Competing in Conformation

The official term for dog shows, “conformation” is a competition primarily for purebred dogs that judges how closely an individual dog meets the standard for the breed. As such, dogs at Conformation events don’t compete against other dogs; instead, they’re judged by how closely they conform to the standard of their particular breed by physical characteristics, gait, and temperament.

Organized by groups like the American Kennel Club, the Canadian Kennel Club, and the United Kennel Club, Conformation events are usually restricted to dogs that meet registration qualifications (i.e., purebred status). During the event, dogs are often paraded with a handler in a show ring before a judge. They must be able to “gait” or walk in the standard of their breed and “stack” or stand still for examination.

The first modern dog show was held June, 1859 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne as an added attraction to the annual cattle show. Only setters and pointers (sporting breeds) were shown and the prizes were guns. The first show for non‑sporting breeds came a year later and was such a success the Birmingham Dog Show Society organized the first National Dog Show, for which there were 267 entries, with 30 breeds judged in 42 classes. By the end of the 1860s, the National Dog Show was attracting over 700 dogs and 20,000 paying visitors.