GUIDE TO DOG SHOWING 101
THE CONFORMATION RING
Many American Kennel club dog shows are both "all breed" and "obedience". They also can be "Specialty Shows" (shows put on specifically with just one breed). An "all-breed" show hosts regular conformation classes, and "obedience" classes are exactly that...Obedience classes. Specialty clubs also host both conformation and obedience classes and also they often host other types of working classes, such as field trials or working trials..When you have the pleasure of owning a dog that you feel can be shown at a dog show you will find that there is a wide selection to choose from.
Conformation, to put it quite simply, was originally developed to determine and select the best breeding stock. For this reason, the dogs are judged according to the standard of their own breed, with an examination of the dog's conformation by a individual judge. It is the subjective determination of the Judge on that day, with that particular group of dogs, that determines the winners of the classes at a conformation show.The winners of the Conformation classes keep showing until they have attained their Championship and many go on to "special" their dogs.
To make his determination, the judge will do a "hands-on" inspection of the dog, noting such characteristics as broadness of skull, number of teeth, depth of muzzle or lack therof, depth and breadth of chest, length of loins,conditioning and musculature, length of ail, straightness of legs, and presence or absence of correct testicles in the case of a male. The judge will also do an inspection of the movement of the dog, commonly called "gaiting".
All of the characteristics will be based upon the standard of the breed as written by the "parent club" of the breed, which has been fully approved by the American Kennel Club. The "parent club" is usually a National breed club such as for example the National Newfoundland club of America, or the national Brittany club, etc.
"Bench" Shows are a type of conformation show where all exhibitors must keep their dog at the show in a specific area where there will be "benches" upon which the dogs may be tethered with a short leash or upon which the crates may be placed. This will allow the public to view the dogs and to visit with the owner or breeder during the dog show hours. An example of a "benched show" is the Westminster Kennel club Dog Show.
pictured below is the a legendary Newfoundland of Kaylar Newfs, CH Kaylar's King Arthur ,taking Select at the National Specialty
Did you know?
Once
you are an "exhibitor" you are a "handler" too! Or
at least the terminology to use is "handler". You
will be the "handler" of your dog. But there are
also Handlers (with a capital H ) and these are the
folks who often make their living hiring out their
services to proud owners of many show dogs, who
will meet the Handler at ringside or send the dog
with the Handler, and they will show the
dog.
WHAT IS THE CONFORMATION RING?
THE GROUP RING AND BEST IN SHOW
Check out DOGDAZE DESIGNS and find all sorts of items with YOUR SPECIAL BREED to buy for yourself to wear at the show, or to donate to the fundraiseers for your Specialty Club Event