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Introduction
Many people
see a few dog shows on TV and think they cannot compete at that
level. What many don’t realize is the shows you see on TV are
usually the most prestigous dogs shows, such as Crufts,
Westminster and beyond that only the ‘finals’ of Group and Best
in Show Competition.
Most dogs shows are smaller and much more relaxed than most
people realize and people and dogs of all levels of experience
compete in them.
I have shown in the USA in both AKC and UKC conformation shows.
Also in several FCI European countries.
This primer will hopefully help you understand how to get
started in showing and what is required to title your dog in
some registries and countries.
How to select a show quality Pharaoh Hound
This topic
could fill volumes and also be a topic of debate.
There is a wide range of what would be considered a show quality
Pharaoh Hound, from a dog that would be a ‘finishable Champion’
up to one that would be considered ‘specials quality’ and
capable placing in group and Best In Show competition.
Dogs inherit their comformation, health, temperament and even
coursing ability from their parents. So select your Pharaoh
Hound from a line or breeder that is succesful in the areas you
want to pursue.
Is your Pharaoh Hound show quality??
Getting your Pharaoh Hound ready for the show ring
Pharaoh Hounds
can be aloof with strangers, so lot of socialization is
essential. All dogs should be socialized as young as possible.
Take your puppy with you to visit many new places, people and
dogs.
Attend puppy kindergarten classes and also handling classes for
conformation showing.
Pharaoh Hounds should be shown clean and with their nails short
to moderate length.
Getting yourself ready for the show ring
Most dog
obedience and breed clubs hold ‘handling classes’ to learn how
to handle a dog in a conformation show. In the US, George Alston
holds weekend seminars for advanced handling techniques which
can be located on-line or on the AKC site at www.akc.org.
Handlers also should be well groomed and dressed.
If you prefer, professional handlers can also be hired to handle
your dog in the US and Canada, although this is rarely seen in
the FCI countries.
AKC Registered handlers can be located through the AKC site at
www.akc.org.
Finding and entering the shows
American
Kennel Club shows (USA):
www.infodog.com lists all AKC shows and provides on-line
entry for all of them.
Look for shows designated as ‘AB’ – All Breed.
The United Kennel Club shows (USA):
www.ukcdogs.com lists all UKC shows. Each show lists the
show secretary to send entries to.
Look for shows that offer the ‘SIGHT’ – Sighthound and Pariah
breeds group or PHARH – Pharaoh Hound breed classes.
The Canadian Kennel Club shows (Canada):
www.ckc.ca
lists CKC shows.
The FCI Standard (Europe and around the world):
www.fci.be
lists all International shows for all FCI countries and links to
each show’s website for entry information.
There are several different classes a dog can usually enter. I’m
not going to attempt to explain all of them in this ‘primer’,
but usually these are divided by the age (puppy or Open for
adults) and sex of the dog, and also by ‘status’ including past
wins or lack of wins (Novice class), working classes, bred by
exhibitor, American Bred, champion classes. Entry forms usually
list and explain the classes.
Going to the show
Breed handling
classes will teach you the prodedure used at conformation shows.
Before most shows you will receive an entry and possibly juding
program in the mail. This varies by registry.
Essential items to bring are of course your clean, well groomed
dog, a crate for your dog to rest in, water bowl and water, ‘bait’..
some tasty morsel to use to animate your dog’s performace, a
breed leash, a chair.
Plan to the show at least an hour before your dog will show. You
may want to set up a crate for your dog to rest in. Walk you dog
around enough to get them used to the surroundings and relax.
Have several strangers ‘play judge’ by examining your dog’s
teeth and body and then rewarding them with a cookie. Warm up
your dog’s muscles with some trotting at the pace you will show
them at.
Requirements for the Champion Title
Every registry
in every country has different requirements to earn the Champion
title. This is probably the most confusing part of showing your
dog.
I’ve attempted to list the requirements from countries I have
shown in. However, requirements change frequently, so check with
each registry for current requirements.
