Conformation shows
All-Breed Shows
The primary reason for conformation show is to evaluate breeding stock. Dogs compete first against dogs of the same breed, then of a group, and finally winners of the group. Each of the breed winners, also belong to a group. Breed winners then compete against dogs of the same group. Finally, these group winners compete against the winners of the other groups for the title of 'Best in Show.'a
The dogs are all judged against how best they embody their breeds standard. Do they look like they can do a job (if they have one); do they express the correct features and structure of the breed? Conformation shows are expressly to test and compare 'breeding stock' of all the different breeds. These standards describe body construction, temperament, and visual attributes, among other things. Judges are usually experienced in more than one breed.
All-breed Conformation Show Organizations in Canada and the USA:
The primary reason for conformation show is to evaluate breeding stock. Dogs compete first against dogs of the same breed, then of a group, and finally winners of the group. Each of the breed winners, also belong to a group. Breed winners then compete against dogs of the same group. Finally, these group winners compete against the winners of the other groups for the title of 'Best in Show.'a
The dogs are all judged against how best they embody their breeds standard. Do they look like they can do a job (if they have one); do they express the correct features and structure of the breed? Conformation shows are expressly to test and compare 'breeding stock' of all the different breeds. These standards describe body construction, temperament, and visual attributes, among other things. Judges are usually experienced in more than one breed.
All-breed Conformation Show Organizations in Canada and the USA:
Breed Specialties
A 'Specialty' is a specific dog show aimed toward only either one breed (for example, the Alaskan Malamute) or possibly a 'group' of breeds such as the 'Working Group.' There are generally very few Alaskan Malamute Specialties in Canada and they are prestigious events, attracting Alaskan Malamutes from across Canada, the USA and even the World. A Specialty is usually the place to find the most number of Alaskan Malamutes entered. The show has all the regular conformation classes - junior puppy, senior puppy, 12 - 18 month, Canadian Bred, Bred By Exhibitor, Open, and for both sexes, along Specials (already a Champion). Additional classes include: Altered, Brood Bitch and Stud Dog; Brace; Veterans. Breeders and exhibitors have significant respect for a Specialty Win as it was usually under a highly respected breed specialist judge, and in significant competition.
Significant achievements at a Specialty Show:
A 'Specialty' is a specific dog show aimed toward only either one breed (for example, the Alaskan Malamute) or possibly a 'group' of breeds such as the 'Working Group.' There are generally very few Alaskan Malamute Specialties in Canada and they are prestigious events, attracting Alaskan Malamutes from across Canada, the USA and even the World. A Specialty is usually the place to find the most number of Alaskan Malamutes entered. The show has all the regular conformation classes - junior puppy, senior puppy, 12 - 18 month, Canadian Bred, Bred By Exhibitor, Open, and for both sexes, along Specials (already a Champion). Additional classes include: Altered, Brood Bitch and Stud Dog; Brace; Veterans. Breeders and exhibitors have significant respect for a Specialty Win as it was usually under a highly respected breed specialist judge, and in significant competition.
Significant achievements at a Specialty Show:
- Best in Specialty Show - (BISS)
- Best in National Specialty Show - (BINSS)
- Best in Group Specialty Show - (BIGSS)
- Best Puppy in Specialty Show - (BPISS)
- Best Puppy in National Specialty Show - (BPINSS)
- Best Puppy in Group Specialty Show - (BPIGSS)