Golden Retriever Conformation Events (Dog Show)

A conformation event, more commonly known as a dog show, is a competition where dogs are judged on how well they ‘conform’ to the breed standard. How ell a dog conforms to the breed standard of overall appearance and structure indicates their ability produce puppies that maintain and advance the standard.

While dogs are competing against the other dogs for points, they are judged individually on how they match the ideal breed standard. The dogs are exhibited to the judge by their handler who can be the owner, breeder or a professional handler. They will be both visually and physically judged on their confirmation to the breed standard and have their gait and temperament observed.

Dogs (Male) and Bitches (Female) are judged individually.

Types of Confirmation Dog Shows

All Breed Shows – Any AKC registered breed can participate
Specialty Shows – A single breed or variations of a breed.
Groups Shows – One of seven groups
- Sporting
- Non-Sporting
- Hound
- Toy
- Terrier
- Heading

Confirmation Dog Show Eligibility

AKC Registered (purebred)
6 Months or older
Not Spayed or Neutered
A breed matching the Dog Show Type (Specialty, Group)
Adhere to the written breed standards

Confirmation Dog Show Classes

Puppy – Six to twelve months old
Six-to-Nine Months
Nine-to-Twelve Months
Twelve-to-Fifteen Months
Fifteen-to-Eighteen Months
Novice – Have not won prior to the competition 3 first places in this class, a first place in any of the following classes nor points towards their Championship.
Amateur-Owner-Handler – Must be handled by the registered owner who have not been a professional handler, an assistant to a professional handler, or an AKC confirmation judge.
Bred By Exhibitor – The exhibitor is the owner and breeder.
American Bred – The parents must have mated in America and the dog born in America.

The above are open to dogs that have not yet become a champion.

Open – Any dog that meets the breed requirements for the dog show

The American Bred and Open classes are required at every show. The other classes are optional

Confirmation Dog Show Points

The dogs are competing for ‘points’ that count towards their becoming champion.

The number of points available to win range from 0-5 depending on the number of dogs entered in the show.

If a dog wins 3-5 points it is called a ‘Major’

A dog must win two majors and accumulate 15 total points from three different judges to be awarded the AKC title of ‘Champion’

Confirmation Dog Show Winners Dog/Winners Bitch

The Winners Dog/Bitch are selected by the judges from all the individual class winners. These are the dogs that are awarded the points.

Confirmation Dog Show Other Awards

Best of Breed – All champions plus the Winners Dog/Bitch compete for the Best of Breed (BOB) of the show. This winner can win points toward Grand Champion
Best of Winners – The judges pick of winner between the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch.
Best of Opposite Sex – The Winner that did not win Best of Winners. If already a champion, they may win points towards Grand Champion.
Best of Show – If a group competition all the individual groups are brought together, and a single dog is chosen for Best of Show.

Confirmation Dog Show Ribbons

Blue, Red, Yellow, White – Awarded to 1^st-4^th place in each class.
Purple – Awarded to the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch
Purple and White – Awarded to the Winners runner up dog and Bitch (Reserve)
Purple and Gold – Awarded to the Best of Breed.
Red and White – Awarded to Best of Opposite Sex.
Light Blue and White – Awarded to the Dog and Bitch in the Best of Breed competition that received points to a Grand Champion.
Red, White, Blue – Awarded to Best in Show.

Grand Champions

Grand Champion is the top title for a Golden Retriever (and any dog) and is hard to obtain.

A dog must obtain 25 or more points.
Must have three major wins from three different judges.
A fourth judge must award some of the remaining points.
At least one Champion of Record must be defeated at three of these shows:
- Best of Breed
- Best of Opposite Sex
- Select Dog
- Select Bitch

4-6 Month Beginner Puppy Competition

Introduces new owners and their puppies to the world of dogs shows in a relaxed environment as well allowing your puppy to socialize with other puppies and people. While your puppy cannot earn points towards their championship title, they can earn points towards the ‘Certificate of Merit’.

Puppy Certificate of Merit

The Certificate of Merit (CM) title is an introductory title to AKC conformation events. Points are awarded at each 4 to 6 Month Beginner Puppy show to the dogs winning Best of Breed/Variety (BOB), Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed/Variety (BOS), Group 1, or Best 4 to 6 Month Beginner Puppy. The number of points won depend on the number of dogs in the competition.

The Certificate of Merit requires a total of 15 points. Certificate of Merit points may be earned in 4 to 6 Month Beginner Puppy and Open Show competitions as well as within the Miscellaneous class at regular Conformation shows.

Junior Showmanship

The AKC has a Junior Showmanship (Junior Handling) event to help introduce children to the world of dog shows. Children aged 9-17 are eligible to participate. Entrants are judged more on their handling ability as opposed to the dog itself. Spayed and Neutered dogs are allowed to participate. Visit the AKC Junior Showmanship for more information.

AKC Match Program

The AKC match shows are a way to allow people that are interested in participating in dog sports practice handling their dog in an informal and educational dog show environment. These Events are often used as practice for puppies and their owners, providing guidance and feedback from seasoned handlers, judges or fellow newbies.

To participate in a match show your dog should be able to comfortably walk on a leash (heel position) and be calm and comfortable around people.

Golden Retriever Club of America Sweepstakes

The GRCA sweepstakes program provides a competition where breeders and owners can showcase their Golden Retriever puppies or seniors. The sweepstakes will be held at the GRCA National and Regional Specialty shows and at many of the local member club specialties.

Handler

The handler at a sweepstakes exhibit must be the owner, co-owner, breeder or member of their immediate family.

Eligibility

Any purebred Golden Retriever six months of age and under eighteen months of age and entered in any of the regular classes at the specialty show at which the Sweepstakes are held. Dogs which have completed the requirements for an AKC Championship prior to the closing date of the show at which the Sweepstakes are to be held are not eligible

Class Divisions

6 months and under 9 months
9 months and under 12 months
12 months and under 15 months
15 months and under 18 months

After the completion of the individual class judging, each of the eight class winners shall be brought back to the ring for the selection of Best in Sweepstakes and Best of Opposite Sex to Best in Sweepstakes.

Ribbons

Best in Sweepstakes – Pink and Green
Best in Opposite Sex – Lavender
First Place in Each Class – Rose
Second Place in Each Class – Brown
Third Place in Each Class – Light Green
Fourth Place in Each Class – Gray

Golden Retriever Club of America Veterans Sweepstakes

Eligibility

Any purebred Golden Retriever over eight years of age which is individually registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC). Entrants need not be entered in any other class. AKC and CKC Champions of Record and spayed or neutered Golden Retrievers are eligible.

Class Divisions