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Conformation showing is used to assess the structure, coat, bite, basic temperament, and movement of a dog.  The judges evaluate the dogs in various classes to determine how closely they match up the conformation breed standard.  The judges rule out dogs who are not representative of the overall look expected in a breed or who are skittish or aggressive.  The best four of the remaining dogs are given placements, and the first place dog in each class goes on to further competition. In contrast to the regular dog show classes in which the merit of the dog is being evaluated, in a dog show's Junior Showmanship classes kids up to 18 years old are judged on their ability to handle and present the dog. Local dog training clubs and 4H clubs offering preparatory conformation show training for both dog and handler and many clubs offer practice or 'sanction' matches for further pre-show practice.

Dog shows can be confusing to the casual observer. It's often tough to follow the schedule, understand the judging process, or figure out why one dog was chosen over another. Why are some breeds divided by size or color and others not? And just what is the judge looking for when he looks at a dog's mouth, feels its ribs, or watches it gait around the ring?

Breed Standards

Breed conformation – a combination of skeleton, muscle structure, body shape, and coat type that is unique to each breed – is spelled out in a document known as the breed standard. The standard is written by the breed club and submitted to the American Kennel Club for approval; only those breeds with approved standards can compete in AKC events.

Each standard spells out the characteristics that define the breed. Descriptions of head shape; eye color; ear shape and size; height and weight; length of body; coat texture, length, color, and patterns; foot shape; and type of gait paint a word-picture of the breed. But even though it describes the ideal specimen of a particular breed, a standard is open to interpretation. What looks like rich color, moderate angulation, or appropriate ear set to one person may not seem so to others. In addition to differences in interpretation, an observer might consider one dog to have a near-perfect head for the breed but be lacking in balance or size or coat type, while another dog might have a less-than-perfect head but better depth of chest, spring of ribs, and coat color.

 

The Classes

Conformation shows are divided into classes for puppies and adult dogs, males first, then females. The final class in a breed determines the best of breed. Here’s how it works: Male dogs compete in up to seven classes: Puppy 6-9, Puppy 9-12, 12-18 months, NOVICE, American (Canadian) Bred, Bred > By Exhibitor, Open. >

  • Puppies six to nine months old
  • Puppies nine to 12 months old
  • Adolescent dogs 12-18 months old
  • Novice (dogs that do not yet have points)
  • American(Canadian)-bred dogs
  • Bred By Exhibitor dogs
  • Open - usually all other adult dogs.

After each class is judged, the first place winners return to the ring for selection of the best male, known as 'Winners Dog'. This is the only male that earns points towards a championship. Following selection of winners dog, the judge chooses the runner-up or Reserve Winners Dog. The reserve dog gets the points if for some reason the winners dog is disqualified. Female dogs then compete in the same classes, and the judge chooses a 'Winners Bitch' and Reserve Winners Bitch. The final class in a breed includes the Winners Dog, Winners Bitch, and all dogs entered that have already achieved a championship (they are often termed 'Specials'). The winner of that class is Best of Breed; the judge also chooses a Best Dog of theOopposite Sex to the best of breed dog and lastly selects a Best of Winners between the winners dog and winners bitch. Dogs become champions by amassing 10 points in Canadian shows or 15 points is US shows. Points are determined by the number of dogs defeated to a maximum of 5 points per show.

Showing

When each class enters the ring, the judge generally asks the handlers to gait the dogs around the edge of the ring and then stack them in a line along one side. The handlers urge the dogs to a trot and move counterclockwise around the ring so the judge can stand in the center and check the dogs for smoothness of gait, balance, and soundness. The stack is a pose used to show the dog to best advantage. In most breeds, the dogs are stacked with their legs straight under their bodies, but some breeds pose with their hind legs somewhat stretched out. The judge gets an eyeful of the stacked dog, then moves closer to examine bite (the standard describes the position of the front teeth); feel the skull; check the facial expression; use his hands to determine the depth of chest, spring of ribs, shoulder angulation, coat, and body condition. On males, he checks for two testicles. Depending on the breed, he may also check the length of ears or tail, and if the dog appears to be too big or small to fit the standard, he may ask for a measuring wicket to check the shoulder height. After the hands-on exam, the judge asks the handler to gait the dog so he can assess movement going away, coming back, and from the side. He watches the dogs closely for movement faults – does the dog move straight and true or do his feet cross over and interfere with efficient movement? Is his movement free and easy or is it sloppy or restricted? All of this takes about two minutes per dog. If the class is large, the judge may ask handlers for additional movement so he can compare two dogs side by side or reconfirm his decision in his own mind before he hands out the ribbons.

