Conformation shows are where a judge evaluates a dog’s structure as it compares to the written description of the breed, called a breed standard. The judge evaluates the dog in a standing position and observes the dogs movement. Correct structure, form and movement are important for the breeds function as a herding breed. Temperament and natural working instincts complete the package. We encourage owners who enjoy showing their dogs in confirmation, to also test or demonstrate their dogs working instincts and herding ability to help preserve these working traits. This can be done by a herding instinct test, or demonstrate working ability with daily chores on a farm / ranch, or compete in herding trials. Check the “Stock Dog” page for information on herding instinct testing and “Dog sports” for Performance events the English Shepherd can compete in.

Breeding for “Looks” or “Type” only is NOT recommend and discouraged. This will only change the breed that we love. The UKC breed standard is the official written standard for the breed. Click here to see the first UKC written standard.

UKC (United Kennel Club) Rare Breed Network and IABCA (International all Breed Canine Association) recognize the English Shepherd and accepts them in their conformation shows.

The above is an English Shepherd being evaluated by a UKC judge. The judge has studied the breed standard, reviewed the breeds history and purpose prior to the show. As she evaluates the dog, she compares it’s structure, expression, movement and type to the breed standard. The judge wants to see a well balanced working dog as describe in the standard, built to perform a job, and could be walked out of the show ring into a pasture and demonstrate his natural working instincts.

Above from left to right: 1) the judge looks at the whole dog for over all balance, expression and type, 2) next she checks the dogs “bite” (alignment of the teeth), proportion of the head and neck. 3) Next she examines the shoulders, brisket, depth of ribcage, top line (back) and loin. 4) Then she checks the hips for balance with the shoulders, tail base, length, and rear leg assembly.