Also, some registries award more than just the Champion title.
Many FCI countries also award a ‘Youth Champion’ title for dogs
between 9 and 18 months, and also a Veteran Champion for dogs
over 8 years old.
In addition, many FCI countries also hold ‘title shows’ where
special titles are awarded to the best junior male, adult male,
junior female and adult female in each breed. Title shows are
also often Crufts qualifying shows and the title winners also
receive an invitation to enter Crufts in the United Kingdom.
Requirements for AKC – American
Kennel Club Champion (USA)
Dogs must acquire 15 points, which include 2 major wins under
different judges and at least one point under a third different
judge.
Dogs must be registered with the American Kennel Club within 30
days of earning their first points, or they will loose those
points.
Dogs can earn from 1 to 5 points at one show. Awards of 3, 4 or
5 points are considered ‘majors’.
The number of points awarded depends on the number of dogs
defeated. The point schedule is updated at least annually and
can be checked following this link.
http://www.akc.org/events/conformation/point_schedule.cfmSEARCH_BUTTON.X=18\&SEARCH_BUTTON.Y=13
There are many nuances to explaining the AKC points schedule.
The first level of competion for points is by defeating other
Pharaoh Hounds of the same sex that are also non-champions. This
leads to either a “Winners Dog” or “Winners Bitch” ribbon. At
this level, points are awarded by how many other Pharaoh Hounds
are defeated of the same sex.
If the Winners Dog/Bitch defeats no other dogs of the same sex,
0 points are awarded.
If the Winners Dog/Bitch defeats 1 other dog of the same sex, 1
point is awarded.
If the Winners Dog/Bitch defeats 2 other dogs of the same sex, 2
points are awarded.
If the Winners Dog/Bitch defeats 3 other dogs of the same sex, 3
points are awarded (major).
The required number of dogs for 4 and 5 point wins varies by
region of the country, and can be checked on the AKC Points
Schedule link.
The Winners Dog and Winners bitch are called back into the ring
along with all entered Champions (of both sexes) for what is
called Best of Breed competition.
Best of Winners is selected between the Winners Dog and Winners
Bitch. The points awarded at this level is equal to whichever
sex had the greatest number of points.
For example, if the Winners Dog had earned 3 points by defeating
3 other class males. The Winners Bitch had earned 1 point by
defeating 1 other class female. Then the Winners Bitch is
awarded Best of Winners. She now also earns points equal to the
Winners Dog (3 points).
If the Winners Dog or Winners bitch also defeats any entered
Champions by going Best of Breed, both sexes of champions are
added to recalculate their points award.
If the Winners Dog or Winners bitch also defeats any entered
Champions by going Best of Opposte Sex, only champions of the
same sex as them are added to recalculate their points award.
Points earned to date can be checked on-line on the AKC site.
A dog can start showing in AKC shows at 6 months old and
competes equally with the adults for points.
There is no time limit or requirement for earning points. A dog
could potentially become a Champion at 6 months and 3 days old
if they were lucky enough to win three 5 point majors on three
consecutive days.
Points also do not expire.
The AKC automatically mails the Champion Certificate upon
completion of the title.
Requirements for UKC – United Kennel
Club Champion (USA)
Dogs must acquire 100 points, including 3 majors won under at
least 2 different judges.
Dogs must be Permanantly Registered with the United Kennel Club
or have a Temporary Listing Number (TL) before entering a show.
TL numbers must be converted to Permanent Registration within 30
days of issuance.
Dogs can earn from 10 to 35 points at one show. Defeating at
least 1 other dog at the breed, group or Best in Show level is
considered a major.
Points are earned as follows:
10 points for winning your class (even if your dog is the only
one in their class)
Note: If at least 1 other dog in your class is defeated, this is
considered a major. You do not have to be Best Male / Female to
earn a major in UKC as in AKC.
