Conformation

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CONFORMATION

� AAPBA Est. 1997

Conformation
A Study of Breed Standards

The AAPBA "dog show" is based on what's best for every breed of dog which includes judging the breeds
fairly and selecting the best dog in the country, state or city. The AAPBA has a fine tradition of crowning the best
of show in the breed ring and we take pride in the fact that all our judges in our organization are open to
coaching and giving constructive feedback outside the ring. To study the purebred canine and it's form is known
to be a passion among the masters of breeds. Because of this, we take pride in the quality and degree of judges
and competitors that attend and are awarded these titles in our breed rings. Our main goal for our conformation
shows is to provide a family environment that emphasizes on education, enjoyment, safety and respect. All
attendees are encouraged to participate in the conformation show.
All dogs in the ring are graded individually on a score sheet against it's written breed standard.

Here is a brief run down of the order of events.
Your dogs name and number is called. Approach breed ring. Always keep your dog 5 feet apart from any other
dog in or outside of the ring. Follow ring stewards instructions when or when not to enter. Enter ring and closely
follow judges insrtuctions to allow your dog to get a fair look.

Conformation Officials
Conformation Judge - studies and is a master of one or many breeds. The judge will ask the handler to gait or
stack dogs so the dog can be compared to the AAPBA's highest premier standards. Reinforces safety and rules;
the judge's decision is final.

Conformation Ring Steward - helps the Conformation judge organize classes, signals handlers to enter ring,
enters winners in judges book and keeps handlers aware of upcoming classes. Reinforces safety and rules.

The Conformation event rules are actually quite simple. We learned that having different breeds and sizes of
dogs enter the breed ring it is best to keep the environment safe and accident free. These rules must be followed
for safety and to avoid disqualification.

1. No females in heat are allowed in OR near the ring.
2. All dogs must wear a chain choke collar at all times.
3. All dogs must be 5 feet apart at all times.
4. Listen to the judges instructions to get a fair look.
5. No arguing, profanity or disruptive behavior.
6. There will be no aggresive dogs or aggresion toward any dog tolerated, and any such activity will be
dismissed from the ring.
7. No offensive or inappropriate attire. Please dress professional. Casual or formal is accepted.
8. If 2 or less dogs are in the ring the judge has the option of placing the top dog a 2nd place award if it does not
meet the breed standard.
9. In order for a Best Of Show there has to be a Best Female, Best Male or Champions.
10. For a conformation event there has to be a minimum of 5 of the same breed entered. There are exceptions for
limited and rare breeds.

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CONFORMATION
CLASSES, AWARDS/POINTS, CHAMPIONS and SHOW STRUCTURE � BEST OF SHOW

Classes
Puppy Division (Males and females compete together)
Competing for 1st place ribbon to reserve a spot in Best Puppy Class are the:
� 2 month to 4 month olds
� 4 month to 6 month olds

Male Division (Male dogs that have less than 5 majors earned)
Competing for Best Male Medallion to reserve a spot in Best of Show are the:
� 6 months to 1 year olds
� 1 year to 2 year olds
� 2 year olds and over

Female Division (Female dogs that have less than 5 majors earned)
Competing for Best Female Medallion to reserve a spot in Best of Show are the:
� 6 months to 1 year olds
� 1 year to 2 year olds
� 2 year olds and over

Premier Champion Division (Dogs that have earned 5 majors)
Competing for Best of Show Trophy are the:
� Premier Champions

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Awards/Points
Puppy Division
� 2-4 month old - First place ribbon (earns spot in Best Puppy)
� 4-6 month old - First place ribbon (earns spot in Best Puppy)
� Best Puppy - Medallion

Male, Female and Champion Division
� 6 months to 1 year olds - First place Ribbon (earns a spot in Best Male or Best Female)
� 1 year to 2 year olds - First place Ribbon (earns a spot in Best Male or Best Female)
� 2 year olds and over - First place Ribbon (earns a spot in Best Male or Best Female)
� Best Male - Medallion (earns 1 Major and spot in Best of Show)
� Best Female - Medallion (earns 1 Major and spot in Best of Show)
� Premier Champions - (automatic entry in Best of Show)
� Best of Show - Trophy (earns 1 Major)

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Championship Titles
To earn a Championship title in Conformation (Premier Champion-PCH) a dog must earn 5 majors.
No restrictions on number of Judges that can award a dog a major

Majors that can be earned toward Premier Champion title:
Best Male
Best Female
Best of Show

5 majors earns Premier Champion PCH

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Show Structure and Heirarchy for Best of Show
These are the required steps in a dogs path to Best Puppy Class and Best of Show.

PUPPIES(Males and Females compete together)
1. First step is to earn a 1st place ribbon in either Puppy 2-4 month or Puppy 4-6 month to reserve a spot in the Best Puppy Class.

2. Second step is to enter Best Puppy Class

3. In the third and final step one puppy is chosen and awarded a medallion for the Best Puppy Class.
End of Puppy Division Show. Puppies do not compete for Best Male, Best Female or Best Of Show.

MALES
1. First step is to earn a 1st place ribbon in 1 of the 3 classes in the Male division (See "Classes" above ) to reserve a spot in the Best Male class.

2. Second step is to enter Best Male Class.

3. Third step one Male is chosen for the Best Male Medallion and reserves spot in BEST OF SHOW.
End of Male Division show.

4. In the fourth and final step the Best Male Medallion winner enter the Best of Show ring when the Best of Show class is announced.

FEMALES
1. First step is to earn a 1st place ribbon in 1 of the 3 classes in the Female division (See "Classes" above ) to reserve a spot in the Best Female class.

2. Second step is to enter Best Female Class.

3. Third step one Female is chosen for the Best Female Medallion and reserves spot in BEST OF SHOW.
End of Female Division show.

4. In the fourth and final step the Best Female Medallion winner enter the Best of Show ring when the Best of Show class is announced.

CHAMPIONS
1. For the Premier Champions of conformation the one and only step is to enter the Best of Show ring when the Best of Show class is announced.

Here is a visual path to Best Of Show.
see below

1st Place Ribbon Winners
Male

Best Male or Female
Medallion Winners

Best Male

Best Female

1st place Male
6month -1yr

1st place Male
1yr-2yr

1st place Male
2yr and over

1st Place Ribbon Winners
Female

1st place Female
6month -1yr

1st place Female
1yr-2yr

1st place Female
2yr and over

BEST OF SHOW

PREMIER
CHAMPIONS