Conformation

Conformation competition is an event designed originally to be a check for the breeders. The dog is evaluated and compared to a written standard for the breed. This standard is developed by respected and long time breeders, who after extensive study on the history of the breed, put into words a description of their specific breed. This is then approved by the membership of the breed club and by the AKC. Each judge, licensed to judge a specific breed, must pass an exam given by the American Kennel Club to make certain that he/she understands the breed standard.

When the owner or breeder enters shows and wins the points toward a championship award under different judges consistently, he/she may be confident that their dog is a good representative of the breed and therefore probably of breeding quality. It is important to remember that as there is not a perfect dog there also is not a perfect judge. It is important to know enough to recognize the not so perfect parts of your dog and be aware that each judge may weigh the not so perfect part of your dog more heavily than the not so perfect part of your competitor's dog. The study of the standard and of structure and movement is essential before entering your dog in competition. Then you will be able to evaluate your competitor's dog and also notice if the judge has a particular dislike for certain faults, i.e., a narrow or too widely spaced front, or a sagging topline. You can then make certain that the dog you enter for this judge to evaluate does not have that fault.

To attain a championship for your dog you must accumulate 15 championship points. These are awarded only to the male who wins the purple "Winners" ribbon and to the female who wins the purple "Winners" ribbon. The number of points awarded at each competition are based on the number of males that are entered for the male points and the number of females entered for the female points. This varies depending on the location in the United States where you are showing. Part of the points earned must be "Major" points. You must win a total of two "major" point competitions with each major win awarded by different judges included in your 15 point total. A major point win is a three point, four point, or five point show, again based on the number of dogs, male or female entered.

When you enter a show your dog must be clean and white as possible. Grooming tips can be learned from other pyr people. The feet are trimmed so that they appear as round and catlike as possible. Make certain that there are no mats in the coat.

There are conformation training classes held in most urban areas but remember the idea is to let the dog enjoy showing as much as you will. This must not be a boring, serious or intense activity. Instead make it a positive, playful and rewarding experience for the dog. You will have much better results if the dog is happy in the ring. He needs to learn to heel, stand, have his mouth examined and stay on command and to think he is the best on the planet.

Showing should not be an ego trip for humans. It should be a validation of your dog's adherance to the standard of the breed and an enjoyable activity for both owner and dog. If the dog does not win on a particular day, SO WHAT! Enjoy the time together, be happy for those who do win and dog shows will continue to be fun.

CH Summerhill's Drackar Noir	CH Summerhill's Gentle Ben	CH Summerhill's I'ma Native Texan	CH Summerhill's Mistral

CH Summerhill's CeCe Bon	CH Summerhill's Sheer Energy	CH Summerhill's Intrigue	CH Winterwood Summerhill Bingo

CH Winterwood Summerhill Bingo	CH Summerhill's Shasta Sue	CH Summerhill's Angel of Intrigue	CH Summerhill's Lone Star Legend

CH Summerhill All That Jazz	CH Summerhill's Sequoia		CH Pastorelle's Klingon's Mate "K'Lar"

 

Summerhill's The Dream Catcher "Madison"	Summerhill's Picture Perfect	Summerhill's Ketch The Vission "Ketch"

Summerhill's Good as Gold "Promise" Owner: Kristy & Sylvia Cygan	CHWinterwood Summerhill Shin'n "Sunshine"	CH Summerhill The Critics Choice "Annie" Owners: Lynne E. Gomm & Jan P. Brown

Windstar's Admiral Dire	AM, Korean	INT CH. Summerhill's MVP