The MyDogShow course
Six levels, from first step to championship. Pass the quiz of each mission to unlock the next one.
Missions passed: 0 of 17
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The course is for MyDogShow members. Your account keeps your progress and diplomas on all your devices.
- Your dogs and their kennel name
- Results by class and by country
- The recommended class for each show
- What is missing for each title
One account for the course, your profile and your title manager.
or with your email
Account creation opens on 15 November 2026.
Level 1
First steps
Understand and enjoy your first show.
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A conformation show is a comparison: each dog against the ideal portrait of its breed, the standard. Tap the numbers to see what the judge looks at.
What the judge looks at Skull shape, expression, eyes, ears: the head often carries most of the breed's type.
The judge checks the bite (often "scissor") and sometimes the number of teeth, as the standard describes.
Its length and carriage give the outline its elegance and balance.
The back profile, from withers to croup: firm, and as the breed requires.
Its depth and width depend on the breed: the judge looks at it from the side and the front.
Straight legs, well placed under the body: this is "soundness" of the front.
The angulation of thigh and hock gives the drive of the movement.
Set, length and carriage are part of the standard and vary a lot between breeds.
Key points
- The judge compares each dog with its breed standard: the ideal portrait described by the breed club and the FCI.
- The ring is the marked-out area where dogs are judged, breed by breed and class by class.
- The judge looks at the dog standing, examines it (teeth, body), then watches it move at a trot.
- The ring steward calls the numbers and keeps the running order.
4 correct answers out of 5 to pass the mission.
The quiz
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FCI rules sort dogs into classes, mainly by age on the day of the show. Move the slider to see where your dog can compete.
Classes by age Minor puppyPuppyJuniorIntermediateOpenWorkingChampionVeteran3 m6 m9 m15 m2 y8 y- Minor puppy : Optional depending on the country. No Excellent grade: comments such as "very promising".
- Puppy : Same principle as minor puppy: encouragement comments.
- Working : For dogs holding the working certificate required for their breed.
- Champion : For dogs that are already champions (national or international).
Key points
- For an FCI show, the dog must be registered in a recognised stud book.
- The class depends mainly on the dog's age and, for some classes, its titles.
- Junior class: 9 to 18 months. Veteran class: from 8 years.
- The champion class is for dogs that are already champions.
4 correct answers out of 5 to pass the mission.
The quiz
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Entering takes six steps. Go through them one by one: by the end you'll know exactly what to do.
Entering, step by step Find your show
In the MyDogShow calendar: date, venue, type (CACIB or national) and above all the closing date.
Read the show's details
The schedule lists the judges, fees, entry periods and the documents required.
Choose the right class
Based on your dog's age on the day of the show, and any titles.
Fill in and pay
On the official form: dog's details, stud book number, owner, class. Check everything before submitting.
Keep the confirmation
It proves your entry. If anything is wrong, contact the organiser right away.
Receive your exhibitor card
Often shortly before the show: it shows your number, sometimes your ring and time.
Key points
- You enter on the organiser's official form or entry platform: MyDogShow gives you the direct link.
- The closing date is the entry deadline. Fees often rise after a first closing date.
- After entering, you get a confirmation, then often your exhibitor card with your number.
- Made a mistake? Contact the organiser as soon as possible, ideally before entries close.
4 correct answers out of 5 to pass the mission.
The quiz
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A first show is prepared a month ahead. Go through the countdown, then tick off your bag.
The countdown A month before
Entry sent, short stack and trot practice, a few outings in busy places.
A week before
Check the exhibitor card, timing, route and documents. Plan the grooming.
The day before
Bag packed, grooming done, alarm set. A calm walk and a good night.
Show morning
Arrive early, find your ring, settle your dog somewhere quiet and let it relax.
In the ring
Number visible, slim lead, stay calm. Follow the judge's and steward's directions.
After judging
Collect your critique if there is one, praise your dog, note what you learned.
My show-day bag 0/9Bag ready. Have a great show!
Key points
- Arrive early: you have time to find your way, your ring, and settle your dog calmly.
- The catalogue shows the running order; the steward calls the numbers at the ring.
- Your number must be worn visibly during judging.
- In the bag: papers, confirmation, water, bowl, show lead, treats.
4 correct answers out of 5 to pass the mission.
The quiz
Level complete: your diploma is ready.
MyDogShow Academy Diploma
awarded to
—
for passing level 1: First steps
Level 2
Apprentice handler
Prepare and present your dog.
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In the ring, the judge always asks for the same patterns. Pick one to see it drawn.
The patterns the judge asks for The dog stands still, side-on to the judge: it shows its outline and proportions.
Straight down the ring and back to the judge: he sees the movement from behind, then from the front.
