An Overview of Conformation

by Sandi Dremel

INTRODUCTION If you're not familiar with conformation events (aka "dog shows") they are, basically, social/competitive events which, in the case of All Breed Shows, the entry consists of a large number of breeds that the sanctioning organization (AKC, CKC, KC, etc.) recognizes. "Specialties" are single breed events, usually with a larger number of dogs of the same breed participating than in an all breed show. There are some variations on the theme - group shows, American-bred, matches, etc., but, for the purposes of this piece, they are all fairly similar in format. Shows are held by either member clubs or licensed superintendents as approved by the sanctioning organization. All breed dog shows are a good place to get a look at several breeds in one place, meet other dog enthusiasts, talk to breeders and exhibitors, pick up dog related items - supplies, books, art, knick knacks, etc. -- as long as you realize they are not a scientific or holistic evaluation of overall dog quality (especially, with regard to breeding). "Benched" shows provide the best opportunity for the visiting public to view several examples of several breeds, as the dogs are available for viewing (at their "benches") for several hours during the show. However, understand that you are seeing, 9 x out of 10, a very specialized group of dogs. These dogs are, often, bred for the purpose of "winning in the show ring". Which is different, and for many breeds VERY different, than those bred to meet performance (or other) requirements. Further, this is not an evaluation of overall *quality* in dogs (i.e., health, temperament, function (as appropriate to most breeds) and structure (anatomical correctness and soundness, without exaggerated emphasis on singular characteristics or traits)). So, as you attend these shows, understand that they are limited, subjective, evaluations of the dog's physical appearance and characteristics. They do not provide any quantifiable or scientifically verifiable measurements of the dogs quality, especially, with regard to breeding. Because of the way in which these shows are structured organizationally and procedurally, other factors, having nothing whatsoever to do with the dog being judged, or even it's superficial quality, may come into play. Therefore, if you are looking for a breed or breeder, please do not limit your research to conformation shows. All breeds have some other sporting/competitive events or service/performance activities and competitions in which they may participate. Functional performance events, obedience and agility trials, SAR, ATT/Service Dog and other working dog demonstrations, etc. are great ways to observe more about the dogs, their interactions with humans, talents, and traits. This will also allow you to meet a diverse population of dog enthusiast/owners. Occasionally, especially at larger events, you may find a dog show which features obedience, agility, and/or other performance demonstrations or trials which will allow you to view multiple activities at one venue. In addition, it is important to research any breed(s) you might be considering with regard to care requirements, temperament type, and specific health concerns, including inherited conditions. Scientific testing to prescreen for inherited conditions prior to breeding is the ONLY way to INSURE that any dog will not transmit any given inherited condition. The odds can be improved for those conditions for which no testing is available by careful and detailed scrutiny of the health history of the dogs in the pedigree, and siblings of the dogs in the pedigree, for the two dogs being bred, covering several generations. This is a standard practice for reputable breeders and cannot be determined based on their affiliations or participation in any event or activity. Read Before You Get A Dog for more information on dog and source selection. EVENT DESCRIPTION For the purposes of this description, I am again using the AKC breed show example. The first step in a dog show is the judging of "Class" within breed which may be dogs of the same sex, age, etc. All dogs winning 1st place in their class advance to Winners competition in it's sex. NOTE: Judges CAN withhold placement of a dog if they do not feel the dog is worthy of the placement, even if it is the only dog in the competition. The judge then re-examines the dogs in Winners and awards Winner's Dog (male) and Winner's Bitch (female) which receive points. Entered Champions and the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch then compete for more points in Best of Breed (Best of Breed - Awarded to the best dog in the Best of Breed competition; Best of Opposite Sex - Awarded to the best dog of the opposite sex to the Best of Breed winner; Best of Winners - Awarded to the best dog between Winners Dog and Winners Bitch). Winning dogs continue to advance through Best in Group process to Best in Show. If you want all of the AKC details please see their Rules & Regulations page. During the judge's evaluation of the dogs they are, in theory, judging the dogs against the parent clubs's written standard for the breed. The judge's understanding and knowledge of those standards, as well as the quality of the standard, itself, directly impact the outcome. Owners or professional handlers and the dogs, on leads, are ushered into the conformation ring, which is a small fenced area. While the order in which these things happen may vary, as well as the frequency, the following are common to all conformation events. After all of the owners have entered the ring, the owners position their dogs in a line for individual review by the judge. Small breeds are often lifted onto a table for individual inspection. The judge examines the dogs with their hands, feeling muscles and structural attributes. The judge opens the dog's mouth to look at the dog's bite and to look for missing teeth or other mouth/jaw problems. The judge will ask each entrant to take their dogs around the ring, in a pattern of the judge's choosing, to look at how the dog moves around the ring. The judge then usually has the entire group of dogs go around the ring. The judge may then narrow the field and repeat - especially, as the level of competition progresses. The judge then indicates the winners in their order of placement. After a dog has accumulated a number of point, depending upon organization, (15 pts w/2 major show wins for the AKC) they are deemed a Conformation Champion - CH.

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