Dog shows are an important part of the canine world. They bring together dogs of every breed, and each dog is judged on how closely it conforms to its breed standard. The aim is to select the dogs that most closely match the standard and thereby preserve the breed's characteristics.
The organisation of dog shows and the terminology used can be difficult for beginners to understand, so here are a few explanations:
For all breeds.
For all dog breeds, with the awarding of the CACIB ("Certificat d'Aptitude au Championnat International de Beauté", or "Certificate of Aptitude for the International Beauty Championship") by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale), and the CACS ("Certificat d’Aptitude de Conformité au Standard", or "Certificate of Aptitude for Conformity to the Standard") by the SCC (Société Centrale Canine).
For all dog breeds, with the awarding of the CACS.
Held as part of an all-breed dog show, with the agreement of the regional kennel club and the breed club.
Organised by the breed club, with the CACS awarded if at least 50 dogs are entered (30 for breeds with fewer than 100 births per year).
Organised by the breed club, without the awarding of a CACS.
Inside each breed, males and females are judged separately, and dogs of each sex are divided into classes according to their age and titles.
Optional class
The date used to determine the dog's age is the day on which it is shown.
Once the catalogue has been printed, a dog may not be transferred from one class to another unless the change is required to correct a printing error.
To compete in these classes or competitions, dogs must also be entered individually in one of the individual classes.
A male and a female of the same breed and variety, belonging to the same owner.
Two dogs of the same sex, breed and variety, belonging to the same owner.
At least three and no more than five dogs of the same breed and variety, regardless of sex, bred by the same person (under the same kennel name), even if they are not owned by that person.
A sire or dam accompanied by at least three and no more than five of its offspring (first generation: sons and/or daughters).
These classes should preferably be judged in the breed judging rings.
The qualifications awarded by the judges must correspond to the following definitions:
A qualification awarded to a dog that comes very close to the ideal breed standard, is presented in perfect condition, and displays a harmonious, balanced overall appearance, with a touch of class and a lively expression. The dog's outstanding qualities outweigh its minor imperfections, while preserving the characteristics of its sex.
A qualification awarded to a dog that is typical of its breed, balanced in its proportions and in good physical condition. Some minor faults may be tolerated. This qualification should be awarded only to a quality dog.
A qualification awarded to a dog that displays the characteristics of its breed but has some faults, provided that they are not too serious.
A qualification awarded to a dog that is sufficiently typical of its breed but has no outstanding qualities, or is not in good condition.
A qualification awarded to a dog that would not pass the confirmation examination.
This rating is given to any dog that refuses to move, continually jumps up at its handler or tries to leave the ring, making it impossible to assess its gait and movement. It is also given if signs of surgery or treatment are visible and appear to indicate an attempt by the exhibitor to deceive the judge.
The four best dogs in each class are placed, provided they have been awarded at least the qualification "Very Good".
The CAC is a national award. Each national kennel club decides in which classes, and to which dogs, this certificate may be awarded. A CACS may be awarded only to a dog judged to be of superior quality. The CACS counts towards a national championship title.
The Reserve CACS is awarded to the second-best dog among those given the qualification "Excellent". However, awarding the Reserve CACS is not compulsory.
Only dogs awarded "Excellent 1st" may be considered for the CACIB. A CACIB may be awarded only to a dog judged to be of superior quality. The CACIB is not automatically awarded to the dog placed first with an "Excellent" qualification.
The Reserve CACIB is awarded to the second-best dog among those given the qualification "EXCELLENT". However, awarding the Reserve CACIB is not compulsory.
The male and female proposed for the CACIB, the best junior male and female awarded "1st Excellent" in the Junior Class, and the best veteran male and female awarded "1st Excellent" in the Veteran Class compete for Best of Breed.
The judge awards the CACIB and Reserve CACIB according to the quality of the dogs, without checking whether they meet the age requirements and/or the registration requirements for a studbook recognised by the FCI.
All awards, including the CACIB, are decided by a single judge for each breed and sex. This judge must be appointed in advance.
The judges make the proposals for the CACIB. Final confirmation is given by the FCI. The FCI General Secretariat is responsible for checking whether the proposed dogs meet the conditions for confirmation of the CACIB. The cards given to exhibitors at the shows must clearly state that the dog has been proposed for a CACIB and include the wording: "Subject to confirmation by the FCI". The General Secretariat must ensure that the CACIB has been correctly awarded. Within three months of the show, the organiser must send two copies of the catalogue, together with the lists of dogs proposed for the CACIB and Reserve CACIB.
Best of Group, Best in Show, "Breeders' Group", "Progeny Group", "Couple Class (Brace)", "Best Veteran", "Best Junior", "Best Puppy", "Best Baby" and "Junior Handling" must each be judged by a single judge, appointed in advance.
Only judges authorised to judge these competitions by their respective national canine organisation may do so. The organisation must have issued the appropriate written authorisation.