What is dog conformation?

Wikipedia defines Dog Conformation as: "A dog show is an animal show, an event where dogs are exhibited. A conformation show, also referred to as a breed show, is a kind of dog show in which a judge, familiar with a specific dog breed, evaluates individual purebred dogs for how well the dogs conform to the established breed type for their breed, as described in a breed's individual breed standard.[1] Dog shows can be in the means of evaluating dogs for breeding purposes. A conformation championship from a recognized national kennel club is generally considered as an indication of merit. Many breeders consider championships a prerequisite for breeding. Some critics argue that the shows can encourage selective breeding of traits and lower genetic diversity. The first modern conformation dog show was held in Newcastle Town Hall in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, in June 1859."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_show

The UKC (United Kennel Club) definition of Conformation states: "A Conformation event is a competition for purebred dogs where the dog is evaluated based upon how closely the dog conforms to its breed standard. This type of event is beneficial to both exhibitors who seek an evaluation of their dog’s conformation and breeders who wish to enhance their breeding programs by selecting dogs that encompass the function, temperament, and physical attributes of the breed." https://www.ukcdogs.com/docs/rulebooks/conformation-rulebook-revised.pdf

The AKC (American Kennel Club) definition of Conformation states: "Conformation events range from large all-breed shows, with over 3,000 dogs entered, to small local specialty club shows that feature only one breed. The official term for dog shows is conformation — as in, the act of conforming or producing conformity. While a dog show may look like a beauty pageant, it’s not. Dogs are not being compared to each other; they’re being measured by how closely they conform to the standard of their particular breed. Why? Because the closer a dog’s appearance is to the breed’s standard, the better that dog’s ability will be to produce puppies that meet the standard. It’s also the reason why mixed breeds and spayed or neutered purebreds are ineligible to compete in conformation.

The CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) definition of Conformation states: " A competitive exhibition for dogs at which dogs are judged in accordance with an established standard of perfection for each breed wherein championship points are awarded. May be for all breeds, or for a single breed or group of breeds (Specialty Show)." https://www.ckc.ca/en/Files/Breed-Standards/Breed-Standards/Glossary-en in

ABIDS (All Breed International Dog Shows) is not a dog registry. We recognize dogs registered in various dog registries including but not limited to FCI ("Fédération Cynologique Internationale"), AKC American Kennel Club, UKC United Kennel Club, CKC Canadian Kennel Club. We also recognize rare breed dogs as well. 

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Remember that when you enter a Dog Conformation Show, you are paying for a judge's opinion of your dog on that day among that group of dogs in the ring.

You will hopefully notice and appreciate how certain dogs show interest and enthusiasm in the ring; on top of their form, structure, muscle tone, movement, temperament, conformity to the breed standard, and aptitude to do the job they were originally bred for.