The Breed Standard
In a conformation competition, the judge assesses your dog according to how closely he fits the breed standard.  The breed standard describes the ideal Golden Retriever in terms of his physical attributes, temperament and movement.  Physical attributes include your dog’s structure and shape, his size, bite, coat and colour. 

Types of Shows
There are several different types of dog shows in Australia.  These include Championship Shows; Open Shows or Parades and Member’s Competitions.  To be eligible to compete in these shows, the dog must be registered with the state controlling body on the Main Register and the owner must also be a financial member of that body.  De-sexed dogs are only eligible to compete in conformation shows where a class is offered for de-sexed dogs.  Challenge points towards the title of Champion are awarded at Championship Shows.  Show schedules are printed in the DOGS Victoria magazine describing the classes offered, venue and judges.  Entry forms are available from DOGS Victoria. 

Training
If you intend to show your Golden Retriever, the earlier you start training the better.  In the show ring, the judge will look in your dog's mouth to check his teeth and bite and he will feel your dog to check muscle and bone structure.  For male dogs the judge will also check for two descended testicles, so it is a good idea to practise at home so that your dog is used to what is required.  Stand the dog so that his four feet are squarely under his body.  He must learn to stand still while being examined.  You must teach your dog to trot smoothly on a lead because the judge needs to assess the dog’s movement.  The show ring isn't the place for pulling and jumping on the lead.  A young puppy has short legs, so a brisk walk is the correct speed.  Practise trotting the dog along the three sides of an imaginary triangle and also forward and back in a straight line.  When you come to a halt, your dog must stand and look alert.  Use food or a squeaky toy to hold his attention.

Breed Judging
Judging begins with the dog classes first, followed by the bitch classes in age order.  It is your responsibility to be at ringside when the steward calls your number or you will be marked absent after three calls.  After you enter the ring follow the steward’s instructions and any directions from the judge.   Normally the class is gaited around the ring and then the judge examines each dog individually.  The judge then selects the winner and placegetters in that class.

The judge then chooses the Best Dog from the winners of each dog class (except baby puppy).  The second placegetters must be ready because when the Best Dog is chosen the second placegetter in that class gets a chance to be selected as Reserve Dog.  The bitch classes are then judged and the Best Bitch and Reserve Bitch are selected.  The Best Dog and the Best Bitch then compete for Best of Breed.  The Reserve Dog and Bitch must be available to compete for Runner-Up Best of Breed.  The winner of each class then competes against the dog of the opposite sex.  The best dog is eligible to compete for the Best in Group of that class.

Group Judging (also called Group Specials)
After all the breeds in Group 3 (gundogs) have been judged, the Best of Breed from each Group 3 breed compete for Best Exhibit in Group.  Once the Best in Group has been chosen, the Reserve Best of Breed to that dog re-enters the ring to compete for Reserve or Runner-up in Group.  The Best in Group and Runner Up Best in Group are automatically awarded the class in group for their respective class.  The other class winners then compete for Best Baby Puppy in Group, Best Minor Puppy in Group, etc.  The In Group winners then compete for the Best in Show awards. 

In Show Judging (also called General Specials)
The judging of general specials commences with judging of the seven dogs that have won Best in Group.  When the Best in Show has been awarded, the Runner Up Best in Group returns to the ring to compete against the other Best in Group winners for Runner Up or Reserve in Show.  The Best in Show and Runner Up Best in Show winners automatically win their class in show.  Judging of each class in show then commences with Best Baby Puppy in Show.

Challenge Points
At a Championship Show challenge points are given to the Best Dog (called Challenge Dog) and Best Bitch (Challenge Bitch) for each breed.  One hundred challenge points are required (under a minimum of four different judges) before a dog can be awarded the title of Champion.

Challenge points are calculated as follows: five points for the challenge dog and challenge bitch plus one point for every dog of the same sex (of the same breed and over six months of age) exhibited in the competition.  The Best of Breed winner gains a point for each dog exhibited regardless of sex.  Additional challenge points are awarded to the Best in Group and Best in Show.  The maximum number of challenge points available to any exhibit at any one show is twenty-five points. 

Conformation Champions
When awarding challenges the judge is required to certify that “the exhibit is of such outstanding merit as to qualify for the title "Champion".  It is up to the discretion of the judge whether a Challenge Certificate is issued or refused.  The ultimate conformation title is the title of Grand Champion.