Showing in Britain

Contract All Expand All
(Click on the headings for details)

Showing in Britain

To become a British Champion, three CC's must be won under three seperate judges. The only age limit is that the qualifying CC must be won after the dog is 12months old. There is no restriction on the number of CC's that can be won by a dog, and Champions do not have a seperate class.

The Kennel Club decides how many CC's can be allocated to each breed on an annual basis, and specifies which Championship shows can award them. This is calculated according to the individual registrations and number of dogs shown over a period of years. Bouviers have 15 sets of CC's each year - 14 sets are awarded at General Championship shows, plus the Bouvier Club Championship show (usually held on the first Sunday in October).

To exhibit in Britain with a non-resident dog, the dog must have an ATC Number (Authority to Compete) registered with the Kennel Club. See the Kennel Club/Crufts web site for exhibitor details in German, Swedish, French, Spanish and Finnish.

The KC produces a booklet "Thinking of Showing your dog in the UK?" with useful information.

NOTE : Cropped dogs cannot enter any KC competition - including Shows, Working Trials or obedience.

Companion Shows

Fun shows, normally run in aid of a Charity or good cause with entries being taken on the day. Dogs do not need to be Kennel Club registered, and the classes can include Best Condition, Dog the Judge would like to take home, Best Trick etc. No CC winners are allowed.

Limited Shows

Small shows confined to the members of the organizing canine society. CC winners allowed not allowed to compete. These are the least common of the show types.

Open Shows

Open to any Kennel Club registered dogs. They can range in size from Breed Club to large 2 day shows. Champions are allowed to compete.

Championship Shows

Challenge Certificates (CC's) are awarded at these shows. There are 24 - 30 shows a year, with only four shows having CC's available to all eligible breeds (Crufts, Birmingham National, SKC Representative and Welsh Kennel Club). Any KC registered dog can compete at these shows.

Definition of Classess

PUPPIES UNDER SIX CALENDAR MONTHS OF AGE ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE SHOW ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR EXHIBITION
In the following definitions, a Challenge Certificate includes any Show award that counts towards the title of Champion under the Rules of any governing body recognised by the Kennel Club.
Show awards issued by the Irish Kennel Club which count towards the title of Champion, shall be five point Green Stars or more.
Wins at Championship Shows in breed classes where Challenge Certificates are not on offer shall be counted as wins at Open Shows.
In the case of a dog owned in partnership and entered in Members’ classes or competing for Members’ Specials, each partner must, at the time of entry, be a member of the Society.
In estimating the number of awards won, all wins up to and including the seventh day before the date of closing of entries shall be counted when entering for any class.
Wins in Variety Classes do not count for entry in Breed Classes but when entering for Variety Classes, wins in both Breed and Variety Classes must be counted. A first prize does not include a Special Prize of whatever value.
A dog is not eligible for entry in Variety Classes unless also entered and subsequently exhibited in a Breed Class where such a class is provided for which it is eligible. Exemptions from this Regulation are:
1. A Puppy, unless a class for dogs under twelve months of age for which it is eligible is provided for the breed;
2. A dog in Any Variety Veteran Class.
3. A dog in Any Variety Champion Class. As provided in Kennel Club Definitions of Classes.
4. A dog which is withdrawn from exhibition in breed classes as a result of the appointment of an emergency judge.
5. A dog in YKC Stakes Classes. (Young Kennel Club) If an exhibitor reports before the judging of a class or classes that a dog has been entered which is ineligible, the exhibitor may choose one of the following options:
1. WITHDRAWAL
The dog may be withdrawn from competition subject to the conditions of Regulations 9(j) and 20.
2. TRANSFER
(a). If a dog is ineligible for a class or classes as regards its breed, colour, sex, weight or height the Show Secretary shall transfer it to the equivalent class or classes for the correct breed, colour, sex, weight or height and, in the event of their being no equivalent class, Minor Puppy and Puppy excepted to the Open Class for the correct breed, colour, sex, weight of height.
(b). For an exhibit entered incorrectly in a Minor Puppy Class, Puppy Class or Junior Class, which is over age but under 12 calendar months of age, 18 calendar months of age or 24 calendar months of age respectively, the Show Secretary shall transfer the exhibit to the Puppy Class, Junior Class or Yearling Class respectively of the correct breed, colour, sex, weight or height and in the event of there being no Puppy Class, Junior Class or Yearling Class respectively to the Open Class for the correct breed, colour, sex, weight or height.
(c). For any reason other than the above, the Show Secretary shall transfer it to the Open Class for the correct breed, colour, sex, weight or height.
If an exhibit arrives late and misses a class, even if it is the only class in which the dog is entered, the dog may not be transferred to any other class

Minor Puppy (MP)

For dogs of six and not exceeding nine calendar months of age on the first day of the Show.

