The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Conformation Dog Shows

Conformation Dog Shows are the beauty pageants of dog shows, measuring dogs against their breed standards, in physical appearance, temperament, and movement. As these shows are to evaluate and title breeding stock, altered dogs are not eligible to enter conformation competitions put on by the American Kennel Club. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is the most well-known conformation dog show in the United States.

Who Can Compete?

It is the first of its kind, and still the only "titled champions only" dog show, selecting the very best, from the best. The only dogs that are eligible to compete at Westminster are dogs who have been successfully shown and have earned an AKC Championship title. The five top qualifying dogs will be invited to enter the Dog Show.

Disqualifications

Every dog breed has a set of undesirable characteristics, either physical or temperamental, that will disqualify a dog from competing in a dog show. Some of these characteristics are obvious physical faults, such as a over-sized white spot in an otherwise black, or solid colored breed, a discoloured nose, or an over- or under-bite. Other disqualifying traits might be obvious only under the handling of the judges, such as aggression, or excessive shyness. Traits that will disqualify a dog are listed under each breed standard, and can be found on the AKC website.

Professional Dog Handlers

Not everybody is comfortable in the public eye, especially when it involves television crews and nationwide coverage. But for whatever eason they don't want to be in the ring themselves, dog breeders will often employ the services of a professional handler. A professional dog hsandler will take the dog through the ring and in front of the judges eyes. He or she knows how to dress to present a professional appearance while not distracting the eye from the true star, the dog.

How to Start Showing Your Dog

If you want to start on the road to Westminster and begin showing your own dog, these steps will help to get you started. Written by AKC Canine Good Citizen Evualator, and our Dog Park host, Dale Dutill outlines the first important steps to take.

Photos From Westminster

The 129th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show - 2005

The 130th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show - 2006