Conformation Showing

American Kennel Club

Conformation title abbreviations:
BOB = Best of Breed
BOS = Best of Opposite Sex (to Best of Breed)
BOW = Best of Winners
WD/WB = Winners Dog/Winners Bitch
RWD/RWB = Reserve Winners Dog/Reserve Winners Bitch
CH = Champion [title given when 15 points are earned under at least 3 different judges, including 2 major wins (3,4, or 5 point wins) under 2 different judges.]

Dog shows are a process of elimination. There are several available classes in which to compete: 6-9 mo puppy, 9-12 mo. puppy, 12-18 mo, novice, bred-by-exhibitor, american-bred, and open. These classes are available for dogs and bitches.

First, all of the dog classes go in, one at a time, with 1-4 places awarded. The first place winner of each class then goes back in to compete for Winners Dog. Winners is the class where the championship points are awarded. After Winners is chosen, the second place dog in the class Winners came from (if there is a second place) comes in the ring with the other first place winners and Reserve is chosen. Reserve is called the "Best of the Losers", but should the Winners Dog be disqualified, the points would then go to the dog chosen as reserve. Then the whole process is repeated for bitches. After Winners Bitch and Reserve are chosen, then the champions and Winners Dog and Winners Bitch go in to compete for Best of Breed. Whatever sex is chosen as Best of Breed, a dog of the opposite sex is chosen as Best of Opposite Sex and either Winners Dog or Winners Bitch is chosen as Best of Winners. One of the Winners could be chosen as Best of Breed or Best of Opposite as well.

The point system varies by region. The country is divided into different regions with its own point schedule. This information is published each April in the Events Calendar of the AKC Gazette.


This information provided by Barbara & Bill Murray.