Showing the White Shepherd in Conformation

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~INTRODUCTION~

AWSA fully supports White Shepherd owners and their dogs in the
Conformation ring. Conformation shows are fun, social, and
educational for both the owner and the dog! We are fortunate that our
club members, while being competitive in the ring, are willing to
coach and help new members on the path to Conformation success. The positive attitudes of our members and their willingness to encourage others to succeed is the strength and foundation of our club

Many of the fine breeders ( Breeder Referral List )
that have signed the AWSA code of conduct and ethics agreement have
show-quality pups available, and are happy to assist you in selecting
and training your pup for Conformation. If you are interested in
Conformation, our breeders are a great place to start! However, AWSA
Conformation shows are not limited to dogs from AWSA breeders. AWSA
welcomes all registered White Shepherds to the show ring, regardless
of origin. Please see the AWSA membership pages  for further information.

Our White Shepherds are also shown in UKC, ARBA, and WSCC, in
addition to many other clubs and events throughout the USA, and
around the world. Likely there will be an event relatively close to
you. Come on out and see us in action! You'll quickly see why our
white beauties are so special. You can check the upcoming events page
to find out where our dogs will be showing in the near future.

See you in the ring!


~CONFORMATION FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)~

Q: What is Conformation?
A: Conformation is a show event where the dog is judged on how
closely he/she 'conforms' to the breed standard.  On many websites you may see it called "Confirmation". This is incorrect terminology, as the word is derived from 'conform' or 'conformity'. The dog is viewed by a certified judge to ascertain how closely the dog meets the approved breed standard.

Q: What is a breed standard?
A: A breed standard is a description of the traits that are
considered ideal in the specific breed. The characteristics (both
physical and personality) that come together to create the total dog.
Structure, movement, and appearance are all defined by the breed
standard.

Q: What is angulation?
A: Angulation is a term that refers to the angles that are created in
a dog's structure where the bones meet their given joints. The dog's
appearance and movement hinge on angulation a great deal. Front
angulation is the angle formed by the meeting of the shoulder blade
with the upper front leg. Rear angulation is usually referring to the
angle formed by the meeting of the upper and lower thigh.  A 90 degree
angle is considered most desirable in both of these joints.

Q: What is a gait?
A: The way a dog moves is called a gait. The gait of a dog gives the
judge a good idea on structural soundness, the temperament of a dog,
and his/her general health and condition.

Q: What is meant by the term temperament?
A: The temperament of a dog is the dog's personality and attitude
make-up. How the dog interacts with people and other dogs, and how
the dog is trained will be dependent on the dog's temperament. Dogs,
like people, have varying degrees of sensitivity.

Q: What is baiting?
A: Baiting a dog is the use of an item to keep the dog attentive and
alert. Baits can range from edible treats to a favorite toy. Not all
shows venues will allow baiting in Conformation (i.e. the UKC). It is
always a good idea to be aware of what is and is not allowed in
regard to baiting.

Q: What is meant by the term stacking?
A: A stack is a way of posing the dog to appear pleasing to the
judge. Typically this will be a profile view. The dogs legs and body
are positioned both front and rear to show off the dog's structure to
great advantage. In a shepherd the traditional stack is to have the
front legs under the front shoulders (not extended or tucked), to
have the rear leg closest to the handler brought forward, and the
out-facing rear leg (the hind leg facing the judge) drawn back to
extend beyond the rump. The dog's head should be held upright and
his/her expression alert. This stance allows the judge to get a clear
impression of structure, balance, and angulation in the dog.

Q: What is a handler?
A: The handler is the owner or agent acquired by the owner, who works
the dog in the ring. The handler is responsible for showing the dog 
before the judge and for gaiting the dog to show proper movement.

Q: What is grooming?
A: Grooming is the process of polishing the dog up for the show ring.
Bathing, brushing, fluffing, and nail trimming, for example, all work
to show the dog in his/her best appearance.

Q: What are classes?
A: Classes are specified sections within the show where the dog will
be shown. Classes will typically be formed by age, sex, experience,
breeding, and whether or not the dog is altered. A listing of classes
at an AWSA Conformation show will usually look something like this:
3-6 month puppy
6-9 month puppy
9-12 month
12-18 month
Novice
Bred by Exhibitor
American Bred
Open
Altered
Where your dog falls within the age ranges or experience is where
your dog will be shown within the show. Except for the Best of Breed
class, males compete with males and females compete with females.
Spayed or neutered animals are not eligible to enter the regular
classes or earn championships. Some show-giving organizations
(including AWSA) offer separate classes for altered dogs and they may
earn an Altered Championship.

