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Types of Conformation Dog Shows
from: Kyle BesserThe conformation events in AKC dog shows are intended to evaluate dogs as breeding stock. The size of these events range from large all-breed shows, with over 3,000 dogs entered, to small local specialty club shows featuring a specific breed. The dog's conformation as an indication of the dog's ability to produce quality puppies is judged.
Dogs registered with the American Kennel Club are eligible to compete if they are 6 months of age or older, a breed for which classes are offered at a show and meet any eligibility requirements in the written standard for its breed. Spayed or neutered dogs are not eligible to compete in conformation classes at an AKC dog show since the purpose of a dog show is to evaluate breeding stock.
Dogs are judged according to how closely they compare to the perfect dog as described in the breed's official standard. The official standard outlines the characteristics that enable the breed to perform the function for which it was bred. The standards include specifications for structure, temperament and movement.
The official written standard for each breed is maintained by the breed's national club and is included in the "The Complete Dog Book" published by the AKC.
The judges are experts on the breeds they are judging. They examine each dog with their hands to see if the teeth, muscles, bones and coat texture conform to the breed's standard. They view each dog in profile for overall balance and watch each dog move (gait) to see how all of the features fit together in action.
There are three types of conformation dog shows: all-breed shows, specialty shows, and group shows.
All-Breed Shows
All-breed shows offer competitions for over 150 breeds and varieties of dogs recognized by the AKC. Dog shows are a process of elimination, with one dog being named Best in Show at the end of the show. All-breed shows are the type most often televised.
Specialty Shows
Specialty shows are restricted to a specific breed or to varieties of one breed of dog. For example, the Bulldog Club of America specialty show is for Bulldogs only, but the Poodle Club of America's specialty show includes the three varieties of the Poodle, Standard, Miniature and Toy.
Group Shows
Group shows are limited to dogs belonging to one of the seven groups. Only the Best of Breed winners may advance to compete in the Group competitions. Each AKC-recognized breed falls into one of seven group classifications: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding. Four placements are awarded in each group, but only the first place winner advances to the Best In Show competition.
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