Conformation matches are designed to concentrate on the distinctive features of the individual purebred dog and help to preserve these characteristics of the individual breed. There is a breed standard which is a blue print for the breed. In the conformation ring a judge will evaluate the dog to determine the quality and whether it is breeding stock. Each Judge may bring in their own ideals, experiences and individuality even though they are using the same standard.

The handler is asked to do specific stacks and movements with the dog. Each Judge has their own way they like to do this. Judges will use the way dog stands and moves to determine structure, fitness and quality. They will go over the dog and do mental measurements. They will look at over all health, appearance and coat condition. They are also judging the dog’s temperament and ability to do what the breed was originally bred to do. Some judges take a long time in the ring while others are very quick. In the end the judge will give his opinion of who are the winners. Each day you are showing it is to a different judge so sometimes the winner one day may lose the next. This can leave a lot of room for interpretation but in the long run it will weed out the higher quality dogs and determine the potential breeding stock for the breed.

MW