Three sides in one go: from behind, from the side, then from the front. It is the most common pattern.
The whole class trots anticlockwise, dog on the left, on the judge's side.
Less common: a line, a right-angle turn, then back the same way.
Key points
- The up-and-back shows movement from behind and the front; the side view comes from going round or the triangle.
- You go anticlockwise with the dog on your left: it stays between you and the judge.
- Coming back to the judge in a straight line and stopping the dog in a stack in front of him often makes the difference.
4 correct answers out of 5 to pass the mission.
The quiz
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A good stack is built at home, little by little. Show each guide on the diagram.
Stacking guides The front legs drop straight under the shoulders, parallel, neither wide nor narrow.
In most breeds the hock is vertical, under the point of the buttock. Some breeds are stacked differently: follow the standard.
A steady back, with no dip or roach: a well-placed dog holds its line by itself.
Head up, attention forward: a treat held in front helps keep the expression.
Getting your dog used to it, step by step At home
A few seconds of stacking, gentle handling of teeth and feet, a reward. Stop before it gets bored.
On walks
The same exercises in new places, with a few more distractions.
In busy places
Markets, stations, car parks: the dog learns to stay calm among people, at a distance first.
By strangers
Ask friends to play the judge: look at the teeth, put a hand on the back.
A practice ring
Clubs often run ringcraft sessions: ideal before a first show.
Key points
- Short, regular, positive sessions beat one long session the day before.
- Trotting is practised at the right speed for the breed: steady, not pulling, not galloping.
- A dog that calmly accepts examination is already scoring points.
4 correct answers out of 5 to pass the mission.
The quiz
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Grooming shows your dog at its best without changing it. Follow the timeline, then check what is allowed.
The grooming timeline All year round
Regular brushing, nails, ears: a good coat is built over time, not the night before.
A few weeks before
Breeds that are clipped or hand-stripped are prepared early so the coat can grow back.
The day before
Bath if your breed needs it, careful drying, neat feet and outlines.
In the morning
Brushing and last touches. No major trimming on the day.
At the ringside
A quick comb and a cloth: the dog goes in clean and relaxed.
Allowed or not? Brushing, washing, drying
Allowed: it is the basis of preparation.
Trimming or stripping for the breed
Allowed, within what the standard and the breed's customs provide.
Dyeing or changing coat texture
Prohibited by FCI rules: any product that changes the colour, structure or shape of the coat, skin or nose.
Where to ask?
From the breed club, your breeder or handlers of the breed: every breed has its customs.
Key points
- Grooming follows the standard and the breed's customs: it reveals, it doesn't transform.
- A coat neglected all year can't be fixed the night before.
- Products that change colour or texture are prohibited by FCI rules.
4 correct answers out of 5 to pass the mission.
The quiz
Level complete: your diploma is ready.
MyDogShow Academy Diploma
awarded to
—
for passing level 2: Apprentice handler
Level 3
Competitor
Understand judging and improve.
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The judge doesn't pick "the prettiest": he looks for the dog closest to the standard, fit and well presented. Here are the criteria.
The five judging criteria Type
Everything that makes the dog typical of its breed at first sight: outline, head, expression, coat.
Construction
Proportions, angulation, bone: the framework that lets the dog do the job its breed was made for.
Movement
Movement reveals construction: a well-built dog moves easily, true, without wasting energy.
Temperament
The behaviour the standard describes. An aggressive or uncontrollable dog may be disqualified.
Condition
Muscle, coat condition, form on the day: a healthy, well-prepared dog shows at its best.
Points checked during examination The look, eye shape and colour, ear carriage: expression is often described very precisely.
The judge lifts the lips to see how the incisors meet and whether teeth are missing.
Highest point of the shoulders: that's where height is measured.
The judge runs a hand along it to feel firmness and line.
Its slope affects tail set and drive.
The angles of hip, stifle and hock, compared with the front: balance matters.
Straight legs from front and rear, tight feet, elbows close to the body.
Set, length, carriage at rest and on the move.
Key points
- The judge compares each dog with the standard, not first with the other dogs.
- Type, construction, movement, temperament and condition: the five criteria go together.
- Movement reveals construction: a fault hidden when standing often shows at the trot.
4 correct answers out of 5 to pass the mission.
The quiz
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From grade to Best in Show, every step has its meaning. Tap them one by one.
From grade to Best in Show The grade Every dog gets one: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Sufficient… It measures the dog against the standard.
The placing The best in the class are placed 1 to 4 among dogs graded at least Very Good.
The certificates The national certificate (CAC, CACS in France) and, at international shows, the CACIB: they count towards champion titles.
Best of Breed Class winners meet: one dog represents its breed.
