Judge Greg Speeks at 2016 ASSA National Futurity, showing a dog bred by SVSSC member Chris Machado

The Sacramento Valley Shetland Sheepdog Club (SVSSC) and the Shetland Sheepdog Club of Northern CA (SSCNC) Specialties will be held April 9 – 10, 2022, OUTDOORS, at Dixon-May Fairgrounds in Dixon, CA.

These events will include four Conformation Events, three Junior Showmanship Events, three Sweepstakes Events, and one each – Obedience and Rally Events. 

You could win FOUR MAJORS IN ONE WEEKEND! 

RV Parking available at $40/night.  Host Hotel (Best Western Plus of Dixon) discounted rates.

MORE INFORMATION AND PREMIUMS ARE FOUND ON THE ENTRY FORM AND PREMIUM PAGE.

The following photos are a sampling of the many impressive and talented Shelties that compete in conformation and are owned or have been bred by SVSSC members.

These shots were taken at the 2017 SVSSC AKC-Sanctioned “B” Match & Puppy Jamboree.

Photographs of the 2018 Western Regional Spring Fling are available from Ringtime Media LLC. Call or email: (909) 728-1938, contact@ringtimemedia.com.

TYPES OF CONFORMATION SHOWS

All-breed – Include up to over 150 breeds and varieties of purebred dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Specialty – Restricted to dogs of a specific breed or to varieties of one breed. Example, the SVSSC Spring Specialty is an all-Shetland Sheepdog conformation show.

Group – Limited to dogs belonging to one of the seven groups of dogs recognized by the AKC.  Shetland Sheepdogs are judged in the Herding Group.

WHAT DOGS CAN PARTICIPATE?

To be eligible to compete in an AKC-sanctioned conformation show, the dog must be:

  • individually registered with the AKC
  • six months of age or older
  • within a breed for which classes are offered at a given show
  • meet any eligibility requirements in the written standard for its breed

THE ROLE OF THE JUDGE

Judges examine the dogs, then give awards according to how closely each dog compares to the judge’s mental image of the “perfect” dog described in the breed’s official standard.

The standard describes the characteristics that allow the breed to perform the function for which it was bred. These standards include specifications for structure, temperament and movement. CLICK HERE to read the AKC official standard for the Shetland Sheepdog.

HOW A DOG SHOW WORKS

Each dog presented to a judge is exhibited (handled) by its owner, breeder or a professional handler. The handler’s role is similar to that of a jockey who rides the horse around the track and, hopefully, into the winner’s circle.

Most dogs at conformation shows are competing for points toward their AKC championships. It takes 15 points, including two majors (wins of three, four or five points), awarded by at least three different judges, to become and AKC “Champion of Record.”

The number of points awarded at a show depends upon the number of males (dogs) and females (bitches) of the breed in competition. The larger the entry, the greater the number of points a male or female can win. The maximum number of points awarded at any given dog show is five.

Male and female dogs compete separately within their respective breeds, in six regular classes: Puppy (6 – 12 mos.), Twelve to Eighteen Months, Novice, Bred by Exhibitor, American-bred and Open. After these classes are judged, first place dogs of each class compete against one another for best of winning dogs. Only the best male dog (Winners Dog) and female dog (Winners Bitch) receive championship points.

The Winners Dog and Winners Bitch then compete with the champions for Best of Breed. At the end of the Best of Breed competition, three awards are given (usually): Best of Breed, Best of Winners, Best of Opposite Sex (the best dog that is the opposite sex to the Best of Breed winner).

BEST IN SHOW

Only Best of Breed winners advance to compete in Group competitions. Shelties are in the Herding Group with such other breeds as: German Shepherds, Briards, Old English Sheepdogs, Border Collies, Collies, etc. Four placements are awarded in each group. Finally, the seven group winners are brought into the ring where they compete for Best in Show, the highest award at a dog show.

RIBBONS

Award-winning dogs are presented a ribbon by the judge. The color of the ribbon indicates the type of award presented to the dog.

  • Blue – first place in any class.
  • Red – second place in any class.
  • Yellow – third place in any class.
  • White – fourth place in any class.
  • Purple – Winners Dog and Winners Bitch
  • Purple and White – Reserve winners (runners up)
  • Blue and White – Best of Winners
  • Purple and Gold – Best of Breed
  • Red and White – Best of Opposite Sex
  • Red, White and Blue – Best in Show