Conformation
What is Conformation?
Conformations events are what most of us think of when we think of “dog shows.” The Westminster Kennel Club sponsors the conformation show that is probably the most watched dog event in all of television (www.westminsterkennelclub.org). “Who will win Best in Show at Westminster?” is a question debated yearly nationwide amongst dog lovers.
At Conformation shows, each dog is judged against his/her breed “standard,” the blueprint for that breed. Breed standards include such information as ideal size, coloring, structure, temperament and movement (gait) that best enables a dog to perform the purpose for which the breed was originally intended. While it may appear as if the dogs are judged against each other, they are actually compared to the judge’s mental ideal.
The judge performs a hands-on evaluation of each individual dog from its head to its tail while it is “stacked” (in a stationary pose). The dog is then moved by the handler around the ring at a trot so that the judge can determine how all of the body parts work together. The dogs who “win,” or are deemed closest to the breed standard, go on to further competition. Occasionally, no dogs in a particular group come sufficiently close to the standard and the judge is then obliged to withhold any awards. “Wins” contribute to points earned, which can eventually total enough to make the dog a Champion.
It is generally felt by breed devotees that breed Champions that have the appropriate health clearances are the best choices as part of a quality breeding program. These dogs have been judged to be structurally correct and to have those specific qualities unique to their breed that will be “passed down” to future generations.
Who Can Compete?
The following organizations each recognize certain breeds and sanction supported events. For more information, check out the following links.
- AKC (American Kennel Club) www.akc.org
- UKC (United Kennel Club) www.ukcdogs.com
- CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) www.ckc.ca/en
How Do We Get Started?
Learn all the skills that allow you to best pose and gait your dog at a Conformation class at Four Paws, Two Feet! Check out the Class Schedule page.
