Interview with a Dog Conformation Show Judge

PD recently interviewed Jen Sayers, a conformation dog show judge and Dogs West member. Jen has just come back from Singapore where she was on a panel of judges (more on that further down). Not only is Jen a dog conformation judge at dog shows, but she’s also been a pedigreed dog breeder and a judge at horse shows.

In this article, PD chats to Jen about the industry as a whole. Jen shares her insights and highlights and talks about the perks of being a Dogs West kennel club member—a great network for all dog enthusiasts!

Conformation: How does a dog show work?

For those not familiar with conformation and dog shows, you might be wondering it’s all about. How does a dog show work? Where can one get involved and more…?

To begin with, dog conformation is a fairly specialised industry, as it’s only open to pedigreed dogs that are registered with a recognised kennel club. Jen explains, “You need to be a member of your state body (such as Dogs West or Dogs Victoria, for example) to exhibit your dog in a show.”

Breed standards and exhibiting at a dog show

Many dog lovers are familiar with various dog breeds. However, not everyone knows about the official breed standards. These are the standards that registered pedigreed breeders work towards maintaining when breeding. They’re also the conformation standards used at dog shows.

That’s why this activity is known as ‘conformation,’ since a winning dog is one that conforms exceptionally well to the breed standards.

Here’s a video that shows what happens at a dog show:

More about conformity

PD chats to Jen to learn a bit more about the facts around dog conformation. Here’s what she shares:

• At a dog show, a judge ensures the winning dogs conform to the official breed standards.
• Registered purebred dogs are divided into the seven Dogs Australia groups (Toys, Terriers, Gundogs, Hounds, Working Dogs, Utility and Non Sporting). Learn more about popular dogs in Australia in each group.
• Dogs are judged and awarded in these seven groups—the winners compete for the coveted Best in Show prize.
• Judges are invited and contracted to individual shows.
• Judges can only judge groups for which they are licensed.

So how does one get licensed as a conformation judge? What does it take and where to begin? Jen explains…

How can I become a dog show judge?

Who better to explain than a seasoned judge? Jen shares that becoming a judge is a commitment that spans a long timeframe. Here’s what it takes:

• One needs to meet requirements as set out in each state before you can enter the scheme (ie: number of years involved and champions bred)
• After you’re accepted into the Judges Training Scheme, you must pass Rules & Regulations, Anatomy and entrance exams.
• Over the next two years as a trainee, you attend breed lectures of the chosen dog group
• You must pass an assessment and theory exams and a practical examination
• It takes a minimum of two years to gain all the requirements of each of the seven groups

That means you need to make a commitment of at least 14 years to become an all breeds conformation judge!

Getting involved and attending conformation shows

If you’d like to get involved in conformation in other ways or visit a dog show yourself, there are several options. Jen says, “There are many conformation dog shows held Australia-wide. Shows are advertised via state kennel club journals and online.”

Here are some links to find out more:

• Conformation shows
• Stewarding in the Conformation Ring
• Events

Also read about the popular Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Jen’s 2024 dog show highlights

This past year has been an exciting one for Jen with trips to Singapore and Canada to participate as a panel judge. Having just returned from Singapore, Jen says, “That was my final judging assignment for 2024 and it was a fabulous event to wrap up a big year of judging assignments.”

She explains that the panel was judged under the FCI Show Regulations, and shares that “we had many exceptional exhibits from numerous countries in the Singapore surrounds including China.”

“My Best in Show winner was an exceptional Bichon Frise bred in Korea and resident in Singapore.”

Jen says, “Another outstanding overseas visit in 2024 was my first visit to judge in Canada with a bonus of awarding a Best in Show. Meeting inspiring enthusiasts and the ongoing friendships made will always be memorable moments too.”

More about Jen and her own dogs

“We’ve always had dogs in our family,” says Jen. “Growing up on a country farm near Geelong we had a Border Collie and a Kelpie as working dogs, and a Pomeranian as a loved pet.

“We showed horses for many years and my dad was a horse federal judge and so I started off my judging career with horses. When I first saw a Maltese at Melbourne Royal, I fell in love with the breed.”

From there, Jen got her very own Maltese and started to show and breed Maltese dogs. She also started to show and breed Japanese Chin and later, the Lowchen dog breed. Jen says, “We now have just one Lowchen, an almost 17-year-old girl, ‘Dixie Chik’, who is the last and end of an era Chinaroad Lowchen.

Career highlights

Jen says, “Becoming an All Breeds Judge has been a huge standout moment for me. This is ongoing with every show when I step into the ring to award a Best in Show.” She mentions another highlight, where a Maltese is the star:

“I had bred and shown several champions then along came a Maltese which I called “Lee.” Lee became Australasia’s top winning Maltese in his day.”

“He was a many times Royal winner, including a Royal Best in Show, Top Dog winner, a Specialty winner nine times in three states, and much more.”

Dog conformity and breed health

Over time, extreme conformation has become a breed health issue. This can be seen with brachycephalic breeds, bred with flat faces, making it difficult to breathe. It can sometimes also be seen with issues like IVDD in Dachshunds and other short-legged breeds, for example.

As a result, kennel clubs are collaborating with veterinarians to implement programs that help breeders follow standards for health and away from extreme conformation. We chatted to Jen about the role of dog show judges in helping healthy breeding.

“When I judged in New Zealand, a procedure was being trialled,” says Jen. It requires judges to note any unhealthy or undesirable traits they see in the breeds on show. These observations get referred to the controlling body for their reporting process and recommendations.

Jen says, “It’s also part of our job not to award dogs that exhibit undesirable/unhealthy traits in the showring. If we had the opportunity, I would probably discuss it with the breeders.”

Healthy breeding and Dogs West

If you’re buying a purebred dog, it’s important to buy from a responsible breeder. Responsible, ethical dog breeders that are registered with their state kennel club sign a breeder’s code of conduct. This helps show their commitment to healthy breeding and keeps you safe from puppy scams and puppy mills.

As a member of the Dogs West kennel club, Jen says, “Dogs West provides breed information and can help you find a breeder. The club also offers a range of memberships to pet owners. Through the kennel club you can access a network of clubs like performance, agility, scent work, earthdog, tricks, retrieving, rally, lure coursing, and many more.”

Pet insurance to protect your pet and pocket

Jen says, “Pet Insurance is a necessity in the world we live in these days given the costs related to the purchase and upkeep of your chosen pet family member.”

“Pet insurance ensures that your much loved pet receives the best care with the financial impact eased to live the best possible life should injury or illness interrupt.”

If you’re a breeder, learn more about the Dogs West Breeders program for FREE Starter Cover for your litters. Or if you’re a pet parent and would like to safeguard your furbaby with insurance for unexpected vet bills, get a quote below. With PD Insurance, you can get one month FREE pet insurance when you sign up! Click below to get a quote.