Conformation shows are sometimes referred to as breed shows. Judges with familiarity in a specific breed will evaluate the dogs for how well they conform to the established breed standard set forth by a governing body such as the A.K.C. (American Kennel Club) or C.K.C. (Canadian Kennel Club).
The novice may assume that "show" dogs have been tested for genetic or general health, or heart disease. Qualities seen in "Obedience" titled dogs are not the same. Judges in conformation shows look for external qualities, and also good temperament, required for desired breeding purposes.
History
The first conformation dog shows were held in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England in 1859. AKC conformation shows in this country root back to the 1920's.
In 1920 sanctioned matches began and by 1924 five breed classes were adopted in addition to an interbred miscellaneous class. The classes or "groups" were: Group 1 - Sporting Dogs (which included the hound group then), Group 2 - Working Dogs (which our Rottweiler belongs to), Group 3 - Terriers, Group 4 - Toy Breeds and Group 5 - Non-Sporting Breeds. The winner of each group met and competed in the best dog in show.
Highlights in A.K.C. Conformation Show History
- 1930's - Professional Handlers Association founded (requiring licensing).
- 1940's - Professional Dog Judges Association directory was born.
- 1950's - Registration to Kennel name was adopted.
- 1960's - New provisional judging system was enacted and judges were reviewed by the Board of Directors
- 1970's -Cluster shows became popular due to fuel shortages. All-breed clubs banded together to hold their events at the same location on consecutive days.
- 1980's - The American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog was established (now in St. Louis Missouri).
- 1990's - In addition to conformation, fanciers were treated to Herding, Agility, Obedience, Tracking and Good Citizen Canine awards and titles.
Types of Conformation Dog Shows
There are three types of conformation dog shows:
- All-breed Shows - Over 150 breeds of AKC dogs can be shown.
- Specialty Shows - Restricted to dogs of a specific breed.
- Group Shows - Not as common and limited to dogs belonging to one of the seven groups such as the Herding or Sporting groups.
Handlers
These are the people who, hopefully, spent many years learning the breed, care, conditioning, and training of the Rottweiler they're showing. Before choosing your Rottweiler handler, ask about his or her previous experience with Rotties. Some handlers only specialize in particular breeds or groups of dogs.
Judging
Judges are certified to judge one or more breeds, usually in the same Group (such as Work, Sporting, Toy, etc.). A few judges, called "All-Breed" judges, have the training and experience to judge several different breeds.
Dog shows are a comparison of each dog to a judge's mental image of the ideal breed type as outlined in their breed standard. A judge will attempt to choose the dog(s) that are most ideal to the standard on that particular day.
Most "All-Breed" judges simply don't have the complete knowledge and/or experience to retain all the details for dozens of different breeds, especially from the viewpoint of the breed's fanciers. Politics always get involved in the purebred dog world and can be as fierce as in any other competitive area.
The Champion
This is the coveted title that breeders, handlers and even dog owners work towards. When a dog has completed the necessary number of points and wins in a conformation show, has fulfilled any other conditions that may be required by the individual breed club or kennel club, then the dog will have completed his conformation "Championship".
A dog titled with the "CH" prefix does not necessarily mean he was a "Best in Show" or "Best of Breed" winner, but shows he's worked pretty hard along with his hander(s) and is an exceptional dog.
ABC's of the AKC Champion Title
Dogs are exhibited and handled by their owners, breeders or a handlers. Dogs are usually in competition at conformation shows to obtain points toward their AKC championships. Dogs need to earn fifteen points, including two majors (wins of three, four or five points each) awarded by at least three different judges, to become an AKC "Champion"
When a judge awards first place in a class (blue ribbon, no points yet!), that dog advances to the Winners competition of its sex. All the winners of each class compete together for an overall winner. This means you have a "Winners Dog" (males) and a "Winners Bitch" (females) up to this point. Although you may beat a dozen dogs in one class, you must get Winners Dog or Winners Bitch to earn points.
The number of points awarded at each show depends on the number of dogs and sex of the breeds in that particular show. The more dogs entered, the greater the number of points a dog will earn with the maximum number of points awarded at any show being 5.
Competing Classes
There are seven classes (divided by sex) for each breed, they are:
- Puppy - 6 months to 12 months of age.
- 12 - 18 Months - Dogs that are not yet champions.
- Novice - Dogs 6 months or older who have not won more than one or more points toward their championship.
- Amateur-Owner-Handler - Dogs 6 months or older handled by a non-professional handler.
- Bred By Exhibitor - Non-championed dogs that are exhibited by their owner or breeder.
- American-Bred - Non-championed dogs born in the United States or from a mating taken place in the United States.
- Open - Any dog at least 6 months old.
What's Next
If your dog is exceptional he can go on and win the following:
- Best of Breed - This is the dog judged best in his breed.
- Best in Winners - The dog judged the better between Winners Dog and Winners Bitch.
- Best of Opposite Sex - The dog that is the opposite sex to the Best of Breed winner.
- Best in Show - The holy grail! The dog winning all Best of Breeds winners.
Many breeders will also champion title their dogs in other countries as well.