Boxer: A “Head Breed”
Discover the intricacies of the Boxer’s head in this detailed article about one of the most distinctive “head breeds” in the canine world.
Home » Breed Judging
Every issue of Showsight Magazine contains articles on judging the various breeds within all seven AKC Groups plus Miscellaneous breeds and Foundation Stock Service (FSS) Breeds. We are fortunate to work alongside parent clubs and judges to create a better awareness of each breed and how it should be viewed in the dog show Conformation ring.
The purpose of Conformation shows (also known as dog shows) is to evaluate breeding stock. Judges select winners based on their ability to contribute and improve the next generation of dogs.
The fact that each dog is judged on how he or she compares to the breed’s AKC standard rather than how the dog directly compares to the other dogs in the ring is a common source of confusion for the uninformed.
For instance, a judge is not directly comparing the Airedale Terrier to the Scottish Terrier while evaluating the Terrier Group. Actually, the comparison is between the Airedale Terrier and the Airedale Terrier breed standard and the Scottish Terrier and the Scottish Terrier breed standard. A winner should better reflect their standard than the other dogs do.
Each breed was developed for a specific purpose; for example, many Toy breeds were developed as lap dogs, whereas Working Dog Breeds are excellent in jobs like property guarding, pulling sleds, and conducting water rescues because they were developed to help people. These purposes established each breed’s standard, or ideal for how the breed should behave and look. A judge in the show ring rates dogs according to how closely they conform to their standards.
Discover the intricacies of the Boxer’s head in this detailed article about one of the most distinctive “head breeds” in the canine world.
This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, January 2018 issue. Judging the Anatolian Shepherd: A Judge’s Guide The information furnished in this article
Learn how to judge Alaskan Malamutes, focusing on their role as Arctic sled dogs, essential traits, and common misconceptions in judging.
Learn how to judge the Akita breed: from their powerful stature to their unique temperament, and effectively assess this remarkable breed.
Judging Australian Terriers: Learn how to identify the unique traits and characteristicvs of these spirited, self-assured terriers in the ring.
Guidelines for properly examining Scottish Terriers, highlighting AKC protocols and breed-specific standards by Kathi Brown.
Judging the Australian Terrier: Learn how form follows function in this small, sturdy breed with a weather-resistant coat.
Explore the intricate breed standard of Yorkshire Terriers’ and learn more about the coat, color, and texture.
"*" indicates required fields
Showsight Magazine–the world’s most influential purebred dog publication since 1992. Each issue reaches a global audience dedicated to preserving the history and health of purpose bred dogs. Filled with award-winning editorial focused on news and insights from the dog show community, top breeders, handlers, AKC Judges, and more!