Championships - Canadian Kennel Club, American Kennel Club & International
The purpose of obtaining a Championship is to affirm that your purebred dog is a worthy specimen of the breed. We do this by having our dog judged in competition by an official Canadian Kennel Club or American Kennel Club judge against the official CKC or AKC standard of the breed. Without this type of competition the conformation of the breed could become compromised. The title Can Ch or Am Ch precedes the dog's registered name.
Ideally, the judge carries a mental picture of a theoretically perfect dog according to the latest standard as published by the official kennel club of that country. The judge scores the dog against this visualized standard of perfection; each fault or deviation from this standard is penalized. Dogs must be entered in a class for which they qualify. The regular classes include: Junior Puppy (6–9 months), Senior Puppy (9–12 months), Canadian Bred (any age; or American Bred in the U.S.), Bred by Exhibitor (any age; must be bred and owned by the person showing the dog), Open (any age; often divided by colour in the U.S.), Specials (any dog that has completed its championship).
All-Breed Clubs and Specialty Clubs can offer extra classes including: 12–18 Months (this is a regular class in the U.S.), Veterans (7 years or older; these dogs can be spayed or neutered), Brace (two dogs of the same breed, with identical ownership, judged as an identical pair), Team (same as Brace except with four dogs), Exhibition Only (for dogs who want to compete only in non-regular classes), Stud Dog and Get (the stud dog and two offspring), Brood Bitch and Progeny (the brood bitch and two offspring), Altered class (an altered championship is available in Canada only), Parades (non-competitive) and Sweepstakes.
Shows have a closing date, usually seventeen days prior to the first show, after which no entries can be made. When you enter a show, you are sent a confirmation of your entry after the closing date. This will include your official entry number, which you often use for the entire weekend of shows.
An exhibitor should have their dog at the show one hour prior to their class. The dogs are called into the ring by class, usually in catalogue order. Class males are judged first, followed by females. The dogs are presented in a stand (stack), where the handler places the dog in an even square stand. The dog is baited to look keen and alert. The judge will give a command to move the dogs in a predetermined pattern. Each dog is then individually examined for assets and faults. The judge will examine the mouth, head, neck, shoulders, rear etc. and check males for the presence of two testicles. The handler then gaits the dog in a particular pattern for the judge to watch the movement of the dog. At the completion of the pattern the dog must stop close to the judge and present itself in a natural pose. The judge then asks you to return to your original position. When all the dogs have been individually examined the judge will place the top four, awarding 1st through 4th in each class. These four dogs remain in the ring so that their number can be officially recorded, and they are given their ribbon. Then these dogs leave the ring to make way for the next class, 1st and 2nd place in each class remaining at ringside until all classes of the same sex have been judged.
All 1st place dogs enter the ring again to be judged for Winners Male or Female, at which point championship points are awarded. The judge may ask for patterns or stacks, whichever they deem necessary to complete their choice for Winners. After Winners is chosen, the dog that placed 2nd in the same class as the winner then enters the ring to compete—with the remaining 1st place dogs—for Reserve Winners. Winners Male/Female must remain at ringside for further judging.
Once the Specials have been called into the ring, Winners Male and Winners Female enter the ring to compete for Best of Breed, Best of Opposite Sex, Best of Winners and Best Puppy (if eligible). The judge examines and moves each dog and chooses his Best of Breed, Best of Opposite Sex and Best of Winners. If none of the dogs in the ring (that are puppies) win Best of Breed or Best of Winners, then all undefeated puppies are called into the ring to be judged for Best Puppy in Breed. The Best Puppy can then go on to compete for Best Puppy in Group (in All Breed Shows) and, upon winning, for Best Puppy in Show.
In an All-Breed show the Best of Breed winner goes on to compete in its Group (working group for Dobermans). Each Group is placed 1st through 4th, and the Group winners go on to compete for Best in Show. There are seven groups: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding. In a Specialty Sow the Best of Breed winner is considered 'Best in Specialty'.
Ideally, the judge carries a mental picture of a theoretically perfect dog according to the latest standard as published by the official kennel club of that country. The judge scores the dog against this visualized standard of perfection; each fault or deviation from this standard is penalized. Dogs must be entered in a class for which they qualify. The regular classes include: Junior Puppy (6–9 months), Senior Puppy (9–12 months), Canadian Bred (any age; or American Bred in the U.S.), Bred by Exhibitor (any age; must be bred and owned by the person showing the dog), Open (any age; often divided by colour in the U.S.), Specials (any dog that has completed its championship).
