Conformation shows allow breeders to evaluate their breeding program as well as the dogs for use as future breeding stock. The American Kennel Club has guidelines for the conformation, or shape and proportion, of every recognized breed of dog, called "breed standards." Breed standards cover every aspect of a dog, from the shape of the head to the length of the tail, as well as temperament and how a dog should move. The judges examine the dogs and place them according to how closely each dog compares with the judge's mental image of the perfect dog as described in the breed standard. The judges are looking for characteristics that allow the dog to perform the function for which it was bred.