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Conformation Lingo at AthleticDogs.com
Conformation Lingo
Like any other specialty activity, competition conformation has its own language. Here is a short glossary to get you started in the world of conformation!
Angulation The angles created by bones meeting at their joints.
Baiting Using dog treats to get the dog’s attention and make him or her look alert (liver is a popular choice).
Bench Show A dog show in which the dogs wait on assigned benches when not actively being shown, so that the spectators, exhibitors, and breeders can view them throughout the show.
Challenge Certificate (C.C. or sometimes called the ‘ticket’) The certificates awarded by The Kennel Club (the dog world’s governing body who license all shows) to the winner of certain sanctioned KC conformation shows. Three CCs are needed to become a Champion under the Kennel Club.
Exhibitor The dog’s handler; the person who brings and shows a dog in its appropriate class.
Fancier One who is especially interested and active in purebred dog sports.
Gait The way a dog moves; judges study the gait to evaluate the dog’s structure and condition.
Groom Brush, comb, and trim a dog’s coat.
Handler The person who shows the dog in the ring, can be the dog’s owner, breeder, or a hired professional handler in conformation competitions.
Heel The command to a dog to remain at the handler’s side.
Judge The person who is qualified to judge a specific breed and, for Championship Shows, is approved by the sanctioning organization to judge at that level.
Match Show An informal dog show where no championship points are awarded.
Miscellaneous Class Transitional class for breeds attempting to advance to full AKC recognition.
Pedigree The written record of a dog’s family tree of three or more generations.
Points Credits earned toward a championship through conformation competitions.
Reserve Challenge Certificate All unbeaten winning dogs then challenge for this award. This certificate states that the dog given this award is worthy of being awarded the CC should the certificate winner be disqualified. This doesn’t happen very often! It is at the judge’s discretion to call into the ring the dog place second to the CC winner.
Ring An area of ground cordoned off where the actual showing takes place. The ring always contains a table on which the judge will examine each dog. At outdoor shows there is always a separate ring under cover where judging can take place if the weather warrants.
Ring Stewards Staff members present in every show ring and who instruct participants where to stand and ensure the show runs smoothly in the ring.
Secretary The staff member at a show in charge of organizing the show, participants, results, and the like.
Soundness The mental and physical well-
Stacking Physically placing the dog’s feet and head in the best position for judging.
Check out the AthleticDogs.com store for products and training aids for conformation!
