UKC Introduces Conformation Rule Revisions for 2019, Among Others!

Changes for: Conformation, Juniors, and Misconduct in 2019

April 5, 2018

Source: UKC Show Operations Department
Phone: 269.343.9020
Email: conformation@ukcdogs.com

The rules discussed in this article relate to those events licensed by the UKC Show Operations Department.

UKC Conformation Changes, effective January 1, 2019
The UKC Conformation program will see major changes starting in 2019. After listening to our exhibitors and researching how best to improve our programs, we are pleased to announce a complete overhaul of our Conformation program!

Summary of Major Changes (effective January 1, 2019):

The Conformation point system has been restructured;
Requirements for earning a Grand Champion title;
Revised and expanded our Top Ten ranking system;
Revisions to the general Conformation rules;
The entire book has been restructured to read in a Chapter and Section format. The wording has been completely revised. In some cases, sections have been added to for clarity of interpretation.

Note: Any title requirements that will go into effect in 2019 will not be retroactive. All new title requirements toward new titles will begin January 1, 2019.

We hope these program changes open some avenues of competition that you all have been looking for!

All rule changes or new rules are denoted in bold and italic text. Other sections may be worded differently from the old book, but if the text is not bold and italic, it is not a new change.

View the 2019 UKC Conformation Rulebook

UKC Official Rules for All-Breed Events, effective January 1, 2019
Previously titled "Official UKC Rules for Dog Events, UKC Misconduct & Discipline Guidelines for Dog Events," this rulebook is now called "Official Rules for All-Breed Events and Misconduct."

There are some significant changes that apply to clubs for scheduling shows. Anyone involved in hosting UKC dog shows for a UKC licensed club must become familiar with these new changes. A separate announcement will be emailed directly to all designated corresponding officers that highlight these changes. Any changes that specifically affect UKC judges will also be emailed to judge in a separate announcement. Complete details can be found in the rulebook, and all clubs and judges should familiarize themselves with the 2019 rulebook.

Summary of Major Changes (Effective January 1, 2019):

Prohibition of exhibitors using recording devices while exhibiting a dog;
Dogs must have four limbs to compete in conformation and junior showmanship;
Judges may excuse a dog they feel is unfit for exhibition;
Judges and clubs will be able to determine an excusal for dog-on-dog incidences instead of following the Disqualified for Attacking procedure;
Exhibitors will be required to produce a copy of a rabies certification at the event site if necessary;
Puppies are no longer required to be permanently registered or have a TL number to enter the non-licensed Puppy class.

These are some of the most significant changes, but not all of them. For all changes, please review the Official Rules for All-Breed Events.

Any new or changed rules will be denoted in bold and italic text.

Junior Showmanship Rulebook
This program has not changed, but there will be a new rulebook, effective January 1, 2019. Review the 2019 Junior Showmanship Rulebook.

The changes discussed in this news article are effective January 1, 2019. For events held until that time, please use the current rulebooks for each event type in question. The current rulebooks are those published in the following years:
UKC Conformation Rulebook (January 1, 2011)
UKC Misconduct & Discipline Rulebook (June 1, 2015)
UKC Junior Showmanship Rulebook (January 1, 2014)

We know you will have questions, and we are ready to answer them by any means available! Please contact us directly, and we will be happy to talk to you. You can also call or email us. We are happy to help!

A Kalamazoo, Michigan-based company founded in 1898, United Kennel Club is the largest all-breed performance-dog registry in the world, registering dogs from all 50 states and 25 foreign countries. Celebrating the unique Total Dog philosophy, UKC events highlight the instincts and heritage of dogs that look and perform equally well, as more than 60 percent of its annually licensed events are tests of hunting ability, training, and instinct. United Kennel Club prides itself on its family-oriented, friendly, educational events, welcoming both purebred dogs and dogs of unknown ancestry.

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