How to Compete in Conformation With a Dog

How To Compete in Conformation With A Dog

• 1

  Find a breed that you would like to compete with. A dog must conform well to the standard and be of an acceptable show quality to succeed. Any purebred dog can be shown in conformation, and breeds that are acceptable will vary by registry.

• 2

  Check with the major dog registries in your area to find out which breeds they accept. In order for your dog to succeed, it must be acceptable to a registry that you can show with. Be sure that when you meet and talk to breeders you tell them that you are interested in conformation showing, so that you can find a dog which will be successful in the ring.

• 3

  Contact breeders of the breed you have chosen. They will show you puppies they have available, and discuss selling you a puppy. You can ask any questions that you might have at this time, and the breeder will discuss any terms and conditions they have with you.

• 4

  Register your new dog with an approved registry. In order for your dog to be eligible to compete, it will need to come from parents that are also registered and in good standing with the organization. You will need to have the parent’s registration information, former owner’s name, your name and contact information and the appropriate fees in order to register your dog.

• 5

  Attend a handling class. Handling classes will teach both you and your dog how to compete in conformation and will give you both valuable practice before you attend an actual show. Your dog will need to learn how to stack, stand still and gait before being shown. Stacking is the term used for a dog’s stance and placement in the ring. Most dogs stack with all four legs square and straight, although breeds like the German Shepherd Dog stand differently. The dog must be used to someone touching him, looking at his teeth, and picking up or moving his feet. The gaiting is typically a quick trotting pace, and can be determined during your handling classes.

• 6

  Learn how to properly groom your dog for show. Grooming is a necessary factor that can make or break your day. Many breeds are shown as close to natural as possible, with just some simple bathing and trimming needed for conformation. Other breed, such as the Poodle or Old English Sheepdog, need hours and hours of complicated grooming to be show ring ready. If you are unsure of the appropriate grooming needs for your breed, you can check with a breeder or handler who currently shows your breed and find out just what the specific needs are.

• 7

  Touch up your dog approximately thirty minutes before your scheduled ring time. You can take your dog potty, practice anything you may need to, and finish up any last minute grooming at this time. Report to your ring as soon as you are finished, and check with the ring steward. You will be marked off, and asked to wait for the other contestants. As soon as everyone arrives and the judge is ready, you will be sent into the ring.

• 8

  Enter your first show when you feel your dog is ready. Find a show that you wish to attend and get the proper forms to enter. The forms will most likely ask for your name, dog’s information and registration number, classes you wish to enter, and appropriate fees. Be sure to return the forms and fees as soon as possible to ensure the entry is processed correctly. One to two weeks before the actual show date, you should receive a conformation in the mail that reminds you of the classes you chose to enter and of the location information and show details. Take this with you to the show, as you will need it to check in.

• 9

  Arrive at the show early. You will need to adjust your time accordingly, depending on your breed. Set up your crate and grooming items, and then head to find your ring. You will need to check in with the ring steward to get your arm band. You may want to watch some of the classes before yours compete, as the judge normally runs handlers through the same basic maneuvers. You can also ask the ring steward any questions you might have about ring procedure or process, and make sure you understand how the classes are structured.

• 10

  Touch up your dog approximately thirty minutes before your scheduled ring time. You can take your dog potty, practice anything you may need to, and finish up any last minute grooming at this time. Report to your ring as soon as you are finished, and check with the ring steward. You will be marked off, and asked to wait for the other contestants. As soon as everyone arrives and the judge is ready, you will be sent into the ring.

• 11

  Follow the judge’s instructions carefully. You will be asked to gait your dogs around the ring, and to stop and stack in a certain area. Be sure to listen to and watch the judge. The judge will need a clear view of your dog at all times, so make sure the dog is well presented and shown to the best of your ability. The judge will come around and check the dog over, and ask you to gait your dog by yourself to get a better view of just your dog. Do as the judge asks, and follow directions carefully. The judge will go over all the dogs, and will most likely have you gait your dog one last time before making a decision. The judge will either point out or pull aside the dog he chooses as the winner, so pay attention to the judge. If you are called, step forward to receive your award. If you are not, you can leave the ring.

• 12

  Enter your dog in the group ring if you win your class. Group judging consists of all the breeds of dogs in a particular group. Group dogs are shown in the same fashion as breed ring dogs, and you will again need to watch the judge and pay attention carefully. In the group ring, the judge will select his top four placing dogs and put them in order from first to fourth. If you are chosen Group One winner, you will move onto Best in Show.

• 13

  Proceed to the Best in Show ring if you win your group. Best in Show takes all the Group One winning dogs from all of the breed groups and has them compete one final time. If your dog is considered to be the best example of any breed at the show, your dog will be awarded the Best in Show prize, and will receive the highest number of points of any dog in the show. Best in Show is the highest level of conformation competition a dog can be entered in, so when you are lucky enough to win your first Best in Show, it will be well worth all of the time and effort put into it.