Most people land on a dog-show guide for the same reason: they’ve got an entry form open, a young dog at their feet, and a list of unfamiliar terms—Challenge, Best of Breed, Best in Group—spinning in their head. A small mistake (wrong class, missed ring call, missing paperwork) can quietly undo a whole day’s preparation.
Below is a clear, Australia-focused walk-through of how conformation (showing) works under Dogs Australia (the Australian National Kennel Council, ANKC): what the judge is assessing, how the rings usually run, how Challenge points are calculated, and what to watch for as a first-time exhibitor.1, 2, 3
What a conformation show is (and what it isn’t)
Conformation shows assess dogs against the written breed standard—an agreed description of the ideal type for that breed, including structure, movement, and breed character. Dogs aren’t judged “against each other” in the everyday sense; they’re judged on how closely they match that standard on the day, under that judge.1, 3
Because conformation is an expert opinion applied to a written standard, results can vary between judges. A dog overlooked in one ring may place strongly under another judge on another weekend.
Who runs dog shows in Australia
In Australia, conformation shows are conducted through Dogs Australia’s member bodies (the state and territory canine associations) and their affiliated clubs, under Dogs Australia rules and regulations.1, 3
Common show types you’ll hear about
Championship shows
Championship shows are where Challenge Certificates (and the points that count towards titles such as Australian Champion) are available.4, 5
Open shows
Open shows are a lower-pressure way to gain ring experience. They don’t award Challenge points, but they let dogs and handlers practise the routine—entering, stacking, moving, and working around distractions.5
Members’ competitions and club events
Many breed clubs and all-breeds clubs run informal competitions as well. Schedules vary by club, so check the event schedule and any extra class lists before you enter.
Eligibility and paperwork (the quiet part that matters)
Rules differ by event type, but for Dogs Australia conformation events you will typically need:
- a dog registered with the relevant Dogs Australia state or territory body (usually on the Main Register for conformation); and
- a current membership (for you, and sometimes for any co-owner listed), plus entry lodged by the closing date.
If you’re unsure what registration you have, confirm before you pay entry fees. It’s far easier to fix paperwork at home than ringside.4, 6
Age classes: what you’ll usually see
Exact class lists can differ slightly by schedule, but Australian conformation commonly uses age-based classes and separates dogs (males) and bitches (females). Many shows include baby puppy (3–6 months) and puppy (6–12 months) options, with other age classes above that.4, 5
Always rely on the schedule for the show you’re entering. If the schedule doesn’t make sense, ask the show secretary before entries close—small clarifications save big disappointment later.
How judging usually flows at an all-breeds show
In an all-breeds show, breeds are organised into seven groups. In Australia these are: Toy, Terriers, Gundogs, Hounds, Working Dogs, Utility, and Non-Sporting.2, 7
Breed judging (in the breed ring)
For each breed, dogs are generally judged before bitches. Each class enters the ring in catalogue order. The judge will:
- watch the exhibits move as a group, then one by one;
- examine each dog’s structure (often on the ground; some breeds are examined on a table);
- check bite/teeth, overall balance, feet, and other breed-specific points; and
- ask for movement patterns so they can assess gait from different angles.4, 5
For entire male dogs, judges also check that two apparently normal testicles are present; in ANKC conformation this is a standard requirement.8
Challenge and Best of Breed
At a championship show, the best eligible dog (male) may be awarded Challenge Dog, and the best eligible bitch may be awarded Challenge Bitch. Those two then compete for Best of Breed, followed by Reserve (Runner-up) Best of Breed under the usual Dogs Australia process.4, 5
In practice, “eligible” matters: baby puppy classes are often judged and placed, but Challenge points are calculated for exhibits six months and over in the general classes.6
Group judging (Group Specials)
After breed judging is complete for a group, Best of Breed winners return to compete for Best in Group and Runner-up Best in Group.4
General Specials (In Show judging)
The seven Best in Group winners compete for Best in Show, with Runner-up Best in Show selected next. This is often the slowest judging of the day, because the General Specials judge may be examining many dogs they haven’t assessed earlier.4, 5
Challenge points and the Australian Champion title (what the numbers really mean)
At championship shows, points towards the Australian Champion title are earned through Challenge/Best of Breed certificates. A dog needs:
- a total of 100 points; and
- not fewer than four Challenge/Best of Breed wins under not fewer than four different judges; and
- at least 25 of those points gained after six months of age (which aligns with points being calculated from exhibits six months and over in general classes).6, 9
How points are calculated (and the 25-point cap)
For a Challenge Certificate, points are calculated as five (5) points plus one (1) point for each exhibit of the same sex of that breed shown in the eligible classes. There are also point calculations for Best of Breed, Best in Group and Best in Show under the Dogs Australia points system, but points do not “stack up” without limit: the maximum any exhibit can receive at a single show is 25 points.9
This is why a dog can, in theory, earn a championship in a low-entry breed without constant head-to-head competition—although the ring still asks the same question each time: how close is this dog to its standard, today, under this judge.4, 9
Advice for first-time exhibitors (the practical, ringside version)
Attend a show before you enter one. Sit near your breed ring. Watch how handlers time their warm-up and how they keep dogs settled between classes.
- Arrive early. Parking, check-in, and finding your ring always takes longer than it looks on paper.
- Listen for steward calls. If you miss your class, you can’t be judged.
- Practise the pace that suits your dog. Movement is easier to assess when the dog is travelling at its natural, efficient stride.
- Give space in the line-up. Crowding can distract other dogs and may trigger tension, especially in busy rings.
- Do a gear check before you leave home. Collar, lead, number holder, bait, brush, towel, water bowl, and anything your breed needs for last-minute grooming.
- Bring a crate or secure set-up where permitted. It helps many dogs rest between classes and keeps walkways safer.
- Clean up after your dog. Shows run on goodwill as much as rosettes.
Keep your expectations narrow and steady. You’re buying one judge’s assessment on one day, not a verdict on your dog’s worth.
References
- Dogs Australia (ANKC) – Conformation
- DogsWest – Groups of Breeds
- Dogs SA – Dog Shows
- Dogs SA – Conformation (Showing your dog)
- Dogs NSW – Conformation
- Dogs Victoria – Conformation (Showing)
- Dogs SA – Dog shows (recognised groups overview)
- DogsWest – Breed standards (Dogs Australia standards access)
- Dogs ACT – Champion points system (Challenge points)
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom