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Dogs and Bitches Judged Separately

One of the most important things to understand about AKC conformation is that dogs (males) and bitches (females) are judged completely separately throughout the regular classes.

The judge works through all seven classes for dogs first:

  1. Puppy Dogs (6–9)
  2. Puppy Dogs (9–12)
  3. 12–18 Month Dogs
  4. Novice Dogs
  5. Bred-by-Exhibitor Dogs
  6. American-Bred Dogs
  7. Open Dogs

Then the judge repeats the entire process for bitches in the same order.

This separation matters because:

  • Points are calculated separately. The number of class dogs competing determines WD points, and the number of class bitches determines WB points. These are often different numbers.
  • Winners Dog and Winners Bitch are selected separately. Each has its own purple ribbon and its own point value.
  • The only time they meet is Best of Winners, where WD and WB compete against each other for the higher point value.

Key Takeaway

Dogs and bitches never compete against each other in the regular classes. They have entirely separate judging, separate Winners, and separate point calculations.

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