Author: Nancy Cope

Should my Dog and I Compete in Conformation Shows?

Westminster, Crufts, and the World Dog show are all designed to determine the cream of the crop, or the best in breed. When most people think of a dog show, these are the events that they imagine with judges carefully examining each dog while owners trot beside their canine champions. But competing in a conformation show is hardly easy, and there are many rules that must be followed. But for the right combination of handler and dog, the rewards can be great. Can you imagine your dog as a Champion? Then read on!

Requirements

First things first, in order to compete in a conformation show your dog must be purebred with papers, and the breed must be recognized by the kennel club in your country. So if you have a Jack Russell in America you won’t be able to show your dog no matter how pure his bloodline is, because the Jack Russell isn’t recognized by the AKC. Your dog must also be whole, meaning he or she cannot be spayed or neutered. If your dog meets these requirements, then he can compete!

Judging

Which dog wins a conformation show is based on who meets the breed standard the best. Breed standards are criteria of how the dog should be physically formed. For example, a beagle should have a short muscular back and a broad chest, along with many other breed qualities. The dog who most closely represents the breed standard will win in his breed category. When the breeds are combined into classes (such as hound and working) then it is the dog who most closely matches his or her own breed standard that wins. Dogs can earn the title of “Champion” by winning multiple shows, though how many depends on the country of origin.

Competition

Many dogs are bred and owned by one person, and shown by another. Show dogs are often a family business, not just a hobby, and many breeders have multiple dogs for show. As an owner/handler you may be put into a different class at the beginning of the judging. It’s great to be an owner/handler though! You have a great connection with your dog and that will help temper him in the ring.

Don’t feel bad if you try conformation showing and it isn’t for you and your dog. There are many other competitions such as agility shows and obedience trials that test a dog’s brain and not just his physical appearance. The important thing is that you love your dog and want others to know how great he is!