Conformation classes are judged much like any other dog show. The winner is the dog that most closely matches the breed standard. In addition to conformation and movement, the dog is judged on temperament; as in all things having to do with Jack Russells, the best working dog is being sought. JRTCA sanctioned conformation judges are required to have an in-depth, first-hand knowledge of terrier work, and understand the importance of the physical characteristics necessary for a terrier to be useful for the work he
was bred to do.
 

There has been a great increase in the conformation showing of Jack Russells in recent years. Conformation exhibiting has been very effective in the U.S. in promoting correct conformation according to the breed standard, thereby improving the quality of the breeding stock in this country. However, while showing is beneficial to the breed in that respect, the JRTCA designs its trials to keep the working aspects of the terrier in the forefront.

Tips on Conformation Showing

Make your terrier comfortable on a leash and with strangers The condition of your terrier plays an important role in how well your terrier will do in the conformation ring When you are asked to walk your terrier across the ring, walk him. Set your sights on where you want to go and walk there, briskly. Don't have the leash strung up tightly. Keep your attention on what the judge is doing. When the judge is busy, relax your terrier. When the judge is at the end of the individual examination, get your dog's attention and make sure he's standing alertly. No matter what your terrier does when you are showing him, do not reprimand - this will get his tail down.

Make sure there is adequate space between your terrier and the ones on either side. Be a good sport and congratulate those who beat you. If you're a winner, win with dignity.

• Judge - sanctioned by the JRTCA; judges terriers based upon JRTCA breed standard
• Apprentice Judge - may be in the conformation ring with the judge; learns how to judge terriers
• Ring Steward - verifies entries are correct; has ribbons and trophies ready for the judge
• Announcer - keeps exhibitors aware of class in progress and next class to show; announces class results

Conformation Materials

• Measuring Wickets
• Ring Enclosure - Sheltered If Necessary
• Clipboards
• Pens
• Announcing Equipment
• Necessary Forms, Class Lists, Steward's Form, and Announcer Sheet
• Exhibitor Arm Bands

General Rules

1. All terriers are to be judged on the JRTCA Breed Standard, unless otherwise noted.
2. Classes may be combined or split at the discretion of the Trial Chairperson, with the exception of Child and Junior Handler classes and Working Terrier classes which may not be combined.
3. A terrier bred by a sanctioned JRTCA Judge may not be shown under that judge in the conformation division.
4. A question concerning the type of coat on any terrier may be made only by another exhibitor in that class, the ring steward or by the judge. Requests for review of coat made by spectators will not be honored.
5. Spayed or neutered terriers may not compete in Puppy, Family, Open Adult, or Working Conformation. Spayed or neutered terriers may compete in the Miscellaneous Conformation section classes. Miscellaneous Conformation section classes are optional and offered at the discretion of the trial chairperson, with the exception of Child and Junior Handling which must be offered. When optional classes are offered they must be judged by a JRTCA sanctioned judge and follow the JRTCA sanctioned trial rules.
6. No cross entering within the Open Conformation section or between the Open and Working Conformation sections.
7. Exhibitors participating in the Working Classes must submit the appropriate JRTCA paperwork with entries. The judge may require a copy of the Natural Hunting Certificate be presented to the ring steward at the time of judging.
8. Registered terriers may submit a copy of the NHC Application, signed by a JRTCA Working Judge, within 30 days of the date it was issued.
9. Excessive use of squeaky or fur-like baiting devices by exhibitors is prohibited in the conformation ring. "Excessive use" will be at the judge’s discretion.
10. The only individuals permitted in the conformation ring, other than class participants are the judge, the ring steward, and if asked for by the judge or ring steward, the trial chairperson and trial photographer. Class participants include one handler per terrier. Terrier must be exhibited on lead.

Conformation Classes

• Dog (smooth, rough/broken)
• Bitch (smooth, rough/broken)
• Best 4 up to 6 month Puppy and Reserve