Q: What kind of awards can my dog win?
A: AWSA Conformation shows award placement ribbons (Blue 1st, Red
2nd, etc.) and trophies. The most important award you win is points
toward a Championship.  You are awarded points when you win the
Winners Dog or Winner's Bitch class. *If your animal is altered, see
above answer on classes.*

Q: What is a bitch, aren't they all just dogs?
A: A female of the breed is known as a bitch. This is not foul
language, it is the correct term in denoting the sex of the animal. A
male of the breed is known as dog. Generally when people speak of
their animals, you will here both sexes referred to as "dog." This is
simply an all-encompassing generic term.

Q: What is a winners class?
A: The winners class is made up of all the dogs that won in their
particular class. Winners Bitch class for all 1st place bitches from
the female classes, and Winners Dog class for all 1st place dogs from
the male classes. The winners classes are viewed by the judge to
determine Winners Dog and Winners Bitch.

Q: I'm not familiar with the show abbreviations/acronyms, what do
they mean?
A: Show terms are sometimes abbreviated or made into acronyms to save
time and writing space. Some that you may see listed in a show, or in
a show result paper, may read like this:
BOB or BB=Best of Breed
BOW or BW=Best of Winners
BIS=Best in Show
BJH=Best Junior Handler
BOH=Breeder, Owner, Handler
BBE=Bred by Exhibitor
BOS=Best Opposite Sex to Best of breed
CH=Champion of Record
OFA=Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
WD=Winners Dog
WB=Winners Bitch
AKC=American Kennel Club
UKC=United Kennel Club
BP=Best Puppy
BOSP=Best Opposite Sex Puppy to Best Puppy
RWD=Reserve Winners Dog
RWB=Reserve Winners Bitch
ARBA=American Rare Breed Association
CKC=Canadian Kennel Club
WSCC=White Shepherd Club of Canada

Q: What is required to make my dog a champion?
A: AWSA operates under a fifteen-point schedule. This means that your
dog must meet a quota of fifteen points acquired in AWSA shows to
become an AWSA Champion. These points must be won under no less then three different judges, and at least two of these judges must award a
major (three points or more.)
The break-down for points may appear like this at an AWSA show: 

Dogs competing-	1	2-4	5-7	8-10	11-13	14-up
Points allocated-	0	1	2	3*	4*	5*

*major win

Q: My dog has pink on his/her nose, is this a problem?
A: It is common to see shepherds of any color with pink on their
noses. This is sometimes referred to as "snow nose" as it seems to
make a greater appearance in wintertime. The reasons for snow nose
are varied, but you can find some answers here  if you are interested in why this may be happening to your dog. A solid black nose is preferred in Conformation, but pink on the nose is acceptable.

Q: Why does the judge look at the dog's teeth?
A: The judge is checking to ensure that the dog has a correct bite
and has all of it's teeth. The way a dog's teeth align within its
mouth is called a bite. There should be 20 upper and 22 lower teeth.
A full set of teeth is preferred, but broken teeth are not considered
a fault. The teeth should meet in a close scissor bite.

Q: My dog isn't pure white, it has cream-colored patches. Is this
okay?
A: Yes, it is acceptable to have cream- or biscuit-colored areas on
the dog's coat. Pure white is preferred, but cream and biscuit areas are very common.

Q: Where do I learn how to show my dog?
A: Attend a few shows if you can. Any kind of show in your area will
at least give you some exposure to how a show generally operates.
Sometimes you can find dog shows on television (Westminster, Crufts,
etc.). Watch them. They can be a valuable learning aid in what to
expect. Check with local kennel clubs, training clubs, and private
training facilities to see if any of them offer a "conformation
handling" class. And lastly, just get in there and do it! Everyone
has to start somewhere. Observe what the experienced handlers are
doing, and take your cue from them.

Q: I have no idea how to show a dog, will people at the show help me?
A: YES! You are bound to meet many people at a show that are more
then happy to lend a guiding hand. AWSA shows are fun and friendly
events, where veterans pitch in to help out the novice.

If you have any questions that this FAQ did not answer, feel free to
mail us for further information.