WHAT IS CONFORMATION...

In a dog conformation show, judges aren't merely comparing the dogs to each other. Rather, they judge each dog against the parameters of the idealized version of its breed. In other words, when the judge looks at your Vizsla he is comparing your Vizsla to the written standards of the ideal Vizsla. A judge will use his hands to inspect the dog's body, including its bones and muscles. In addition to assessing physical characteristics like these, judges assess the dog's walk (gait) and attitude. For instance, criteria might require that the dog's attitude be cheerful, as for the beagle, or proud, as for the poodle. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has assembled these criteria for each of their recognized breeds. It gathers this information from the clubs and organizations that specialize in those breeds. The dog that the judges think matches its breed's criteria the best wins the competition.

The standards address various body parts and attributes, including:

Size & Weight: To Standard

Balance: Overall appropriate proportions in size

Eyes: Color, Size, Shape

Ears: Shape, Length, Position

Head: Shape

Muzzle: Shape, Length

Whiskers: Thickness

Teeth: Kind of Bite (e.g. level or scissors bites)

Tail: How it Arches & Sets (high or low)

Shoulders: Bone, Muscle

Legs: Muscles, Stance, Proportionality

Coat: Texture, Length

Color: Accepted Breed Colors