All-Breed Clubs and Specialty Clubs can offer extra classes including: 12–18 Months (this is a regular class in the U.S.), Veterans (7 years or older; these dogs can be spayed or neutered), Brace (two dogs of the same breed, with identical ownership, judged as an identical pair), Team (same as Brace except with four dogs), Exhibition Only (for dogs who want to compete only in non-regular classes), Stud Dog and Get (the stud dog and two offspring), Brood Bitch and Progeny (the brood bitch and two offspring), Altered class (an altered championship is available in Canada only), Parades (non-competitive) and Sweepstakes.
Shows have a closing date, usually seventeen days prior to the first show, after which no entries can be made. When you enter a show, you are sent a confirmation of your entry after the closing date. This will include your official entry number, which you often use for the entire weekend of shows.
An exhibitor should have their dog at the show one hour prior to their class. The dogs are called into the ring by class, usually in catalogue order. Class males are judged first, followed by females. The dogs are presented in a stand (stack), where the handler places the dog in an even square stand. The dog is baited to look keen and alert. The judge will give a command to move the dogs in a predetermined pattern. Each dog is then individually examined for assets and faults. The judge will examine the mouth, head, neck, shoulders, rear etc. and check males for the presence of two testicles. The handler then gaits the dog in a particular pattern for the judge to watch the movement of the dog. At the completion of the pattern the dog must stop close to the judge and present itself in a natural pose. The judge then asks you to return to your original position. When all the dogs have been individually examined the judge will place the top four, awarding 1st through 4th in each class. These four dogs remain in the ring so that their number can be officially recorded, and they are given their ribbon. Then these dogs leave the ring to make way for the next class, 1st and 2nd place in each class remaining at ringside until all classes of the same sex have been judged.
All 1st place dogs enter the ring again to be judged for Winners Male or Female, at which point championship points are awarded. The judge may ask for patterns or stacks, whichever they deem necessary to complete their choice for Winners. After Winners is chosen, the dog that placed 2nd in the same class as the winner then enters the ring to compete—with the remaining 1st place dogs—for Reserve Winners. Winners Male/Female must remain at ringside for further judging.
Once the Specials have been called into the ring, Winners Male and Winners Female enter the ring to compete for Best of Breed, Best of Opposite Sex, Best of Winners and Best Puppy (if eligible). The judge examines and moves each dog and chooses his Best of Breed, Best of Opposite Sex and Best of Winners. If none of the dogs in the ring (that are puppies) win Best of Breed or Best of Winners, then all undefeated puppies are called into the ring to be judged for Best Puppy in Breed. The Best Puppy can then go on to compete for Best Puppy in Group (in All Breed Shows) and, upon winning, for Best Puppy in Show.
In an All-Breed show the Best of Breed winner goes on to compete in its Group (working group for Dobermans). Each Group is placed 1st through 4th, and the Group winners go on to compete for Best in Show. There are seven groups: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding. In a Specialty Sow the Best of Breed winner is considered 'Best in Specialty'.
CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) championship requirements:
A Canadian championship is awarded once the dog has accumulated ten points, awarded by a minimum of three licensed judges. Two of the ten points awarded must be in a competition where there were 3 or more dogs competing. Championship points are awarded for Winners Male and Winners Female at a CKC dog show as approved by the Canadian Kennel Club, according to the number of eligible dogs competing in the regular classes of each sex and according to the schedule of points. In counting the number of eligible dogs in competition, a dog that is disqualified, or is dismissed, excused or ordered from the ring by the judge, or from which awards are withheld, is not included. The maximum number of points that can be awarded to a dog in a single show is five points.
If the dog awarded Winners Male or Female is also awarded Best of Breed, the dogs of both sexes that have been entered for Best of Breed competition, and that have been defeated in such competition, are counted in addition to the dogs that competed in the regular classes.
If the dog awarded Winners Male or Female is also awarded Best of Opposite Sex, the dogs of its own sex that have been entered for Best of Breed competition, and that have been defeated in such competition, are counted in addition to the dogs that competed in the regular classes.
The dog awarded Best of Winners is credited with the number of points calculated for the total number of class dogs shown.
A class dog that is awarded Best of Breed and which also wins a Group placement is awarded championship points according to the schedule.
A class dog that is awarded Best in Show is awarded championship points according to the schedule. These schedules are printed in the front of all CKC club catalogues and on the CKC website.