Puppy (P)

For dogs of six and not exceeding twelve calendar months of age on the first day of the Show

Junior (J)

For dogs of six and not exceeding eighteen calendar months of age on the first day of the Show.

Yearling (Y)

For dogs of twelve and not exceeding twenty-four calendar months of age on the first day of the Show

Maiden (M)

For dogs which have not won a Challenge Certificate or a First Prize at an Open or Championship Show (Minor Puppy, Special Minor Puppy, Puppy and Special Puppy Classes excepted, whether restricted or not).

Novice (N)

For dogs which have not won a Challenge Certificate or three or more First Prizes at Open and Championship Shows (Minor Puppy, Special Minor Puppy, Puppy and Special Puppy Classes excepted, whether restricted or not).

UnderGraduate (UG)

For dogs which have not won a Challenge Certificate or three or more First Prizes at Championship Shows (Minor Puppy, Special Minor Puppy, Puppy and Special Puppy classes excepted, whether restricted or not).

Graduate (G)

For dogs which have not won a Challenge Certificate or four or more First Prizes at Championship Shows in Graduate, Post Graduate, Minor Limit, Mid Limit, Limit and Open Classes, whether restrict or not.

Post Graduate (PG)

For dogs which have not won a Challenge Certificate or five or more First Prizes at Championship Shows in Post Graduate, Minor Limit, Mid Limit, Limit and Open Classes, whether restricted or not.

Mid Limit (ML)

For dogs which have not won 3 Challenge Certificates or five or more First Prizes in all at Championship Shows in Mid Limit, Limit and Open Classes, confined to the breed, whether restricted or not, at Shows where Challenge Certificates were offered for the breed.

Limit (L)

For dogs which have not won three Challenge Certificates under three different judges or seven or more First Prizes in all, at Championship Shows in Limit and Open Classes, confined to the breed, whether restricted or not, at Shows where Challenge Certificates were offered for the breed.
NOTE: A CAC is counted as a CC

Open (O)

For all dogs of the breeds for which the class is provided and eligible for entry at the Show.
NOTE : THIS IS THE ONLY BREED CLASS WHICH A CHAMPION FROM ANY COUNTRY CAN ENTER.

Veteran (V)

For dogs of not less than seven years of age on the day of the Show.

Champion (Ch)

For dogs which have been confirmed a Champion, Show Champion or Field Trial Champion.
NOTE : Champion classes are normally 'Stakes' classes open to all breeds, and not part of the Breed Class judging.

Rare Breeds (RB)

Confined to those breeds not granted Challenge Certificates in the current year, with the exception of those breeds whose registration is confined to the Imported Register.

Brace (Br)

For two exhibits (either sex or mixed) of one breed belonging to the same exhibitor, each exhibit having been entered in some class other than Brace or Team.

Import Register (IR)

When an Interim Breed Standard has been approved by The Kennel Club, breeds whose registration is confined to the Imported Register may be exhibited in this class only, and are ineligible for any other competition whatsoever.

Any Variety Not Separately Classified (AVNSC)

For breeds of dog for which no separate breed classes are scheduled.

Not for Competition (NFC)

Societies may at their discretion, accept Not For Competition entries. Societies may accept such entries from breeds of dog not included within the title of the Society and at Shows held over more than one day, such entries may be accepted on any day from any breed. (Full details of the dog to be given on the entry form, entered in the correct class for the day and marked N.F.C.)

Special Beginners (SpBg)

For owner, handler or exhibit not having won a Challenge Certificate.

Special Breeders (SpBdr)

For a team of dogs with the same registered breeder (minimum three exhibits, maximum five exhibits of the same breed) all of which must have been entered in a class at the show, breed or Stakes. Exhibits declared Best of Breed who are entered in this class and are subsequently beaten, will not be disqualified from competing in Best of Group or Best in Show.

Young Kennel Club (YKC)

For Any Variety dog or bitch exhibited and handled by a fully paid up member of the Young Kennel Club. The dog should be registered either: a) Solely or jointly in the member’s name or b) In the name of a member of the family and under these circumstances the dog must be resident at the YKC member’s address.

