Conformation Handling Class
with Sheena Rafferty

Learn the skills it takes to compete in conformation shows! Lessons are planned to improve the skills of both the dog and the handler. Conformation handling classes are open to all ages and skill levels - juniors to adults, beginner to advanced handlers. Serving Winnipeg and the surrounding area.

Conformation Class Location and Information

Location: Sprockett's Doggy Day Camp,
Bldg B, Unit 12-360 Keewatin St, Winnipeg, MB R2X 2Y3
Date and Time: Saturday's from 5:00-6:00pm and 6:00-7:00pm*
Fees: Adults $20 drop-in or $110.00 for 6 consecutive classes; Juniors $10 drop-in or $55 for 6 consecutive classes**
Payment Type: Cash or e-transfer
Equipment Provided: Exam table and ramp, fully matted rubber flooring

Participant Requirements:

• Pre-register for each class
• Bring a pair of clean indoor shoes (everyone entering the facility)
• Provide your own show collar and lead
• Bring lots of bait (usually large pieces of cooked meat, hot dogs, cheese, etc)
• Canine participants must be vaccinated***
• Signed Conformation Training Agreement (first registration only)

*No class will be available on MB conformation show weekends and select dates throughout the year.
**Juniors must provide their own dog. A Training Agreement must be signed by a parent or guardian prior to attending class.
***See Training Agreement for details

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There will be no classes on the following dates:

• 15-Feb-2025 - Good luck to everyone entered in the Crocus Obedience & Kennel Club shows and trials!
  
• 19-Apr-2025 - Good luck to everyone entered in the Assiniboine Kennel Club shows!
  
• 24-May-2025 - Good luck to everyone entered in the Fort Garry Kennel Club shows and trials!
  
• 05-Jul-2025 - Good luck to everyone entered in the Portage Kennel Club shows and trials!
  

Questions? Email Sheena, [email protected] or call/text 204-806-2087.

About Conformation Dog Shows

At conformation shows, a judge evaluates each dog against the breed standard. The judge awards the dog that they believe best conforms to the breed standard. Each dog entered is evaluated on its physical structure and characteristics, temperament, and movement.

Each breed has been selectively bred to perform a job or function. The breed standard is a documented and accepted description of the ideal specimen of the breed that would be best suited to perform their job. It describes the ideal type, size, structure, gait, coat, colour, and temperament of the breed. Breed standards can be found on the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) website and on breed club websites.

Each breed belongs to 1 of 7 groups that is composed of dogs bred for a similar purpose. The winner of each group competes for Best in Show and Reserve Best in Show.

At the group level, breed winners compete for Group 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th placements.

Breed level contenders are divided into Specials (dogs that have earned their championship points) and Class dogs (dogs competing for championship points). The Specials compete for Best of Breed, Best of Opposite Sex, and Select awards that earn Grand Champion points. Winners male (dog) and female (bitch) compete for Best of Winners and Best of Breed or Best of Opposite Sex, giving them an opportunity for additional Champion points.

At the class level, males (dogs) and females (bitches) compete separately for Winners Dog or Bitch. Points are awarded to Winners Dog and Winners Bitch based on the CKC points schedule. Each sex is divided into 6 classes. Dogs first compete to win their class before moving on to compete for Winners and Reserve Winners. Dogs entered in Bred by Exhibitor, Canadian Bred, and Open can be of any age. Dogs in Bred by Exhibitor must have been bred by the person handling the dog. Dogs entered in Canadian Bred must have been born in Canada.