The primary purpose of conformation shows, also known as breed shows, are to judge one’s breeding stock against the breed standard. Dogs are examined through hands-on examinations and movement. Every exhibitor should study the breed standard in order to understand their dogs strengths and weaknesses. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/golden-retriever/ The perfect dog has not been produced and every dog has its faults. When you understand the breed standard you can then showcase your dog's best attributes and not highlight their faults. One of the best sources to obtain is Marcia Schlehr’s “A Study of the Golden Retriever.” Known as The Blue Book, this 60 page illustrated book is essential for understanding the breed standard. A Study of the Golden Retriever (grca.org)
Movement is crucial in understanding the Golden Retriever's bred purpose. An ideal Golden Retriever should move powerfully and effortlessly, with no wasted motion, enabling it to work efficiently in the field all day, retrieving birds both on land and in water. A dog that lacks proper structure will exhibit wasted motion and will not perform the breed’s intended tasks effectively. Rachel Page Elliot’s Book, “ Dog Steps A New Look, 3rd Edition (Companion House Books) is a great book to study movement.
To gain a better understanding of dog shows here’s a link to start with Get Started in Conformation Dog Shows – American Kennel Club (akc.org)