If the dog awarded Winners Male or Female is also awarded Best of Breed, the dogs of both sexes that have been entered for Best of Breed competition, and that have been defeated in such competition, are counted in addition to the dogs that competed in the regular classes.
If the dog awarded Winners Male or Female is also awarded Best of Opposite Sex, the dogs of its own sex that have been entered for Best of Breed competition, and that have been defeated in such competition, are counted in addition to the dogs that competed in the regular classes.
The dog awarded Best of Winners is credited with the number of points calculated for the total number of class dogs shown.
A class dog that is awarded Best of Breed and which also wins a Group placement is awarded championship points according to the schedule.
A class dog that is awarded Best in Show is awarded championship points according to the schedule. These schedules are printed in the front of all CKC club catalogues and on the CKC website.
AKC (American Kennel Club) championship requirements:
An American championship is awarded once the dog has accumulated fifteen points, awarded by a minimum of three licensed judges. Of the fifteen points, six points must be awarded as "majors" where the dog is awarded a minimum of three points at a single show. Championship points are awarded for Winners Dog and Winners Bitch at a licensed AKC dog show as approved by the American Kennel Club. The maximum number of points that can be awarded to a dog in a single show is five points.
Championship points are awarded according to the number of eligible dogs competing in the regular classes of each sex and according to the schedule of points. In counting the number of eligible dogs in competition, a dog that is disqualified, or is dismissed, excused or ordered from the ring by the judge, or from which awards are withheld, will not be included. The point schedule has twelve divisions and is updated each year in May. This schedule is printed in all AKC club catalogues and on the AKC website.
If the dog awarded Winners Dog or Winners Bitch is also awarded Best of Breed, the dogs of both sexes that have been entered for Best of Breed competition, and that have been defeated in such competition, are counted in addition to the dogs that competed in the regular classes.
If the dog awarded Winners Dog or Winners Bitch is also awarded Best of Opposite Sex, the dogs of its own sex that have been entered for Best of Breed competition, and that have been defeated in such competition, are counted in addition to the dogs that competed in the regular classes.
The dog awarded Best of Winners is credited with the number of points calculated for Winners Dog or Winners Bitch, whichever is greater.
A class dog that is awarded Best of Breed and which also wins its Group is awarded championship points figured at the highest point rating of any breed entered at the group level.
A class dog that is awarded Best in Show is awarded championship points figured at the highest point rating of any breed entered at the show.
Championship points are awarded according to the number of eligible dogs competing in the regular classes of each sex and according to the schedule of points. In counting the number of eligible dogs in competition, a dog that is disqualified, or is dismissed, excused or ordered from the ring by the judge, or from which awards are withheld, will not be included. The point schedule has twelve divisions and is updated each year in May. This schedule is printed in all AKC club catalogues and on the AKC website.
If the dog awarded Winners Dog or Winners Bitch is also awarded Best of Breed, the dogs of both sexes that have been entered for Best of Breed competition, and that have been defeated in such competition, are counted in addition to the dogs that competed in the regular classes.
If the dog awarded Winners Dog or Winners Bitch is also awarded Best of Opposite Sex, the dogs of its own sex that have been entered for Best of Breed competition, and that have been defeated in such competition, are counted in addition to the dogs that competed in the regular classes.
The dog awarded Best of Winners is credited with the number of points calculated for Winners Dog or Winners Bitch, whichever is greater.
A class dog that is awarded Best of Breed and which also wins its Group is awarded championship points figured at the highest point rating of any breed entered at the group level.
A class dog that is awarded Best in Show is awarded championship points figured at the highest point rating of any breed entered at the show.
International (IACBC and UCI) Championship requirements:
The title requirements listed are set forth and awarded by the Union Cynologie International e. V. (UCI) headquartered in Germany. The International All Breed Canine Association of America, Inc. (IABCA) has been granted dispensation by UCI to sanction shows in the United States and Canada and to award UCI certificates and titles. These shows are held in the same manner as CKC or AKC Championship shows except that they are in accordance with the German regulations and guidelines that have been established by UCI.
Each dog receives a written critique upon completion of the class. Each dog is first judged as to how well it conforms to the International UCI breed standard, then against the class. The International UCI standards are based on the country of origin for each breed, where possible. Group judging is held the same as a CKC or AKC show with the exception of the winners being jointly selected by two judges. Best in Show is held the same as a CKC or AKC show with the exception of the winner being jointly selected by a panel of judges.
