Getting Started with FSS Conformation

We are very excited that you are interested in learning more about showing your Bohemian Shepherd in conformation! We hope to provide you with some helpful tips for getting started.

For an interesting short read about the history of conformation, check out History of Conformation: The Evolution of Dog Shows on the AKC website.

Conformation originally began for the purpose of selecting the best breeding stock for future generations. Candidates needed to exhibit two main qualities: good health/structure (to ensure a long working life) and good temperament.

Bohemian Shepherds are currently recognized conditionally by the American Kennel Club or AKC. There are two levels of conditional recognition. The first level is FSS which stands for Foundation Stock Service. According to the AKC website, the FSS “allows purebred rare breeds to continue to develop while providing… a reliable and reputable avenue to maintain their records.” Breeds recognized in the FSS program may compete in Open Shows (conformation) and performance events, recognized as purebreds instead of Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) or  “All-American” mixed breeds.

The second level of recognition is Miscellaneous. Miscellaneous is a group of breeds who are still working toward full recognition and placement within the larger, seven-group structure of AKC conformation competition. These breeds are generally not as rare, but still rare, within the United States.

To advance from the initial level to the second level (and eventually to full recognition), several requirements must be met. One of those requirements is that ten Bohemian Shepherds must earn their Certificate of Merit (which is the equivalent of a championship for rare breeds registered under FSS). For more information about the requirements to obtain full AKC recognition for an FSS breed, see "What is next? Guidelines for Advancing a New Breed"

Upon publication, only one Bohemian Shepherd has achieved her Certificate of Merit (Fidorka a Repinskeho Dulo owned by Julie Wilson). Several others have earned points.

To obtain a Certificate of Merit, a dog must earn a total of 15 points from winning over other Bohemian Shepherds or other dogs in the FSS/MISC groups at a special type of conformation event called an Open Show. Note that not all conformation events include Open Shows. In fact, very few do, so be sure you only sign up for Open Shows as those are the only shows that Bohemian Shepherds are eligible to enter in conformation.

The point system or how many points get awarded to the top dog(s) at an Open Show, depend on (1) the total number of Bohemian Shepherds and (2) the total number of dogs in the FSS group (all FSS breeds). The winner of the FSS group will then also compete against the winner of the MISC group for the Best in Open Show award. At all three levels (breed, FSS group, and Best in Open Show) you may obtain points. It is designed this way because otherwise it might take years or a lot of traveling to encounter enough of your own breed to ever accumulate the needed points. 

Now for the practical steps. I suggest you watch the video “How Do I Get Started Showing Dogs?” as an overview and then read through the information below: 

1. Make sure your dog is registered with the AKC FSS. The Foundation Stock Service application is located on the downloadable forms page of the AKC website. NOTE: Even if your dog was born outside the USA, you do NOT need to register as a “foreign registration”; that costs substantially more. You only need to register with FSS. Filling out this form can be tricky if your export pedigree is in Czech or another language other than English. Take time to give it your best guess and reach out to other owners for help if needed. You can alter details later if information is input incorrectly, but it costs additional money and hassle; it’s better to get it right the first time if possible. Also, make sure you include all the “Required Attachments” listed on page 3 or your registration may be rejected, and you will lose your money. Once your registration is accepted, you will receive a print copy of your dog’s certificate of registration with his/her identification number. YOU WILL NEED THIS NUMBER EVERY TIME YOU ENTER YOUR DOG IN ANY EVENT!! So try not to lose it. If you have an account set up with AKC, the dog’s information will also show up electronically in your account and you can easily access information in the future about his/her achievements. Registering with FSS guarantees that your dog’s achievements will remain in the AKC records. Last thing, realize that it takes 3-4 weeks to register a dog with FSS (under the best of circumstances) so do this well in advance of when you hope to start showing. You may not enter any events until you have your dog’s identification number.
2. Watch videos and/or attend classes to learn how conformation works. There are not a lot of things you and your dog have to learn, but there are a few that are critical. The dog must know how to stand still during an examine (with food bribery as needed) and how to let you show his/her teeth (front bite and both sides). The dog must also know how to trot beside you on your left side using only a thin show lead. It also helps if you teach your dog how to “free stack” or stand correctly according to the breed standard (which is square, not elongated like German Shepherds). Basically, the dog’s front paws should be even with one another right under the shoulders and the back legs stretched slightly back and even with one another so that the lowest part of the leg is perpendicular to the ground. There are a lot of good videos on You Tube and other social media to help you learn how to train your dog the few things they must master to succeed as a show dog. Your local obedience club may also offer conformation classes.
3. Attend conformation events and learn the rules for entering, participating, and leaving the ring. Most judges in Open Shows are very nice and they understand that the handlers are typically owners and not professional handlers. However, some judges are old school and very cranky if it becomes apparent that you don’t know what you’re doing and therefore wasting their time.
4. If possible, attend some classes or ask someone with experience in conformation to meet with you and guide you. Usually, your breeder or local dog clubs members are happy to help. This will help you build confidence and have greater chances of success.
5. Search for and/or register for Open Shows in your area. You can search for shows using the superintendents’ websites (like onofrio.com) or through other sites like infodog.com). Each show first puts out what’s called a premium. This lists the initial information about the show (location, dates, judges, hotel information, and classes available for entry). Again, Bohemian Shepherds are ONLY eligible for Beginner Puppy classes (if they are 4-6 months old) or Open Shows. You will register for your breed classes by age and gender. Registration for most shows opens about 2-3 months before and closes about 2-3 weeks before the actual date of the show. Note: All shows technically last only one day, but most clubs host 2-3 shows (or more) in a weekend. Again, having someone to mentor you in this process greatly helps! You may print and complete registration forms from the back of the premium, and dig through all the fine print in the premium to find out where to mail them OR many shows can be registered for online, through sites like Jack Onofrio or AKC.

Realize that conformation is a mixed bag. You will meet a lot of nice people and have the opportunity to share a breed you’ve come to love with others. However, you may also get beat “politically” or simply “subjectively” and that can be very frustrating. The saying “every dog has his day” came from conformation – there’s a certain amount of simply playing the odds until you find a judge that likes what your dog has to offer. Sometimes, there seems to be very little rhyme or reason to who wins, among regular breeds or rare breeds. It helps to research your judges’ backgrounds (you can get their names from the premium and look them up on the AKC website). Whenever possible, I choose judges who have experience with other herding breeds. Many judges pick what they feel confident evaluating and avoid breeds they don’t know. FSS judges are supposed to read each breed standard before the show, but many (actually most) don’t. Often the judges and the ring stewards will have no clue what they’re doing to run an Open Show (which has some different rules and ribbons than regular shows). Often it will be a judge’s first time conducting an Open Show. Remember, you are an ambassador for the breed and courtesy goes a long way long-term! 

You will also encounter competitors who don’t play nicely or fair. For example, when running around the ring as a group, they will purposefully run up too close behind your dog or make noise so your dog turns around and doesn’t show his/her topline well. Again, you are an ambassador for the breed. Try not to stoop to their level. Just wait – your dog’s day will come, or you’ll find another performance venue that you like better (like agility, dock diving, or scent work).

Whenever possible, coordinate with other owners to meet up at shows. This increases the number of points that will be awarded to the highest male and female, and it gives you an opportunity to build relationships with people who also love the breed. We will need to work together to achieve full AKC recognition someday, and it will feel good to have helped something like that happen.