A conformation show, also known as a breed show, is a kind of dog show in which judges familiar with a specific breed evaluate purebred dogs belonging to this breed for how well they conform with the breed standard. The world’s first modern breed show took place in 1859. It was held in England and featured only setters and pointers. Today, conformation shows are held in many countries all over the world. They are typically organized by local kennel clubs (organizations responsible for maintaining breed standards and recording pedigrees).
The Brussels Dog Show is organized by the Société Royale Saint-Hubert, the national kennel club of Belgium. Founded in 1882, it is one of the world’s oldest kennel clubs. The Société Royale Saint-Hubert was one of the five founders of the World Canine Organization (FCI, Fédération Cynologique Internationale) back in 1911. Naturally, the Brussels Dog Show is sanctioned by the FCI.
The show features participants from the 10 FCI groups of breeds. First, the jury chooses Best of Breed and Best in Group winners. Finally, the winners from each group compete for Best in Show. The top title at the Brussels Dog Show is CACIB (Certificat d’Aptitude au Championnat International de Beauté / Certificate of Aptitude at the International Championship of Beauty). Only purebred specimens of fully recognized, standardized breeds are eligible to compete for the title. The show is also a qualifying event for the Crufts Dog Show, a major conformation show organized by The Kennel Club (UK).
Alongside the judged competition, the program of the Brussels Dog Show includes various demonstrations and presentations, workshops, educational events, and more. The show also hosts a trade fair where dog owners can buy premium quality dog food, grooming and hygiene products, clothes and accessories, toys, and other products.
