Leonberger Conformation Shows

Understanding Conformation Shows

With a history spanning over one hundred fifty years, dog shows are a classic sport. Now, with over three million entrants a year, they have left behind those lofty beginnings as a luxury time of the nobility to become an immensely popular sport accessible to just about anyone.

Apart from their rich history, conformation shows are a unique and exciting blend of artistry, science, and physical sport where amateurs and professionals, young and old, compete side-by-side for the ultimate prize – Best In Show. If you are planning on going to see a show for the first time, have questions about how conformation shows work, or feel in the dark about shows you’ve seen, this article aims to lay out the very basics and give some recommended reading to answer further questions.

Why do we show?

Dog shows are primarily intended to evaluate breeding stock – in our case, the Leonbergers who will go on to contribute to the gene pool with offspring. Dog shows are often referred to as conformation shows or matches because judges evaluate how well individual dogs fit (conform to) their written breed standard. Breeders and owners participate in dog shows to solicit others’ educated, independent opinions of their breeding stock, to have their Leos evaluated by respected and capable judges, to pursue championship titles for their Leonbergers, and for the thrill of competition.

What kinds of shows are there?

If you are seeing Leonbergers at a conformation show, you are probably attending either an All Breed Show or a Specialty Show. All Breed Shows are competitions where many breeds and varieties of dogs compete to be Best In Show. An All Breed Show will include all recognized breeds. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is a famous example. Specialty Shows, on the other hand, are where Leonbergers compete only against other Leonbergers, and no other breeds are judged. The LCA has held many regional specialties every Fall and Spring, typically hosted by a regional Leonberger club. The LCA also holds a National Specialty every year where breeders and Leonbergers from all over the United States and Canada compete for Best of Breed.

Who is who in the ring?

A ring has several important figures inside and outside:

The judge, often towards the center of the ring, is tasked with evaluating the Leonbergers and awarding placements.
Handlers or Exhibitors, usually in a line from the entry gate, bring their Leos into the show ring for competition and present them to the judge.
A steward, usually seated or positioned in a corner near the ring entrance, assists with record keeping, ribbon organization, and calling exhibitors into the ring.
Entries, the Leonbergers entered in competition everyone is there to see. Fanciers, fans of the breed seated ringside to enjoy the competition.