WHY SHOW A DOG?


Breeders show their dogs for many reasons, chief among them to prove and promote their breeding programs. The agenda is to produce dogs that meet the breed standards, and good breeders justifiably take pride in their ability to do so. Some breeders and dog owners go beyond the basics of showing their own dogs locally and travel or hire a handler to travel with the dog to various events around the country to continue to earn points towards national rankings for their breed.

Most shows also include additional events such as obedience and agility trials, providing chances to see dogs at work as well.

DOG SHOW ETIQUETTE

Dogs that are accustomed to shows are generally well-socialized with other dogs and have good manners with people. However, in the interests of courtesy and edification …

  1. Always ask before petting.
  2. Always approach the dog from the front.
  3. Make a fist and extend your hand for sniffing before you pet. Make sure your hands are clean.
  4. Keep food out of reach.
  5. Don’t block the entrance to the show rings.
  6. Wait until after the class to ask questions and pet the dog.
  7. Children in strollers are at face level with large dogs, so watch out for quick tongues and bruising tails.
  8. Visit the education booth for information about purebred dogs, dog shows, performance events, etc.
  9. Leave your pet at home; unentered dogs are not allowed on the grounds.

TIPS ON SHOWING YOUR OWN DOG

Grooming

No judge will appreciate examining a dirty dog. Make sure that your dog is clean, dry and well groomed. Good grooming also applies to the handler. Make sure that you meet the dog show dress code. Female handlers should wear dresses, dress slacks, or skirts/culottes with blouses with the option of a suit jacket. Male handlers should wear dress slacks and a shirt and tie with the option of a suit jacket. Clothes should be clean, pressed, and allow for squatting and running. Shoes should be non-skid, comfortable, and quiet. Wearing loose or dangling clothing or jewelry, or having loose change or keys in your pocket distracts attention from your dog and may cause your dog to veer, lag, or forge when gaiting.

Learn the Ropes
Attend dog shows or sanction matches to practice and to learn ring procedure and etiquette. Breeders, professional handlers, and older junior handlers are all an excellent source of information. Attend handling classes if possible. Obtain a copy of the dog show rules and regulations from the CKC/AKC and know the rules. Know the breed standard for the Weimaraner and present your dog in accordance with it.

Be Ready
Arrive at the show grounds in good time, particularly if it is a location with which you are not familiar. Time will be required to locate a parking spot, exercise your dog, find the bathroom, and locate the show secretary's desk and your ring. There may be lineups for parking, picking up your armband number, and using the bathroom. Know the order in which the classes are judged and be standing at ringside on time. Wait to enter the ring until the ring steward calls your number. If you win your class you will be required to return to the ring and if you got second in your class you may be required to return to the ring - do not leave ringside!

Sportsmanship
Always congratulate the winner of your class and thank the judge for any ribbon you receive. Do not interfere with other handlers or dogs in the ring by making remarks, positioning or moving too close to them, or waving toys or food at their dog. Keep your opinions regarding the judge and the competition to yourself and do not use foul language at any time. If you wish to speak to the judge regarding your dog, wait until there is a break in the judging schedule - this may be several hours.

Ring Procedure
Watch the judging in your ring prior to your class. The judge will generally follow the same procedure and request the same patterns for each class. Knowing what will be expected will help to calm your nerves. If the ring is matted, make sure that your dog is running on the mats. There is a danger of tripping if you run too close to the outer ring barrier. Work your dog constantly while in the ring - you never know when the judge will glance your way. When the dog ahead of you is asked to do its individual gaiting, move your dog up and stack it for examination. While gaiting in a group, leave room ahead of you to allow your dog to move freely and to allow time to stop. Do not run your dog right up to the judge in the down and back - slow down early enough that you can stop several feet from the judge.

Winning and Losing
If your dog wins Best of Breed (or Best Puppy in Breed in Canada), make sure that you know the ring and time for the group judging. In Canada, if you win the breed but do not attend group judging you will forfeit any points earned toward your championship. If you lose, remember that another day is coming; your dog may be good but not have shown its best due to excitement, fatigue, distractions, lack of training, or your own nervousness. In some cases the problem is merely lack of experience - in that case, handling classes and sanction matches will be of great help. Keep in mind that the dog you leave the show with is the same one you came with and it will still be your companion and best friend, win or lose.

 

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