IOEBA Sanctioned Show Information
The Conformation Show Process
Conformation shows are events in which the dogs are judged against their written 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 breeders breed to improve the characteristics and health of their dogs and to get as close to the written breed standard as possible thereby fixing type.
Only IOEBA Registered dogs and bitches that have no disqualifying faults as defined by their individual IOEBA breed standard may compete at IOEBA sanctioned conformation shows. The dogs may be shown by their breeders, owners or amateur handlers.
Each breed will be evaluated by an IOEBA approved judge. These judges have met IOEBA 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, Junior, Senior and Veteran. All classes of each breed 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.
Winners of the Best Male and Best Female classes will compete for "Best of Breed".
After each breed has been judged the Best of Breed winners complete for the overall “Best of Show”.
Breed Classes
Males and females compete separately within their respective breeds, in four 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 - For dogs between four and twelve months 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.
- Veteran - For dogs three years of age and older, that are not yet champions.
- Best Male - The dog judged as the best of the male class winners in each breed.
- Best Female - The female judged as the best of the female class winners in each breed.
- Best of Breed - The dog judged as the best in its breed category.
- Best of Show - The dog judged as the better of the Best of Breed winners.
Which Dogs May Participate
In order to be eligible to compete, a dog must:
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Be individually registered with the International Olde English Bulldogge Association
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Be 6 months of age or older
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Be a breed for which classes are offered at a show
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Meet any eligibility requirements in the written standard for its breed
Dog shows (conformation events) are intended to evaluate breeding stock. The dog's conformation (overall appearance and structure), an indication of the dog's ability to produce quality puppies, is judged.
Spayed or neutered dogs are not eligible to compete in conformation classes at a dog show, because the purpose of a dog show is to evaluate breeding stock.
The Role of the Judge
Judges examine the dogs, then give awards according to how closely each dog compares to the judge's mental image of the "perfect" dog described in the breed's official IOEBA breed standard.
The standard describes the characteristics that allow the breed to perform the function for which it was bred. These standards include specifications for structure, temperament and movement.
The official written standard for each breed is maintained by the registry and published by the IOEBA on its official website.
The judges are experts on the breeds they are judging. They 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.
How Does A Judge Select a Winner?
Judges will examine each dog in a class, and evaluate it relative to the IOEBA Breed Standard. The IOEBA’s Breed Standards strive to describe the ideal "Type" of dog for each breed. "Type" is what makes an Olde English Bulldogge an Olde English Bulldogge and a American Bulldog an American Bulldog.
The judge will be first looking for any disqualifying faults that would preclude a dog from competition. Examples of disqualifying faults for Olde English Bulldogges include missing one or more of the large canines, scissor or overshot bite, pink nose etc.
After determining that the exhibit does not have any disqualifying faults, the 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 IOEBA Breed Standard. Second through Fourth place will also be awarded.
Tips for the First-Time Exhibitor
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Make sure your dog is registered with the IOEBA. Registration is offered at most IOEBA events.
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Be sure your dog is current on all inoculations. Proof of Rabies vaccination is required.
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Learn the proper techniques for grooming and for presenting your dog in the ring.
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Join your breed's IOEBA sanctioned club in your area and attend meetings regularly.
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Become familiar with the IOEBA rules and regulations for dog shows.
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Attend some dog shows to observe your breed being judged and how others present your breed.
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Use the knowledge of your breeder or another experienced breeder of your breed.
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Don't be afraid to ask questions.
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Attend handling classes with your dog.
Tips for the First-Time Spectator
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However tempting, do not pet a dog without asking for permission first. The dog may have just been groomed in preparation for being judged.
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At each dog show, you will find vendors and information booths. Many club booths offer helpful information to the general public.
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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 sually limited.
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If you are considering getting a purebred dog, talk to the breeders and exhibitors - they are knowledgeable in their breeds
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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.
Dog Show Terms
Angulation - Angles created by bones meeting at their joints.
Baiting - Using liver or some treat to get the dog's attention and have him look alert.
Exhibitor - A person who brings a dog to a dog show and shows it in the appropriate class.
Fancier - A person who is especially interested, and usually active, in some phase of the sport of purebred dogs.
Gait - The way a dog moves, movement is a good indicator of structure and condition.
Handler - A person who takes a dog into the show ring.
Heel - A command to a dog to keep close beside its handler.
Pedigree - The written record of a dog's family tree of three or more generations.
Points - Credits earned toward a championship.
Soundness - Mental and physical well-being.
Stacking - Posing the dog's legs and body to create a pleasing picture.
