Agility Trials - Conformation Shows - Field Trials - Hunt Tests - Obedience Trials - Water Tests - Desnaking Clinic - Awards Banquet - Fun Day/Club Picnic
Dog shows, or "conformation" events, are the signature events of the AKC. They concentrate on the distinctive features of purebred dogs and help to preserve these characteristics by providing a forum at which to evaluate breeding stock.
Exhibits are judged against individual breed standards, which have been established for the AKC-recognized breeds by their parent clubs. These written standards describe the ideal size, color, and temperament of each breed, as well as correct proportion, structure, and movement.
Conformation Shows
Showing dogs is a great sport where the thrill of competition is combined with the joy of seeing beautiful dogs. Dog shows are one of many types of AKC dog events in which AKC-registered dogs can compete. These events, which draw nearly two million entries annually, include dog shows and tests of instinct and trainability, such as obedience trials, Canine Good Citizen tests, field trials, agility trials, lure coursing, rally, hunting tests, herding trials, tracking tests, coonhound and earthdog events.
Dog shows (conformation events) are intended to evaluate breeding stock. The size of these events ranges 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 (overall appearance and structure), an indication of the dog's ability to produce quality puppies, is judged.
Conformation Show News:
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Recent Conformation Show Photo Albums
Types of Conformation Dog Shows
There are three types of conformation dog shows:
All-breed shows offer competitions for over 150 breeds and varieties of dogs recognized by the AKC. All-breed shows are the type often shown on television.
Specialty shows are restricted to dogs of a specific breed or to varieties of one breed. For example, the Bulldog Club of America Specialty 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 are limited to dogs belonging to one of the seven groups. For example, the Potomac Hound Group show features only breeds belonging to the Hound group.
To be eligible to compete, a dog must:
be individually registered with the American Kennel Club
be 6 months of age or older
be a breed for which classes are offered at a show
meet any eligibility requirements in the written standard for its breed
Spayed or neutered dogs are not eligible to compete in conformation classes at a dog show, because the purpose of a dog show is to evaluate breeding stock.
The Role of the Judge
Judges examine the dogs, then give awards according to how closely each dog compares to the judge's mental image of the "perfect" dog described in the breed's official standard.
The standard describes the characteristics that allow the breed to perform the function for which it was bred. These 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 ("go over") 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 gait ("move") to see how all of those features fit together in action.
How a Dog Show Works
Each dog presented to a judge is exhibited ("handled") by its owner, breeder or a hired professional. The role of a handler is similar to that of a jockey who rides a horse around the track and, hopefully, into the winner's circle.
Most dogs in competition at conformation shows are competing for points toward their AKC championships. It takes fifteen points, including two majors (wins of three, four or five points) awarded by at least three different judges, to become an American Kennel Club "Champion of Record."
The number of championship points awarded at a show depends on the number of males ("dogs") and females ("bitches") of the breed actually in competition. The larger the entry, the greater the number of points a male or a female can win. The maximum number of points awarded to a dog at any show is 5 points.
Males and females compete separately within their respective breeds, in six regular classes. The following classes are offered, and are divided by sex:
Puppy - For dogs between six and twelve months of age, that are not yet champions.
Twelve-To-Eighteen Months - For dogs twelve to eighteen months of age, that are not yet champions.
Novice - For dogs six months of age and over, which have not, prior to the date of closing of entries, won three first prizes in the Novice Class, a first prize in Bred-by-Exhibitor, American-bred, or Open Classes, nor one or more points toward their championship.
Bred By Exhibitor - For dogs that are exhibited by their owner and breeder, that are not yet champions.
American-Bred - For dogs born in the United States from a mating which took place in the United States, that are not yet champions.
Open - For any dog of the breed, at least 6 months of age.
After these classes are judged, all the dogs that won first place in a class compete again to see who is the best of the winning dogs. Males and females are judged separately. Only the best male (Winners Dog) and the best female (Winners Bitch) receive championship points. The Winners Dog and Winners Bitch then compete with the champions for the Best of Breed award. At the end of the Best of Breed Competition, three awards are usually given:
Best of Breed - the dog judged as the best in its breed category.
Best of Winners - the dog judged as the better of the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch.
Best of Opposite Sex - the best dog that is the opposite sex to the Best of Breed winner.
Tips for the First-Time Exhibitor
Make sure your dog is registered with the AKC.
Be sure your dog is current on all inoculations.
Learn the proper techniques for grooming and for presenting your dog
in the ring.
Join your breed's Parent Club, or a Local Specialty and/or All-Breed
club in your area.
Become familiar with the AKC rules and regulations for dog shows.
Attend some dog shows to observe your breed being judged and how
others present your breed. Get a Judging Program at the show to find
out ring number and judging time.
Use the knowledge of your breeder.
Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Attend handling classes with your dog.
Tips for the First-Time Spectator
If the grooming area is open to spectators, visit it and talk with
professional groomers to get tips on keeping your dog looking his
best.
However tempting, do not pet a dog without asking for permission
first. The dog may have just been groomed in preparation for being
judged.
At each dog show, you will find vendors and information booths. Many
club booths offer helpful information to the general public.
Wear comfortable shoes - you'll be doing a lot of walking. Unless you
bring a chair or arrive early, be prepared to stand most of the time, as
seating is usually limited.
If you are considering getting a purebred dog, talk to the breeders and
exhibitors - they are experts in their breeds
If you bring a baby stroller to a dog show, be careful that you do not
run over any dog's tail, and that your child does not grab or poke the
dogs it can reach. Avoid having them near ring entrances, which are
especially crowded. Some shows prohibit baby strollers.
