Dog Shows (Conformation) #/Title#
Conformation is the sport in which purebred dogs are judged based on their breed standard. You may have seen these events on television, where the dogs parade around a ring. The shows are regulated by a registering bod
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Dog Shows (Conformation) #/Title#
Conformation is the sport in which purebred dogs are judged based on their breed standard. You may have seen these events on television, where the dogs parade around a ring. The shows are regulated by a registering body. The largest dog registry in the United States is the AKC. Each AKC breed has a parent club that dictates the breed standard. The standard explains the requirements for coat color, size, structure, movement, temperamentevery detail pertaining to a particular breed of dog. Individual dogs are judged based on how closely they meet their breed standard. First, they compete with others of their breed. Winners of that round go on to compete against other dogs in their group (herding, terrier, sporting, non-sporting, working, hound, toy). Winners of that group go on to compete for Best in Show.
Dogs who win are awarded points. After accumulating a certain number of points under specific conditions, a dog can earn the title of Champion. These dogs will have a "Ch" in front of their names, such as "Ch. Anderson's Pride 'n' Joy."
The goal of conformation is to preserve the integrity of a breed by promoting the best breeding stock. For this reason, only
dogs who are not neutered can participate. Puppies as young as six months of age can enter a dog show.
How to Get Started
Join your local kennel club. You can get a great deal of information from people who are active in the sport, and they can help to evaluate your puppy's potential.
Visit dog shows in your area. If your puppy is not entered, you cannot bring her to the show. But you'll enjoy seeing all the different breeds of dogs, and you'll be able to see others of your puppy's breed and get an idea of how the process works.
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