“Each breed is different, but I think it's personality. You want a dog that's alert and everyone is looking at. I think that goes for all breeds.”

— Tuck Willson, Word of Life Bible College director, with Miss Kitty, Sedgewick

“Conformation standards come first. They have to be put together well and perform physically. But I think personality plays a big role as well. They have to have the total package.”

— Kris Hitt, veterinarian, with Emmy, Falls Church, Va.

“A good show dog will meet the written standards of the AKC (American Kennel Club) and demonstrate that it can do the job it was bred to do. They also need to have the right temperament, be proud and hold their head up, maybe even be a little bit of a showoff.”

— Cedric Devin, Lawrence Jayhawk Kennel Club show chairman, with Splash, Lawrence

“Temperament, movement and conforming to the standards of the breed.”

— Janette Sheldon, retired, with Hanabanana, Austin, Texas