Level 1Beginner
Beauty, conformity to the standard and behaviour: what is the difference?
The answer
Your dog has an irresistible face, a lovely coat and a charming personality. But how are these qualities assessed at a dog show?
Beauty is an aesthetic impression; conformity to the standard relies on an official reference; behaviour concerns the dog's reactions. At a dog show these notions come together: the judge assesses the dog against the standard of its breed, which also includes its temperament.
Beauty: "I like this dog!"
In everyday life, beauty is a matter of taste. Some people love big ears, others prefer slender silhouettes or little round faces.
At a dog show, the expression "beauty contest" has a more defined meaning: the judge assesses the dog's qualities against the characteristics sought in its breed. The word "beauty" appears, for example, in the name of the CACIB, the Certificate of Aptitude for the International Beauty Championship.
Conformity to the standard: "Does it match the characteristics of its breed?"
The standard is the official document that describes a breed: general appearance, proportions, physical characteristics, gait and temperament.
The judge uses this reference to assess the dog as a whole. They also evaluate any faults and how serious they are, in particular their consequences for health and welfare.
So a detail you love may actually be a departure from the standard. That does not change how fond you are of your companion!
Behaviour: "How does it react in this situation?"
In the ring, the judge observes the dog's reactions during the presentation and the examination, taking into account the temperament expected in its breed.
Not all dogs need to be equally outgoing. A certain reserve can be part of a breed's characteristics. However, FCI principles state that aggressive or fearful behaviour during judging leads to disqualification.
A very simple example
Let's take Oslo, a fictional dog:
| What you notice | The notion involved |
|---|---|
| "His expression melts my heart." | Beauty in your eyes |
| "His proportions match the description of his breed well." | Conformity to the standard |
| "He stays calm when the judge examines him." | Behaviour during the examination |
Behaviour also contributes to the assessment of conformity to the standard. This table helps you understand the words; it does not represent three independent scores.
Beginner: laying the right foundations
- Get to know your breed's standard. Start with the general appearance and temperament, then have any unfamiliar terms explained to you.
- Watch a complete run. Look in turn at the silhouette, the movement and the dog's reactions.
- Prepare the handling gently. Reward small steps of progress and stop before your dog gets bored.
Intermediate: understanding assessments better
- Link the comments to the criteria. A remark about proportions concerns construction; a remark about gait concerns movement.
- Observe your dog in several settings. This will help you tell his habits apart from a one-off reaction to the environment.
- Work on one specific goal. For example: more ease during the examination or a steadier trot.
Advanced: refining your analysis
- Compare several assessments. Spot the observations that come up again and again over the course of your shows.
- Tell construction and presentation apart. An awkward posture can make observation harder: use video to analyse your run.
- Keep the dog natural. Adjust your pace and keep a loose lead so he can show his movement.
These nine tips are practical suggestions. Natural presentation on a loose lead is set out by the FCI, page 6 of the official document.