Conformation



Dog shows are held all around Australia, where dogs are judged by ANKC licenced judges against the breed standard.  It doesn't matter where you live as there will be a dog show that is 'within driving distance' if you really want to give it a go.

How do I get started

  • Dog needs to be on the ANKC Main register
  • If entire will be able to compete from 3 months of age onwards for their conformation title
  • If neutered (dexed) will need to submit the desexing certificate to DogsQld to have the dog transferred to the Neuter Register and then can compete for the title of Neuter Champion
  • Check with your breeder that your dog is eligible to be shown in either section
  • Ensure that your dog has the coat prepared to present in the conformation ring as expected by the standard

How does it work?

Each show has a start time, and you turn up at the beginning of the show.  You will have already pre-entered usually using an online show provider such as Showmanager.

Upon arrival find a space near the ring that has been allocated and then go and collect your exhibit number for the show secretary/show office. Ensure that you are at the ring on time - they do not wait for anyone.

Make sure you can hear the steward who will call out the numbers and the classes will go into the ring in order.

  • Carefully watch the procedure in the ring
  • Where the steward is lining up the dogs ready for the judge
  • What the judge does when he examines each dog
  • The pattern that the judge is requesting of the exhibitor and the dog

The judge will then examine your dog from nose to tail, on a table, to check for correct conformation, and presentation of the breed. The judge will then ask you to move the dog, generally in a triangle or an out and back and this is your opportunity to show how your dog moves. If more than one dog in the class the procedure is repeated and then the judge places the dogs from 1st to 3rd in the class.  Winners then progress to competing for the CC (Challenge points), some go onto Best of Breed, then competing for Best in Group and Best in Show awards. 

Neuter exhibits Murphy and Mason

So you want to become a Champion ?

Challenge points are only awarded at Championship Shows and are given to the Best Dog (called Challenge Dog) and Best Bitch (Challenge Bitch) for each breed. 100 Challenge points are required before a dog can be awarded the title of Australian Champion. This title is retained for life and the initials Ch. become part of the dog’s registered name. 1000 Challenge points are required for a dog to gain the title of Grand Ch, and 1000 Challenge points plus 3 Best in Show awards or plus 10 Best Exhibit in Group awards are required to get the ultimate title of Supreme Ch.

Dogs that compete in the conformation areas are not just pretty faces - they certainly are presented to the best of their owner/handlers ability, but they are also sound and typical examples of the breed.  The preparation of the conformation dog happens every day - a little bit of grooming, expert care and feeding, a little bit of training, a strong desire to please, and a great bond with the owner who will spend hours and hours preparing the dog for the show ring.

We have Junior Handlers who show dogs as well 

Dog shows can really be a family affair - the juniors compete in handler competitions from 7 years of age and hone their handling craft.  Juniors can also handle dogs in the conformation show classes as well and even if you have never shown a dog before there is bound to be a keen upcoming junior handler at the shows to give you a hand.
Junior Handler - club member Helena Galpin

Are you keen to give it a go ?

Dog shows can really be a family affair - the juniors compete in handler competitions from 7 years of age and hone their handling craft.  Juniors can also handle dogs in the conformation show classes as well and even if you have never shown a dog before there is bound to be a keen upcoming junior handler at the shows to give you a hand.  Even if you do not have a dog that is eligible for showing at present, and you would like to learn approach some of our breeders they may be willing to have you 'help' and learn the ropes. 

There are show training classes held across the State as well, great way to learn how to showcase the breed, and of course YouTube tutorials on conformation dog shows can help too.

Everyone has to start somewhere - why not give it a go and start out with our wonderful breed - a Cocker Spaniel.





 

 

 

 

 


Contact Details

The Secretary, Cocker Spaniel Club of Qld Inc
Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Email : [email protected]