Conformation/Show
Essentially, conformation is how closely a dog follows, or conforms, to the breed standard. The national parent club, the Vizsla Club of America, originated and makes any changes to the breed standard. The standard provides a description of what the breed looks like, how it should move, and its characteristics and temperament. At dog shows, there will be an AKC approved judge that will go over each dog and watch it move to determine which one most closely represents the breed standard as they interpret it.
Why is conformation necessary?
Proper conformation is essential to keeping the Vizsla not only a recognizable breed, but a healthy one as well. Conformation is not just about how the dog looks on the outside; it is also about the structure of the skeletal system and how this allows the dog to move. How the dog behaves is just as important part of the standard as how it looks. The Vizsla should be “Agile and energetic, this is a versatile dog of power, drive and endurance in the field yet a tractable and affectionate companion in the home.”
For more information and for the complete breed standard, please go to the Vizsla Club of America website located here: http://vcaweb.org/standard.htm
Interested in conformation?
Check out our calendar for upcoming dog shows and club events! You can also contact our club’s show chair, Amy Barnes, at amy@redpointevizslas.com.
Upcoming Shows in the DFW area:
Some area kennel clubs are holding all breed dog shows on December 8th-10th, 2011– shows will be held at Dallas Market Hall
Above is Amy Barnes with her dog Gunnar, GCH Dynata’s Bound to Huntmore JH AOM. Gunnar just won an Award of Merit at the South Louisiana Vizsla Club Specialty in August 2009.
Above is Ruger, BISS CH Lagniappe Sir Ruger Huntmore JH AOM. Ruger, shown here with his handler Genevieve Ridderhoff, won the Best in Specialty Show award at the 2007 Texas Gulf Coast Vizsla Club Spring Specialty. Ruger is owned by Alan and Rene Blakemore.
Above is Colt, CH Rozsa Huntmore Citori Lightnin, with his owner/handler Rene Blakemore. Colt is a Best in Sweepstakes winner in this photo at the South Louisiana Vizlsa Club Specialty in 2008.
Above is Dinah, NBISS CH Derby’s Destination Moon JH, with handler Diana Wilson. In this picture Dinah is Best of Breed at the 2008 Vizsla Club of America National Specialty show. Dinah is owned by Brian and Catherine McHughs and Mercedes Vila.