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Conformation Shows at AthleticDogs.com

Going To The Show

Conformation shows are offered throughout the US and Canada (and around the world, for that matter) all year round. These dog shows may be hosted by any one of many sanctioning organizations from local breed clubs to large, all-breed AKC or CKC sponsored events.

In most cases, your dog will need to be pre-registered with the sanctioning organization. Each show will have its own registration process to enter and most include a small fee for each category in which your dog will be competing. Once you are registered for the show, you will receive a packet of information, called the premium, that will include your scheduled show times and other information.

In conformation, the dogs do not have to be handled by the owner. Very often a breeder or professional handler will show the dogs. Most dogs who compete in conformation are working to earn points toward their championship title. For an AKC championship title, a dog must earn 15 point, including two majors (wins of three, four, or five points) to become an AKC Champion of Record. The number of points earned depends on the number of males (dogs) and females (bitches) of the breed in the competition. More entries equals a higher point value, up to a possible 5 points for each trial.

The biggest conformation shows feature entry classes for multiple classes and breeds of dogs. Smaller shows may compete only with certain classes or breeds. The Best In Show title is generally reserved for the biggest shows, though local breed clubs may also call the top award the Best In Show as well.

Male and female dogs compete separately within their breeds under seven different classes. The AKC’s classes are:

• Puppy  For dogs between six and twelve months of age who are not yet champions
• 12 to 18 Months For dogs 12 to 18 months in age who are not yet champions
• Novice  For dogs six months or older who have not yet won three first place awards in the novice class, nor have first prize in bred-by-exhibitor, American-bred, or Open classes, nor any points toward their championship.
• Amateur Owner-Handler For dogs at least six months of age who are not champions. Must be handled by the registered owner of the dog. Handler must not be (or ever have been) a professional handler, an AKC judge, or employed by a professional handler.
• Bred by Exhibitor  For dogs who are exhibited by their owner and breeder and are not yet champions.
• American Bred For dogs born in the US from a mating which took place in the US and are not yet champions.
• Open  For any dog of the appropriate breed at least six months of age or older.

In an all-breed show, the winner from each of these classes compete against each other. Only the winners (male and female) of this stage of the competition receive points toward their championship.

These Best of Breed winners then move on to the group competitions. There are seven groups acknowledged by the AKC, and every breed of dog falls into on of these groups. The seven AKC groups are:

• Sporting  Dogs bred to hunt game birds both on land and in water, includes Pointers, Retrievers, Setters, and Spaniels.
• Hound  Dogs bred for hunting other game by sight or scent, includes Beagles, Bassets, Dachsunds, and Greyhounds.
• Working  Dogs bred to pull carts, guard property, and perform search and rescue, includes Akitas, Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, and St. Bernards.  
• Terrier  Dogs bred to rid property of vermin like rats, includes Airedales, Cairn Terriers, and Scottish Terriers.
• Toy  Dogs bred to be household companions, includes Chihuahuas, Maltese, Pomeranians, and Pugs.
• Non-Sporting Dogs bred for non-sport purposes (kind of an overflow group for dogs that do not fit in other groups), includes Chow Chows, Dalmations, Bulldogs, and Poodles.
• Herding  Dogs bred to herd livestock, includes Briards, Collies, German Shepherds, and Old English Sheepdogs.

Check out the AthleticDogs.com store for products and training aids for conformation!