When: Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024
Location: American Bank Center – (where the rest of the conformation activities will be held), Corpus Christi, TX
Cost: $10 per class selected (entry form below)
Entries are now closed.
What are the Elements of the Standard?
The “Elements of the Standard” is a separate competition where the judging is limited to a specific aspect of the breed standard and dogs are judged/awarded only for that quality. There are 10 separate “Elements” (classes) that will be judged and awarded.
For example, dogs entered in the “Best Male Coat” category, will only be judged on their coat quality as it relates to the breed standard. No movement is required or done during judging process.
Awarded Classes (in order):
- Best Male Head
- Best Female Head
- Best Male Coat
- Best Female Coat
- Best Front
- Best Rear
- Best Side Gait
- Best Feet
- Best Tail
- Best Proportion and Substance
Judging
There will be three judges, including one international judge and two US judges from separate geographic regions. These judges may or may not be licensed. They are selected by the Committee, with specific focus on breed experience.
During the competition the judges independently judge and vote for their selection. Votes are submitted to the Secretary(s) for tabulations. Every dog who received a vote is pulled into the center, the rest are excused. The dogs who received votes from the judges then do a lap around the ring once more so that the ringside spectators can see the judges selections for that class. The winner is declared and does a victory lap with the award. The process is repeated until all classes are completed. Some classes require movement, while others do not.
Judges:
Entries
Dogs shown in Elements of the Standard MUST also be entered in the 2024 SCA National Specialty in one of the regular classes in conformation or obedience.
This is a standalone competition and exhibitors can enter as many or few classes as they feel appropriate for their dogs.
How to sign up: Entries are now closed.
Awards: Custom Rosettes will be awarded for each class winner.
Purpose: The Elements of the Standard is an adaptation of the popular “Property” classes in the UK and Australia. Here, as in those locations, they are coveted awards usually given at the various National Breed Specialties.
The overall purpose is overwhelmingly educational. Breed Standards are written descriptions, and even other great tools like the Illustrated Standard are just static depictions. There really is nothing that compares to the dynamic nature of seeing a dog live in a “show atmosphere”. This is where these “elements” come to life, so to speak. By watching experienced breed experts go through the selections, you can begin to see the different “elements” come to life in a living, breathing dog. The Breed Standard will be printed in the show catalog and ringside spectators are encouraged to “follow along” as the judges assess the exhibits and winners are determined.
Of course, there is also a bit of pride and fun competition involved too that helps to bring our wonderful community together during the National week. Besides, who doesn’t want another chance to celebrate and showcase our fantastic dogs?
Finally, and this just happens to be an interesting feature of this program, but past “Elements of the Standards” competitions have been quite “predictive” of things to come later in the week. Several past dogs that have taken 2 or more “elements” during this competition, have gone on to huge successes in the regular classes later in the week. One even went on to win “Best in Breed” at the National Specialty several days after winning big in the “Elements of the Standard.”