Conformation

Dog shows (conformation events) are what most people would think of as the "Beauty Pagent" for dogs. First and foremost, conformation events are intended to evaluate breeding stock. Breeders send what they consider to be their best dogs to the conformation ring. Judges examine the dogs and judge them in comparison with each other as well as placing them in accordance to how close each dog compares with the judge's mental image of the "perfect" dog as described in the breed's official standard. The standard includes qualifications for structure, temperament and movement. In short, the standard describes the characteristics that determine what makes a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog the breed it is supposed to be and that which allows the breed to perform the function for which it was bred.

Most show dogs are competing for points toward their championship. To become an official AKC champion of record, a dog must earn a total of 15 points, which would include 2 major wins under 2 different judges. The number of points a dog can win at one show depends upon the number of dogs of the same breed and gender that they are competing against. A win is considered a "major" if 3 points are won at the same show, and the maximum any dog can win at one time is 5 points. Most shows are held in conjunction with other shows, leading to a "cluster" of two, three, or four shows in one weekend.

The first level of competition in Conformation is called competeing in the "Classes". A "Class Dog" is a dog that has not yet earned its Champion of Record title. Class dogs compete against each other, divided by both gender and age group. The winner of each age group competes against each other within their gender for "Winners Dog" (boys) or "Winners Bitch" (girls). Winners Dog and Winners Bitch then compete "for the breed" against Champions for the Best of Breed designation. The judge selects one dog as "Best of Breed", one dog of the opposite gender for "Best of Opposite Sex" and selects either "Winners Dog" or "Winners Bitch" to be "Best of Winners." The dog winning "Best of Breed" continues to compete in the Group competition. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog competes at the group level against other breeds within the "Working Group". The winner of the group has the opportunity to compete against other group winners for the coveted award of "Best In Show."

Conformation Rankings

Special Show Results

Conformation Titles

CH - Champion

Commonly seen

Conformation Win Designations

BIS - Best In Show

BISS - Best In Specialty Show

BOB - Best Of Breed

BOS - Best of Opposite Sex

BOW - Best Of Winners

WD - Winners Dog