Roland the future show dog?

We took Roland to his first conformation handling class on Sunday.

For many people, the easiest way to describe conformation is to think of "Best In Show", or the Westminster Kennel Club dog show that is on TV and in the news every February. Dog shows were traditionally a means for breeders to show how closely their breeding stock conforms to the breed's standard - the guidelines for the look, movement, and temperament of a breed.

Dogs that excel in dog shows usually become champions. Roland comes from a long line of champion dogs. Although we bought him as a pet, he certainly has the potential to be a champion himself if we decide to show him.

To that end, we decided to start taking Roland to conformation handling classes put off by his breeder, who actively shows their dogs in conformation. This class is designed to give dog fanciers and their dogs the exposure and practise they need to be successful in the conformation ring.

Roland's first class was pretty good, considering it was his first time being exposed to the rigors of conformation. I got the opportunity to practise stacking Roland (putting him in the alert position that best shows his features) and gaiting him (running around the ring with him to show off his movement). But the highlight was probably when Andre, one of the husband and wife team that was responsible for breeding Roland and an accomplished handler of show dogs, took over and stacked Roland.

Here's a photo of Roland stacked. He's skinny, but it certainly looks like he has the potential to be a champion!