5 Shows - March 3rd, 2012  Fort Worth, Texas

  The United Canine Association Conformation Show Process

Conformation shows are events in which the dogs are judged against their written United Canine Association approved Breed Standard on that given day, and in that judge's opinion.

Sometimes referred to as the "Beauty Pageant" of the dog world, conformation shows are at the heart of any responsible breeder's program.

Responsible UCA breeders breed to improve the characteristics and health of their dogs and to get as close to their breeds written UCA breed standard as possible thereby maintain proper breed type.

Only United Canine Association registered dogs and bitches that have no known disqualifying faults as defined by their individual UCA breed standard may compete at UCA or in  United Canine Association sanctioned conformation shows.

All participating dogs at UCA sanctioned shows may be shown by their breeders, owners or amateur handlers.   Professional handlers are not allowed and should be strongly discouraged.

Each breed will be evaluated by an UCA approved judge.   All UCA Judges have met UCA certification requirements and are considered qualified to judge the breeds which they have been assigned.

Breeds are shown in alphabetical order.   Starting with the American Bulldog and ending with the Valley Bulldog. 

Males of a breed are shown first then the females are shown.  Competition is broken down into several "classes" per breed.  The classes are Puppy I, Puppy II,  Junior, Senior and Veteran. 

All classes of each breed both males and females are judged before the next breed can begin judging.    

After the winners have been chosen from each class, the winners of each class enter the ring once again, to compete for "Best Male or Best Female" of breed.

Then the winners of the Best Male and Best Female classes will compete for "Best of Breed".  

After each breed has been judged for Best of Breed the "Champion" class is held. 

The UCA "Champions" class is for all recognized UCA Champions of all breeds, both males and females are judged with their peers against each breed's UCA approved written breed standard.

Next all of the Best of Breed winners and the winner of the Champion class complete for the overall “Best of Show”. 

  Breed Classes

Males and females compete separately within their respective breeds, in five regular classes. 

Males and females that have not attained the Champion title compete for points towards their championship.


The following classes are offered, and are divided by sex:

Puppy I -  For dogs between three and six months of age, that are not yet champions.

Puppy II -  For dogs between six months and one year of age, that are not yet champions.

Junior -  For dogs between one to two years of age, that are not yet champions.

Senior -  For dogs between two to three years of age, that are not yet champions.

  The Role of the Judge at a UCA Sanctioned Show 

Judges examine each exhibiters dog, then gives placements /  awards according to how closely each dog compares to the judge's mental image of the "perfect" dog as described in the breed's official United Canine Association breed standard.

The UCA's breed standard describes the physical characteristics and temperament of the breed that it was written for.  These standards include specifications for structure, temperament and movement.

The official UCA written standard for each breed is maintained by the registry and published by the United Canine Association on its official website.

The judges are experts on the breeds they are judging.  UCA conformation judges examine ("go over") each dog with their hands to see if the teeth, muscles, bones and coat texture conform to the breed's standard. 

They view each dog in profile for overall balance, and watch each dog gait ("move") to see how all of those features fit together in action as described in that breed's specific UCA breed standard.
 

UCA judges will examine each dog in a class according to its age and sex, and evaluate it relative to the United Canine Association Breed Standard.

The UCA’s Breed Standards strive to describe the ideal "Type" of dog for each breed.   
              
"Type" is what makes a Boxer, a Boxer and a Colored Boston Terrier,  a Colored Boston Terrier.

The judge will be first looking for any disqualifying breed faults that would preclude a dog from competition. 

Examples of disqualifying faults for Olde English Bulldogges for example would include missing one or more of the large canines, scissor or overshot bite, a completely pink nose etc.          
           
After determining that the exhibit does not have any disqualifying faults, the UCA judge will "go over" the dog, checking eye color, mouth structure and dentition, head type, physical structure and condition. 

The judge will then have the handler move the dog, and examine its movement coming, going and from the side.
                      
Ideally, the judge will select as the winner in each class, the dog that most closely meets the description of the breed as given in the UCA Breed Standard.  Second through Third place will also be awarded.

  Tips for the First-Time Exhibitor

    

  Make sure your dog is registered with the United Canine Association.  UCA registration is offered at all UCA events.

  Be sure your dog is current on all inoculations.  Proof of Rabies vaccination is required.

  Learn the proper techniques for grooming and for presenting your dog in the ring.

  Join your breed's UCA sanctioned club in your area and attend meetings regularly.

  Become familiar with the UCA rules and regulations for dog shows.

  Attend some dog shows to observe your breed being judged and how others present your breed.

  Use the knowledge of your breeder or another experienced breeder of your breed.

  Don't be afraid to ask questions.

  Attend handling classes with your dog.

  Tips for the First-Time Spectator

  However tempting, do not pet a dog without asking for permission first.  The dog may have just been groomed in preparation for being judged.

  At each dog show, you will find vendors and information booths.  Many club booths offer helpful information to the general public.

  Wear comfortable shoes - you'll be doing a lot of walking.  Unless you bring a chair or arrive early, be prepared to stand most of the time, as seating is usually limited.

  If you are considering getting a purebred dog, talk to the breeders and exhibitors - they are knowledgeable in their breeds.

  If you bring a baby stroller to a dog show, be careful that you do not run over any dog's tail, and that your child does not grab or poke the dogs it can reach.  Avoid having them near ring entrances, which are especially crowded.