Conformation assessment

How it is done

Assessment at a show or survey

Also called

Formwert · exterieurbeoordeling

What it looks for

How closely the dog matches the currently valid FCI standard for its breed — breed type, proportions, condition, temperament and the typical features of its sex — assessed live in the ring by a show judge who is obliged to judge "strictly and exclusively in accordance with the FCI breed standard that is currently valid". It is a judgement of the dog against a written description of the breed, not a veterinary examination.

Why it matters

The qualification is the dog's formal show record. Only dogs awarded at least "Very Good" are placed among the four best in their class, and the FCI-CACIB — the qualifying award on the way to the International Champion title — may only be given to a dog awarded "Excellent 1st" in the intermediate, open, working or champion class, and even then it is not automatic. Where a judge rates a dog "Disqualified" or "Cannot be judged", the reason must be written into the judge's report.

How it is done

Judged in the ring by a judge authorised by their own national canine organisation to judge that breed. The cited regulations govern awards and titles rather than the examination, and do not describe how the dog is examined.

For the breed

General to all breeds

What the results mean

• EXCELLENT — May only be awarded to a dog which comes very close to the ideal standard of the breed, is presented in excellent condition, displays a harmonious, well-balanced temperament, is of high class and has excellent posture. Its superior characteristics permit minor imperfections to be ignored; it must however have the typical features of its sex.
• VERY GOOD — May only be awarded to a dog that possesses the typical features of its breed, has well-balanced proportions and is in correct condition. A few minor faults may be tolerated. This award can only be granted to a dog that shows class.
• GOOD — Awarded to a dog that possesses the main features of its breed. The good points should outweigh the faults, so that the dog can be considered a good representative of its breed.
• SUFFICIENT — Awarded to a dog which corresponds adequately to its breed without possessing the generally accepted characteristics, or whose physical condition leaves a lot to be desired.
• DISQUALIFIED — Must be awarded to a dog which does not correspond to the type required by the breed standard; which behaves clearly out of line with its standard or aggressively; which has testicular abnormalities; which has a jaw anomaly; which shows a colour or coat structure not according to the breed standard or clearly shows signs of albinism; which corresponds so little to a single feature of the breed that its health is threatened; or which shows disqualifying faults in regard to the breed standard. The reason must be stated in the judge's report.
• CANNOT BE JUDGED — Given to a dog that cannot be assessed at all — it does not move, is lame, constantly jumps up on its handler or tries to leave the ring so gait and movement cannot be assessed, or constantly avoids examination so the judge cannot inspect teeth, anatomy and structure, tail or testicles. Also given where traces of operations or treatment suggest the exhibitor wanted to deceive the judge, or in cases of "double handling". The dog is released from the ring and the reason must be stated in the judge's report.

Source: Regulations for FCI Dog Shows and Complementary rules for World and Sections Shows, §6 Qualifications and Placings; with §7 Titles, Awards and Main Ring Competitions (FCI-CACIB) and §10 Judges (judging authorisation, written reports) (Effective 1 January 2026 (changes approved by the FCI General Committee, May 2025, Budapest)) — https://www.fci.be/medias/EXP-REG-en-20260101-22363.pdf · Explanations checked: 2026-08-11

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Explanations checked: 11 August 2026