A Conformation point in dog breeding and showing is any one out of a long list of dog attributes known as the breed standard. This is a set standard, usuallly written, which is used to judge a given dog against the hypothetical ideal specimen of that breed. Winners of Best of Breed titles compete against those of other breeds in all-breed competitions. An incorrect conformation point is known as a fault.
Common conformation points
Coat colour
Coat texture
Temperament
Colour of head
Quality, quantity and distribution of markings
Bite (how the teeth meet when the jaws are closed)
Eye shape and colour
Size of animal
Ratio of animal’s height to its length
Movement
Grooming
Shape, set and carriage of ears and tail
Shape of feet
There are many others, and many specifics within these.
Conformation is critical to a working dog, particular a working dog who must display the sort of athleticism required of a stock dog.
Herders have not argued that conformation itself is irrelevant; they have merely claimed that a "show dog" understanding of structure has no relevance to the work of their dogs.
Like a conformationshow, a sheepdog trial is not primarily a place for handlers to have fun with their dogs; it is instead a means of selecting the breeding stock for that next generation.
Feeds |
Contact