Regulations for the Preparation of Dogs for Exhibition(B)

1. These Regulations must be observed when a dog is prepared for exhibition for any Kennel Club Licensed event. Objections may be referred to the General Committee and may include reference for disciplinary action under Kennel Club Rule A42.
2. (a) No substance which alters the natural colour, texture or body of the coat may be present in the dog’s coat for any purpose at any time during the Show. No substance which alters the natural colour of any external part of the dog may be present on the dog for any purpose at any time during the Show.
(b) Any other substance (other than water) which may be used in the preparation of a dog for exhibition must not be allowed to remain in the coat or on any other part of the dog at the time of exhibition.
3. No act or operation which alters the natural conformation of a dog or any part thereof may be performed except:
(a) Operations certified to the satisfaction of the General Committee.
(b) The removal of dewclaws of any breed.
(c) The shortening of tails of customarily docked breeds but only up to an acceptable age limit which shall be prescribed from time to time.
(d) Operations to prevent breeding, provided that such operations are notified to the Kennel Club before neutered dogs are shown.
Nor must anything be done calculated to in the opinion of the General Committee to deceive.
4. The General Committee without previous notice may order an examination of any dog or dogs at any Show. Any examination thus ordered will be made by a person having executive authority who shall have a written directive from the Kennel Club in their possession. Samples may be taken for further examination and analysis.
5. An individual has the right to lodge an objection to a dog only if he/she is the owner or handler of a dog competing in the same breed or class.
6. An objection may, however, be lodged by an official of the Show or by anyone so deputed by the Kennel Club. It will be the responsibility of the individual who lodges the objection or the official (as appropriate) to substantiate the grounds for the objection. The Kennel Club will substantiate the grounds for an objection made on its behalf. Any objection by an individual related to an infringement of these Regulations must be made in writing to the Show Secretary at his/her office before the close of the Show and the individual must produce evidence of identity at the time of lodging the complaint.

The attention of exhibitors is drawn to the fact that any advertisement for a coat preparation or shampoo or similar in either Schedule or Catalogue does not imply that the use of such preparation may not contravene Kennel Club Regulations for the Preparation of Dogs for Exhibition F. This also applies to any coat preparation or shampoo or similar on sale at the Show. The attention of exhibitors is directed to the Declaration they are required to sign on the entry form

If you want any assistance in showing your dog in Britain, please feel free to contact me.

