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Conformation: Judging Resource Center

News +

Precautions Regarding Canine Upper Respiratory Illness

Danish-Swedish Farm Dog to the Working Group January 1, 2025

Rules, Policies & Procedures +

Judging Approval Process – effective January 1, 2018, amended effective January 17, 2024

FAQ’s on the Judging Approval Process (PDF)

Rules Policies and Guidelines for Conformation Dog Show Judges (PDF)

Previous Review & FAQ’s on Conformation Judging Procedures, Policies & Guidelines – Webinars

Conformation Judging Guidelines for Non-Resident (Visiting) Judges at AKC Events (PDF)

Eligibility and Conflicts of Interest

AKC National Owner-Handled Series Regulations (PDF)

Sanctioned Four-to-Six Month (Beginner Puppy) Competition Regulations (PDF)

FSS Open Show Regulations (PDF)

Judging Disciplinary Guidelines (PDF)

Clarification – Order of Judging Breeds (PDF)

Grand Champion Judging Procedure (PDF)

Grand Champion Explanation for Exhibitors & Judges (PDF)

Conformation Judging Eligibility and Exhibiting Restrictions (PDF)

Flowchart for designating AKC NOHS Best of Breed (PDF)

January 27, 2021 webinar – Getting a Handle on the AKC National Owner-Handled Series

Examination of Miscellaneous and FSS breeds (PDF)

Applications +

New Breed Application Kit (PDF)

New Breed Applicants – Breed Exams

New Breed Applicants – ABC’s of Canine Anatomy Course

June 24, 2020 webinar on requirements to apply for and be approved as an AKC Conformation Judge

Additional Breed Application Kit (PDF)

June 25, 2020 webinar on Applying for Additional Breeds

Verification Forms (PDF): Ringside-Apprentice-Mentor/Tutor-Virtual Tutor

Junior Showmanship Application Kit (PDF)

Adjunct Application Kit (PDF)

FSS Open Show Judge Application Kit (PDF)

Occupational Eligibility Addendum (PDF)

Foreign Judge – Contact judgingops@akc.org or 919-816-3593

Forms, Requests & Lists +

Request for Application Beyond Four Groups (PDF)

Request for Regular Status

Request for Best In Show (PDF)

Parent Club Recommendation For Approval Of A Member For Its Breed (PDF)

Parent Club Request for Non-Approved Individual to Judge a Specialty Show (PDF)

Low Entry Breed List (PDF)

Table-Ramp Breeds List & Clarification (PDF)

Judges Store (PDF)

Judges Liability Coverage (PDF)

Judges Accidental Injury Coverage (PDF)

Foreign Judges – Upon Completion of breed exams, please notify the Judging Operations Department via phone at 919-816-3593 or email to judgingops@akc.org

Judges Education and Resources +

Schedule for Advanced Judging Institutes (PDF)

Upcoming Seminars

AKC Canine College (launches in new window)

AKC Canine College FAQ’s (PDF)

Standards, Study Guides, Mentors, Breed Exams

Measuring and Weighing Dogs – Study Guide (PDF)

Conducting Oral Exams (PDF)

Procedural Videos

Measuring and Weighing Technique

Oral Exams

Pekingese Exam (Lift)

Spanning The Chest

Junior Showmanship Guide

National Specialties and Judges Breed Study Groups (PDF)

Judges Workshop Groups (PDF)

Parent Club – Judges Education Coordinators (PDF)

Judges Education Coordinators Newsletter

Conformation Judges BLOG +

Conformation Judges BLOG
Below are links to archived issues of the former judges’ newsletter, The Standard. Each issue contains articles important to conformation dog show judges including updates on current issues, procedures, and information supplied by parent clubs pertaining to the judging of their respective breeds. Relevant articles have also been individually posted on the new Conformation Judges Blog for easy reference.

Archived Judges Newsletters – From 2016 – 2000

More resources:

Judge Reports