AKC Rules for Disqualification

The American Kennel Club determines dog breed standards and organizes exhibitions and dog show competitions. Only certain breeds are recognized as separate and distinct dog breeds by the AKC, which has strict breed standards that mandate everything from height to eye color.

  1. Breed Standard

    • A dog is at risk of disqualification for not adhering to certain absolute breed standards, which can include height or weight limits, coat or eye color and physical traits. Disqualifying traits in certain breeds include the position of the ears, nose color, tongue color, hair length and bite. Weight and height may be measured once in the ring if a dog appears to be over or under the weight or height standard for the breed, and if so, it will be disqualified. A dog may also be excused instead of disqualified for certain types of shows, which makes it still eligible to compete in other events. A disqualification is a permanent ban from AKC exhibitions and competition.

    Lameness

    • Gait is an important part of dog breed standards, and any impairment or irregularity in locomotion is cause for disqualification. Judges must be able to see the physical traits of the breed standard in action. Exhibited dogs must also be alert in the ring, so deaf and blind dogs are also disqualified from AKC competitions.

    Change in Appearance

    • A change in appearance can be grounds for disqualification by a competition judge or entrance committee. A change in appearance is determined on an individual basis but can include castration, undescended testicles, artificial coloring or surgical procedures that improve the appearance, gait, bite or temperament of the dog. This includes any apparatus for the mouth that can affect the bite. Tail docking, cropped ears and declawing are not considered a change in appearance unless so specified by the breed standard.

    Aggressive Attack

    • A dog that has attacked an owner or judge or anyone else in the ring is in danger of disqualification. The aggressive behavior must be determined by the judge to be unprovoked and without extenuating circumstances. An accidental bite may be excused, but aggressive behavior or fights between two or more dogs may result in the disqualification of all parties involved.