15 additional points for the Best Male / Female (even if your
dog is the ony male / female)
10 additional points for Best of Winners (if at least 1 dog of
eac sex is present)
UKC also awards a ‘Grand Champion’ title which is earned by a
Champion dog that has won the Champions class 5 times when at
least 3 dogs are competing in the Champions class.
The Winners Dog and Winners bitch are called back into the ring
along with the winner of the Champion and Grand Champion class
for Best of Breed competition.
Best of Winners is selected between the Winners Dog and Winners
Bitch.
Points earned to date can be checked by e-mailing the UKC.
A dog can start showing in UKC shows at 6 months old and
competes equally with the adults for points.
There is no time limit or requirement for earning points. A dog
could potentially become a Champion in 3 shows if they earn the
maximum of 35 points per show. UKC clubs often hold 2 shows per
day (morning and afternoon), so this can happen in one weekend.
Points also do not expire.
The UKC automatically mails the Champion Certificate upon
completion of the title.
Requirements for CKC – Canadian
Kennel Club Champion (Canada)
Dogs must acquire 10 points, no majors are required.
1 point is awarded for each dog you defeat of either sex at the
breed level. Or at the Group level, but only if you win the
group.
Requirements for Champion in most
FCI Countries
Earning awards in FCI countries is very different from the USA
and Canada.
I will explain the general similarities and then specifics by
country.
Each FCI country awards their own Champion title. A dog can
become Netherlands Champion, French Champion, etc.
A dog earns certicates called the CAC (Certificat d’Aptitude au
Championnat). Usually a paper card or diploma is given at the
show. Countries can also add a letter that usually designates
their country to the award, such as Austria awards the CACA.
Each country has varying rules about which classes compete for
the CAC. Some award the CAC to only the Best Male and Best
Female. Some award the CAC to the 1st place dog in each class
that competes for the CAC.
The number of CACs required for the Champion title varies from 1
to 4.
The minimum age required to start earning CACs varies from 9 to
15 months. Ratings of Excellent, Very Good, Good, Sufficient are
assigned to each dog. The CAC will only be awarded to dogs that
receive the excellent rating. Usually a written critique or
diploma is given as well.
Some countries require that there be 1 year and 1 day between
the first and last CAC.
The age at when a dog can become a champion varies from 18 to 27
months.
Netherlands Champion
www.kennelclub.nl
4 CACs
Must be a minimum of 9 months old to compete for the CAC
Intermediate, Open, Working, Champion classes compete for CAC
Only the Best Male and Best Female are awarded the CAC
No waiting period between 1st and last CAC
Minimum age is 27 months old to be awarded the Champion title
A letter, with copies of the 4 CACs, must be sent to the RVB to
request the Champion Certificate.
Belgian Champion
(From Walter Van Den Broeck (walter.van.den.broeck@pandora.be)
January 3, 2005)
4 CACs or 2
CACs and a working certificate (for breeds who need to work for
International title)
Must be a minimum of 15 months old to compete for the CAC
Open, Working and Champion class compete for CAC
Only the Best Male and Best Female are awarded the CAC
Minimum of 1 year and 1 day between 1st and last CAC
Minimum age is 24 months old to be awarded the Champion title
The Champion Certificate is mailed automatically upon completion
of the title.
France
4 CACs and a
TAN (lure coursing instinct test for dogs who live in countries
that hold LC competitions)
- at least 1 CAC must be earned at a show that is designated as
a SLAG specialty (sighthounds)
- at least 1 CAC must be earned at an International Show (show
were FCI CACIBs are awarded also)
- the remaining 2 CACs can be from National shows, or also from
International or SLAG shows
Must be a minimum of 15 months old to compete for the CAC
Open, Working and Champion class compete for CAC
Only the Best Male and Best Female are awarded the CAC
Minimum of 1 year and 1 day between 1st and last CAC ??
Minimum age is 24 months old to be awarded the Champion title ??
