Question time

[Guest roo]

Ok Deep
.what exactly is conformation? I believe it is a set up standard that the dogs must meet to be able to compete in shows, right? I dont really know but that is what Ill go on until Im told differantly.
if a dog if conformed to a standard that reflects the ability to look pretty while trotting in circles doesnt that include the exclusion of certain other maybe "undesirable " traits in reguard to the show circut that may benefit the dog in a more natural environment. Maybe its pivitable things I am talking about, I dont know shows or Danes but I know that the health problems that occur now werent an issue back when a specific breed did what it was meant to. Ill bet Mastinos are a better example than danes but I dont know maybe danes are totally exempt from what Im talking about

There you go your first (well there is a few )questions.
Roo

[Guest roo]

Deep.
Is it danes you want to do this with?

[alicat613]

Well I think an overall definition of how conformation is judged and decided, what it is, etc in general would be helpful. He's mentioning Danes because I did, this question came from another discussion. So maybe we could all understand what the conformation ring is in general before we discuss particular breeds?

[deepseasnake]

just start off by telling me what conformation is, in any breed?

[Guest roo]

Ok,
basically its the way a dog is put together :lol:

CONFORMATION=THE FORM AND STRUCTURE AND ARRANGEMENT OF THE PARTS.

So when judging a dog, you are judging to the breed standard, and the breed standard tells you the sort of conformation the dog should have.
The breed standard also tells you the colour, the movement etc.
so i think we should look at a breed standard and work through it.
Pick a breed deep :lol:
Roo

[Guest roo]

The conformation ring aka the show ring.
The show ring is a place where people bring their dogs of different breeds
to be judged by the judges.
so at most allbreed shows you will have many rings with many different judges.
Each breed will have their own classes, and also sex classes :o
so you may have 8 dog classes and 8 bitch classes :lol:
To start with the dogs you will be up against are the ones in your class.
So each class is judged and the dogs placed 1 - 5
If you win, you can then challenge for best dog.
each class is judged and you will then have 8 dogs ready to challenge for best dog. All these 8 return to the ring, the judge will then pick the best dog of the 8, the reserve best dog, and best puppy.
The same thing happens with the bitches.
so finally you will have your best dog and your best bitch.
From those two you pick your best of breed.
and then the puppies for Best puppy in breed.
the best of breeds from all the rings, are seperated into groups, eg working, terrier etc.
A different judge who would be known as an allrounder will have all the
best of breed winners in the ring, there he or she will go over all the dogs and move them, and then pick 4. the group winner, places 2,3,and4.
The same with the pups
All the group winners then challenge for best in show.
You again may have a different judge.
the winner of all the group winners is best in show and second best is reserve best in show.
Again the same with the pups.
Roo

[Poofy]

Originally the comformation ring was designed so that breeders had a place to gather and compare breeding stock. The Judges were there, to choose the best of what was presented to them. The dog who were considered the best, were the preferred breeding animals for the next generation. Breeders would compare, and talk, and decide direction to breeding programs. The way comformation used to be, can still be sort of seen in livestock shows and rabbit shows. Here tho, the loosers are often eaten.
Today, the comformation ring has evolved into somewhat of a sport. It has sort of become, the poor man's horse show. ;) There is a lot of money involved in showing dogs, not making money mind you, but spending of money, and political ties have gained more ground. Still, the underlying reason, is to choose which dogs might be "more correct" and more of an asset to the breed. It is argued tho, that the comformation ring has becoem more of a beauty padget and less of a selection of what is correct...sometimes I find this true and sometimes not...every day is different.

[Guest Anonymous]

Conformation is the sport of dogs in which each dog/bitch is judged accordingly to his/her standard and the closest dog wins. Movement is done because that is a big part of what the standard covers. if u have any questions e-mail me a puppies411@dogomania.com