winners of each Group then compete for the ultimate title: Best in Show.

Breed Standards: The Blueprint

Breed standards are crucial to the judging process. Each breed has its own unique standard, meticulously crafted by the parent breed club and approved by a national kennel club, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the United States. These standards provide a detailed blueprint for breeders to follow, ensuring that future generations of dogs retain the breed’s distinctive characteristics. The standard covers aspects like the dog’s height, weight, head shape, ear set, coat type and color, tail carriage, and even temperament. Judges use these standards as their guide when evaluating dogs in the show ring. Deviations from the standard, such as incorrect bite, poor movement, or incorrect coat color, are penalized.

Ultimately, dog shows are about preserving and improving breeds. By evaluating dogs against breed standards, breeders are encouraged to produce dogs that are healthy, functional, and true to their breed type. This contributes to the overall well-being and future of each breed.