Glossary

Conformation

A dog show event in which each purebred dog is judged on how closely its structure and movement match its written breed standard.

Also called: conformation show, dog show, breed ring, show ring, confirmation, conformation event

Conformation is the traditional kind of dog show. Each dog is judged against the breed standard for its breed, not against the other dogs. The judge looks at structure, coat, proportions and movement, and also feels the dog. Dogs that win move up through classes, from breed to group, and the group winners meet for Best in Show.

To become a champion in the American Kennel Club system, a dog earns points by beating other dogs, 15 in total, including at least two major wins under different judges. In AKC events the dogs must be purebred and not spayed or neutered, since the aim is to choose breeding stock.

Conformation is not a measure of how good a pet a dog is. A beautiful dog in the ring can have a poor temperament, and a pet that does not fit the standard may be a wonderful companion. Mixed breeds compete in dog agility and other sports instead.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Breed standard The written description of an ideal dog of a breed, covering size, proportions, coat, colour, movement and temperament, used to judge dogs and guide breeding. Stack The standing pose a show dog holds so a judge can see its structure, set by the handler (hand stack) or held by the dog on its own (free stack). Best in Show The top award at an all-breed dog show, given to the dog chosen from the seven group winners as the best example of its breed. Junior showmanship A show competition for young handlers in which the person, not the dog, is judged on how well they present and handle a dog.