Conformation

HarmonyHouse Newfoundlands - Newfoundland Dog Breeder

The judge goes over Marlo, feeling for muscle tone and underlying structure.

Open Bitch class - Xena on the end, behind water training buddy

Tutu.

Conformation is a doggie beauty contest. Dogs are judged according to the Breed Standard. The class male and the class female who best exemplify the breed standard are awarded the points.

Fifteen points earn a Championship.

The points must include two majors - a situation in which the dog bests a pre-determined number of other dogs for the win

Xena earns her first points at 11 months old

The judge contemplates the picture Xena presents. Ron Dysart handling.

And when they win - a picture with the judge awarding their ribbons. Xena earns a 4 point major at the Seattle show. Ron Dysart handling.

Miles places second in the Any Other Allowed Color class at the National Specialty - the only brown dog entered.

Miles circuits the ring, showing off his side gait

12 -18 month class . The judge looks over the line-up in the ring before making her decision - Xena is at the end with her buddy, Ron.

One of my favorite dog show memories - when months of traveling together to dog show culminated in a show in which Benny got Best of Breed and a Group 1; Sissy was Winners Bitch, earning her Championship and her Versatile Newfoundland title; and Miles was Winners Dog, earning his Championship.

Handlers - John Dewing with Benny; Jo Nussle with Sissy; Ron Dysart with Miles

Phoebe trotting out and back to give the judge a look at her movement from the front and from the back.