The puppy critiques include a rating of: SG-1 (Very good; top rating), SG-2 (very good but not as good as SG-1; no certificate), G (good; no certificate), F (fair; no certificate) P (poor; no certificate), M (unsatisfactory; if this is awarded the dog is disqualified from further showing).
More than one SG-1 rating may be awarded in each class. When more than one puppy takes a SG-1 rating in a class, an a, b, c or d will be placed after the SG-1 rating. This denotes the class placement, with the SG-1a being the 1st place winner who competes for Best Puppy in Breed.
The adult critiques include a rating of: V-1 (very excellent; top rating), V-2 (excellent), V-3 (excellent but not as good as V-2), V-4 (excellent but not as good as V-3), SG (very good; no certificate), G (good; no certificate), F (fair; no certificate) P (poor; no certificate), M (unsatisfactory; if this is awarded the dog is disqualified from further showing).
More than one V-1 or V-2 rating may be awarded in each class. When more than one dog takes a V-1 rating in a class, an a, b, c or d will be placed after the V-1 rating. This denotes the class placement, with the V-1a being the 1st place winner who competes for Best of Breed.
Puppy Titles:
National Title and International Puppy/Youth Title
Adult Titles:
National Championships are achieved after receiving three V-2 "CAC" certificates.
International Championships are achieved after receiving three V-1 "CACIB" certificates.
Many extra classes and awards such as Puppy Sweepstakes, Best Rare Breed, Best Veteran, Super Veteran, Best Bred By (both puppy and adult), Best Brace are offered at International Shows.
Each dog receives a written critique upon completion of the class. Each dog is first judged as to how well it conforms to the International UCI breed standard, then against the class. The International UCI standards are based on the country of origin for each breed, where possible. Group judging is held the same as a CKC or AKC show with the exception of the winners being jointly selected by two judges. Best in Show is held the same as a CKC or AKC show with the exception of the winner being jointly selected by a panel of judges.
The puppy critiques include a rating of: SG-1 (Very good; top rating), SG-2 (very good but not as good as SG-1; no certificate), G (good; no certificate), F (fair; no certificate) P (poor; no certificate), M (unsatisfactory; if this is awarded the dog is disqualified from further showing).
More than one SG-1 rating may be awarded in each class. When more than one puppy takes a SG-1 rating in a class, an a, b, c or d will be placed after the SG-1 rating. This denotes the class placement, with the SG-1a being the 1st place winner who competes for Best Puppy in Breed.
The adult critiques include a rating of: V-1 (very excellent; top rating), V-2 (excellent), V-3 (excellent but not as good as V-2), V-4 (excellent but not as good as V-3), SG (very good; no certificate), G (good; no certificate), F (fair; no certificate) P (poor; no certificate), M (unsatisfactory; if this is awarded the dog is disqualified from further showing).
More than one V-1 or V-2 rating may be awarded in each class. When more than one dog takes a V-1 rating in a class, an a, b, c or d will be placed after the V-1 rating. This denotes the class placement, with the V-1a being the 1st place winner who competes for Best of Breed.
Puppy Titles:
- Baby Championat (BA) for puppies aged 3–6 months
- Jungsten Championat (JU.A) for puppies aged 6–9 months
- Jugend Championat (JA) for puppies aged 9–12 months for small breeds up to 16" at withers or 9–14 months for large breeds over 16" at withers.
- Junghund Championat (JHA) for dogs aged 12–15 months for small breeds up to 16" at withers or 14–18 months for large breeds over 16" at withers.
National Title and International Puppy/Youth Title
- Puppies must earn three certificates (appropriate for age) for a National Title.
- Puppies must earn four certificates (appropriate for age) for an International Puppy/Youth Title.
- Dogs seeking a National or International adult title must be 15 months for small breeds up to 16" at withers or 18 months for large breeds over 16" at withers.
- All adult dogs must start in open class even though they may be American or Canadian champions.
Adult Titles:
National Championships are achieved after receiving three V-2 "CAC" certificates.
International Championships are achieved after receiving three V-1 "CACIB" certificates.
- For both the National and International Championships, the certificates must be awarded by three different judges, with at least two of the judges residing in different countries (i.e. two Americans and one German or Canadian).
- After receiving a National or International Championship, a dog can be entered in Championklasse in order to finish the necessary CAC or CACIB certificates to have both championships, thereby qualifying for entry into the next higher class (Ehren Class).
Many extra classes and awards such as Puppy Sweepstakes, Best Rare Breed, Best Veteran, Super Veteran, Best Bred By (both puppy and adult), Best Brace are offered at International Shows.