Judge can withhold the CAC, even if the excellent rating is
given
A letter in French, with copies of the 4 CACs, must be sent to
the French KC to request the Champion Certificate.
Luxembourg
- 2 CACLs if the dog is not
entered in the Champion class
Or 1 CACL if the dog is a Champion in another country (including
AKC) and entered in the Champion class
Must be a minimum of 15 months old to compete for the CACL
Intermediate, Open, Working, Champion classes compete for CACL??
CACLs are awarded to the winner of each class that competes for
the CACL
No waiting period between 1st and last CACL
Minimum age is 24 months old to be awarded the Champion title.
The champion certificate can be requested at the show by turning
in copies of the dog’s pedigree and the CACL cards along with
€10.00.
Denmark
- 3 CACs
Must be a minimum of 15 months old to compete for the CAC
Intermediate, Open, Working, Champion classes compete for CAC
Only the Best Male and Best Female are awarded the CAC
No waiting period between 1st and last CAC
Minimum age is 24 months old to be awarded the Champion title
A letter, copy of the official request form from the Dansk
Kennel Club site, copies of the 3 CACs and judge’s reports, must
be sent to the Danish Kennel Club to request the Champion
Certificate along with 50,00 Danish Kroners.
DANSK KENNEL KLUB
Vibeke Jorgensen
Show department
PARKVEJ 1
DK-2680 SOLROED STRAND
DENMARK
Payment info:
SWIFT-BIC: DABADKKK, IBAN No. DK46 3000 0009 9060 61
Pay by international overschrijving card or on-line.
Germany
- Germany offers TWO Champion
titles!
1 - German Club (CAC) Champion "Deutscher
Schönheits-Champion"
www.dwzrv.de
4 CACs from at least 3 different judges
- can be earned at National or International shows
Must be a minimum of 15 months old to compete for the CAC
Intermediate, Open, and Working class compete for CAC
Only the Best Male and Best Female are awarded the CAC
Minimum of 1 year and 1 day between 1st and last CAC
Minimum age is 24 months old to be awarded the Champion title
A letter, with the ORIGINAL 4 CAC cards, and copy of the
pedigree must be sent to the German Sighthound Club secretary to
request the Champion Certificate, along with €10.00.
DWZRV show secretary:
Angelika Heydrich
Pottensteiner Str.30
90411 Nürnberg, Germany
phone +49-0911-523465
fax +49-0911-5215212
mail:
zuchtschau@dwzrv.com
2 - German (VDH) Champion "Deutscher
Champion (VDH)"
www.vdh.de
5 VDHs from at least 3 different judges
- at least 3 VDHs must be earned at International shows, VDH at
Dortmund shows count double
Must be a minimum of 15 months old to compete for the VDH
Intermediate, Open, and Working class compete for VDH
The Best Male and Best Female in EACH class are awarded the VDH
Minimum of 1 year and 1 day between 1st and last VDH
Minimum age is 24 months old to be awarded the Champion title
A letter, with the ORIGINAL 4 VDH cards from National shows or
Diploma (Urkunde) from International shows and a copy of the
pedigree must be sent to the German Kennel Club secretary to
request the Champion Certificate, along with €35.00.
Requirements
for the International Champion Title
At shows
designated as “International Shows” in FCI countries, CACIBs can
be awarded at the judge’s discretion to the best male and female
of each breed if they receive the excellent rating.
www.fci.be
FCI INTERNATIONAL BEAUTY CHAMPIONSHIP FOR ALL BREEDS
To be eligible for the title of International Beauty Champion,
these dogs must have obtained :
a) in three different countries, under three different judges,
four Certificats d'Aptitude au Championnat International de
Beauté (CACIB) no matter the number of dogs;
b) between the first and last CACIB, a minimum period of one
year and one day must have elapsed. This period is to be
understood as follows: for example, from January 1st, 2006 to
January 1st, 2007.
For a) and b), exceptions may be granted provided they are
approved by the FCI General Committee.
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