In Canada and the US, each breed club sets out what is called a "breed standard".  This outlines the physical characteristics of the breed in question.  For instance, in the Poodle Club of Canada Breed Standard, miniatures are to be between 10 and 15 inches in height (measured at the withers), and have certain other physical characteristics.

Conformation shows are an opportunity to have breeding stock evaluated by a judge who should be well versed in that particular breed standard.  In Canada, under the Canadian Kennel Club, in order to earn a championship a dog must accummulate 10 points.  Points are based on the number of dogs beaten on a particular day and a dog must earn 2 points at least once.  For more information on conformation shows you can check out the Canadian Kennel Club website. 

This is Bowie finishing his Canadian Championship, and winning Best Puppy in Breed, Best Of Opposite Sex and Best of Winners under judge Don Duncan in 2006.  Bowie's achievements in the ring include winning Best Puppy and Best of Winners at the Poodle Club of Canada speciality in June 2006 under judge Doug Windsor; and Puppy Group at the Markham Kennel Club dog show under judge Marcel Tougas the following August. 

This is Bronte winning Best of Breed on her way to finishing her Canadian Championship in 2002.  Bronte was my first Canadian Champion.

Here's Owen winning Best of Winners at the Miniature Poodle Club of Ontario speciality in 2003 under respected judge Anne Rogers Clark.