Last Updated :
25-Oct-2008

Showing in Britain
Contract All Expand All (Click on the headings for details) Showing in Britain To become a British Champion, three CC's must be won under three seperate judges. The only age limit is that the qualifying CC must be won after the dog is 12months old. There is no restriction on the number of CC's that can be won by a dog, and Champions do not have a seperate class. The Kennel Club decides how many CC's can be allocated to each breed on an annual basis, and specifies which Championship shows can award them. This is calculated according to the individual registrations and number of dogs shown over a period of years. Bouviers have 15 sets of CC's each year - 14 sets are awarded at General Championship shows, plus the Bouvier Club Championship show (usually held on the first Sunday in October). To exhibit in Britain with a non-resident dog, the dog must have an ATC Number (Authority to Compete) registered with the Kennel Club. See the Kennel Club/Crufts web site for exhibitor details in German, Swedish, French, Spanish and Finnish. The KC produces a booklet "Thinking of Showing your dog in the UK?" with useful information. *NOTE :* Cropped dogs cannot enter any KC competition - including Shows, Working Trials or obedience. Companion Shows Fun shows, normally run in aid of a Charity or good cause with entries being taken on the day. Dogs do not need to be Kennel Club registered, and the classes can include Best Condition, Dog the Judge would like to take home, Best Trick etc. No CC winners are allowed. Limited Shows Small shows confined to the members of the organizing canine society. CC winners allowed not allowed to compete. These are the least common of the show types. Open Shows Open to any Kennel Club registered dogs. They can range in size from Breed Club to large 2 day shows. Champions are allowed to compete. Championship Shows Challenge Certificates (CC's) are awarded at these shows. There are 24 - 30 shows a year, with only four shows having CC's available to all eligible breeds (Crufts, Birmingham National, SKC Representative and Welsh Kennel Club). Any KC registered dog can compete at these shows. Definition of Classess PUPPIES UNDER SIX CALENDAR MONTHS OF AGE ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE SHOW ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR EXHIBITION In the following definitions, a Challenge Certificate includes any Show award that counts towards the title of Champion under the Rules of any governing body recognised by the Kennel Club. Show awards issued by the Irish Kennel Club which count towards the title of Champion, shall be five point Green Stars or more. Wins at Championship Shows in breed classes where Challenge Certificates are not on offer shall be counted as wins at Open Shows. In the case of a dog owned in partnership and entered in Members’ classes or competing for Members’ Specials, each partner must, at the time of entry, be a member of the Society. In estimating the number of awards won, all wins up to and including the seventh day before the date of closing of entries shall be counted when entering for any class. Wins in Variety Classes do not count for entry in Breed Classes but when entering for Variety Classes, wins in both Breed and Variety Classes must be counted. A first prize does not include a Special Prize of whatever value. A dog is not eligible for entry in Variety Classes unless also entered and subsequently exhibited in a Breed Class where such a class is provided for which it is eligible. Exemptions from this Regulation are: 1. A Puppy, unless a class for dogs under twelve months of age for which it is eligible is provided for the breed; 2. A dog in Any Variety Veteran Class. 3. A dog in Any Variety Champion Class. As provided in Kennel Club Definitions of Classes. 4. A dog which is withdrawn from exhibition in breed classes as a result of the appointment of an emergency judge. 5. A dog in YKC Stakes Classes. (Young Kennel Club) If an exhibitor reports before the judging of a class or classes that a dog has been entered which is ineligible, the exhibitor may choose one of the following options: 1. WITHDRAWAL The dog may be withdrawn from competition subject to the conditions of Regulations 9(j) and 20. 2. TRANSFER (a). If a dog is ineligible for a class or classes as regards its breed, colour, sex, weight or height the Show Secretary shall transfer it to the equivalent class or classes for the correct breed, colour, sex, weight or height and, in the event of their being no equivalent class, Minor Puppy and Puppy excepted to the Open Class for the correct breed, colour, sex, weight of height. (b). For an exhibit entered incorrectly in a Minor Puppy Class, Puppy Class or Junior Class, which is over age but under 12 calendar months of age, 18 calendar months of age or 24 calendar months of age respectively, the Show Secretary shall transfer the exhibit to the Puppy Class, Junior Class or Yearling Class respectively of the correct breed, colour, sex, weight or height and in the event of there being no Puppy Class, Junior Class or Yearling Class respectively to the Open Class for the correct breed, colour, sex, weight or height. (c). For any reason other than the above, the Show Secretary shall transfer it to the Open Class for the correct breed, colour, sex, weight or height. If an exhibit arrives late and misses a class, even if it is the only class in which the dog is entered, the dog may not be transferred to any other class Minor Puppy (MP) For dogs of six and not exceeding nine calendar months of age on the first day of the Show. Puppy (P) For dogs of six and not exceeding twelve calendar months of age on the first day of the Show Junior (J) For dogs of six and not exceeding eighteen calendar months of age on the first day of the Show. Yearling (Y) For dogs of twelve and not exceeding twenty-four calendar months of age on the first day of the Show Maiden (M) For dogs which have not won a Challenge Certificate or a First Prize at an Open or Championship Show (Minor Puppy, Special Minor Puppy, Puppy and Special Puppy Classes excepted, whether restricted or not). Novice (N) For dogs which have not won a Challenge Certificate or three or more First Prizes at Open and Championship Shows (Minor Puppy, Special Minor Puppy, Puppy and Special Puppy Classes excepted, whether restricted or not). UnderGraduate (UG) For dogs which have not won a Challenge Certificate or three or more First Prizes at Championship Shows (Minor Puppy, Special Minor Puppy, Puppy and Special Puppy classes excepted, whether restricted or not). Graduate (G) For dogs which have not won a Challenge Certificate or four or more First Prizes at Championship Shows in Graduate, Post Graduate, Minor Limit, Mid Limit, Limit and Open Classes, whether restrict or not. Post Graduate (PG) For dogs which have not won a Challenge Certificate or five or more First Prizes at Championship Shows in Post Graduate, Minor Limit, Mid Limit, Limit and Open Classes, whether restricted or not. Mid Limit (ML) For dogs which have not won 3 Challenge Certificates or five or more First Prizes in all at Championship Shows in Mid Limit, Limit and Open Classes, confined to the breed, whether restricted or not, at Shows where Challenge Certificates were offered for the breed. Limit (L) For dogs which have not won three Challenge Certificates under three different judges or seven or more First Prizes in all, at Championship Shows in Limit and Open Classes, confined to the breed, whether restricted or not, at Shows where Challenge Certificates were offered for the breed. NOTE: A CAC is counted as a CC Open (O) For all dogs of the breeds for which the class is provided and eligible for entry at the Show. NOTE : THIS IS THE ONLY BREED CLASS WHICH A CHAMPION FROM ANY COUNTRY CAN ENTER. Veteran (V) For dogs of not less than seven years of age on the day of the Show. Champion (Ch) For dogs which have been confirmed a Champion, Show Champion or Field Trial Champion. NOTE : Champion classes are normally 'Stakes' classes open to all breeds, and not part of the Breed Class judging. Rare Breeds (RB) Confined to those breeds not granted Challenge Certificates in the current year, with the exception of those breeds whose registration is confined to the Imported Register. Brace (Br) For two exhibits (either sex or mixed) of one breed belonging to the same exhibitor, each exhibit having been entered in some class other than Brace or Team. Import Register (IR) When an Interim Breed Standard has been approved by The Kennel Club, breeds whose registration is confined to the Imported Register may be exhibited in this class only, and are ineligible for any other competition whatsoever. Any Variety Not Separately Classified (AVNSC) For breeds of dog for which no separate breed classes are scheduled. Not for Competition (NFC) Societies may at their discretion, accept Not For Competition entries. Societies may accept such entries from breeds of dog not included within the title of the Society and at Shows held over more than one day, such entries may be accepted on any day from any breed. (Full details of the dog to be given on the entry form, entered in the correct class for the day and marked N.F.C.) Special Beginners (SpBg) For owner, handler or exhibit not having won a Challenge Certificate. Special Breeders (SpBdr) For a team of dogs with the same registered breeder (minimum three exhibits, maximum five exhibits of the same breed) all of which must have been entered in a class at the show, breed or Stakes. Exhibits declared Best of Breed who are entered in this class and are subsequently beaten, will not be disqualified from competing in Best of Group or Best in Show. Young Kennel Club (YKC) For Any Variety dog or bitch exhibited and handled by a fully paid up member of the Young Kennel Club. The dog should be registered either: a) Solely or jointly in the member’s name or b) In the name of a member of the family and under these circumstances the dog must be resident at the YKC member’s address. Regulations for the Preparation of Dogs for Exhibition(B) 1. These Regulations must be observed when a dog is prepared for exhibition for any Kennel Club Licensed event. Objections may be referred to the General Committee and may include reference for disciplinary action under Kennel Club Rule A42. 2. (a) No substance which alters the natural colour, texture or body of the coat may be present in the dog’s coat for any purpose at any time during the Show. No substance which alters the natural colour of any external part of the dog may be present on the dog for any purpose at any time during the Show. (b) Any other substance (other than water) which may be used in the preparation of a dog for exhibition must not be allowed to remain in the coat or on any other part of the dog at the time of exhibition. 3. No act or operation which alters the natural conformation of a dog or any part thereof may be performed except: (a) Operations certified to the satisfaction of the General Committee. (b) The removal of dewclaws of any breed. (c) The shortening of tails of customarily docked breeds but only up to an acceptable age limit which shall be prescribed from time to time. (d) Operations to prevent breeding, provided that such operations are notified to the Kennel Club before neutered dogs are shown. Nor must anything be done calculated to in the opinion of the General Committee to deceive. 4. The General Committee without previous notice may order an examination of any dog or dogs at any Show. Any examination thus ordered will be made by a person having executive authority who shall have a written directive from the Kennel Club in their possession. Samples may be taken for further examination and analysis. 5. An individual has the right to lodge an objection to a dog only if he/she is the owner or handler of a dog competing in the same breed or class. 6. An objection may, however, be lodged by an official of the Show or by anyone so deputed by the Kennel Club. It will be the responsibility of the individual who lodges the objection or the official (as appropriate) to substantiate the grounds for the objection. The Kennel Club will substantiate the grounds for an objection made on its behalf. Any objection by an individual related to an infringement of these Regulations must be made in writing to the Show Secretary at his/her office before the close of the Show and the individual must produce evidence of identity at the time of lodging the complaint. The attention of exhibitors is drawn to the fact that any advertisement for a coat preparation or shampoo or similar in either Schedule or Catalogue does not imply that the use of such preparation may not contravene Kennel Club Regulations for the Preparation of Dogs for Exhibition F. This also applies to any coat preparation or shampoo or similar on sale at the Show. The attention of exhibitors is directed to the Declaration they are required to sign on the entry form If you want any assistance in showing your dog in Britain, please feel free to contact me.

Copyright R Mainland					Last Updated : 25-Oct-2008