Best in Group Best of Breed winners within each of the 10 FCI groups compete.
Best in Show The ten group winners: one dog is named best in show.
Situations that surprise "Excellent" but not first?
Several dogs can get Excellent; the placings separate them. It is already a great result.
The "reserve" certificate
The judge may name a reserve (R.CAC, R.CACIB). Depending on the rules, it can sometimes be transferred to that dog.
Why no CACIB in the junior class?
The CACIB is for adult dogs in the classes set by the rules; juniors often have their own titles.
Key points
- The grade judges your dog against the standard; the placing compares it with the others.
- The CACIB, at international shows, counts towards the international champion title.
- Breed, then group, then Best in Show: each win opens the next step.
4 correct answers out of 5 to pass the mission.
The quiz
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A critique is a gift: it tells you what the judge saw. Tap the highlighted passages to decode them.
Sample critique 2-year-old male, good bone. firm back. Excellent.
QualityWeak pointPresentationThe judge recognises the breed at once: that is the basis of everything.
A standout quality to highlight in the stack.
A construction point: it cannot be corrected, but the right trotting speed can limit its effect.
Check other critiques before drawing conclusions.
A presentation point: it can be trained. Good news!
Getting the most from a critique Read it calmly
The next day, with a clear head: it reads better without the emotion of the ring.
Sort it out
Qualities, construction points, presentation points: each needs a different response.
Compare
One opinion is not enough: look for what several judges repeat.
Pick one focus
One thing to work on at a time, until the next show.
Key points
- Separate what can be trained (presentation) from what can't change (construction).
- Compare several critiques from different judges before drawing conclusions.
- Keep your critiques: they tell your dog's progress.
4 correct answers out of 5 to pass the mission.
The quiz
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Not every show serves your goal equally. Compare the types, then work out your season budget.
Types of shows International (CACIB)
Held under the FCI: the CACIB can be won there, plus the national certificate depending on the country.
National
The national certificate (CAC, CACS in France) counts towards the national champion title.
Breed club show
Run by the breed club: often specialist judges and many dogs of your breed.
National breed show
The breed's big yearly event, run by the club: prestigious and well attended.
World and European
The World Dog Show and the European Dog Show: prestigious titles and a unique atmosphere.
Work out your budget Per show
For the season
Key points
- Choose according to your goal: a national title, an international one, or experience.
- Check your breed's judge: their profile matters as much as the date.
- Fewer, better-chosen shows often beat an exhausting season.
4 correct answers out of 5 to pass the mission.
The quiz
Level complete: your diploma is ready.
MyDogShow Academy Diploma
awarded to
—
for passing level 3: Competitor
Level 4
Expert
Handle like a pro and build your season.
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The patterns are the same as in level 2. What changes: speed, positioning and how you read the judge. Run each pattern and read the pro's move.
The patterns, pro version A pro sets the dog in three moves at most, then keeps hands away while the judge takes in the whole picture.
A perfectly straight line towards a fixed point. On the way back, slow down so the dog stops on its own, almost set up.
Each side shows the judge a different view: rear, profile, front. Corners are clean, never cut.
The right speed is your dog's best gait, not the fastest. Keep your distance from the dog in front.
At the turn, switch hands without breaking rhythm: the dog stays in the judge’s view and you never come between them.
Ring surprises The dog breaks into a gallop
Slow down, bring it back to a trot and resume the pattern where you were. Judges value calm.
The ring is crowded
Leave space in front before you set off; wait a few seconds if needed.
The dog moves during the stack
Calmly reset the leg, without pulling or lifting sharply. One move, not ten.
You show several dogs
Arrange a trusted person to hold the others and check the class order. If two dogs clash, tell the ring steward.
The judge asks you to repeat
Often a good sign: he wants another look. Repeat the pattern exactly, without rushing.
Key points
- The right speed is the one that shows your dog's best movement.
- Never stand between your dog and the judge.
- When something goes wrong, calm scores more than perfection.
4 correct answers out of 5 to pass the mission.
The quiz
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A title is built over a season, sometimes two. Here is the cycle successful exhibitors follow.
The season cycle Set a goal
A specific title, a realistic deadline, according to your dog's age and maturity.
Pick the shows
Show type, judge, distance and budget. Note the closing dates.
Build condition
Fitness, coat, training: plan peaks for the key dates.
Show
Show day: routine nailed, dog rested, documents ready.
Review
Results, critiques, costs: adjust the rest of the season.
Let it breathe
Breaks keep your dog's motivation, and yours.
Key points
- A clear goal guides your choice of shows.
- Plan your dog's peaks for the important dates.
- Rest is part of the strategy.
4 correct answers out of 5 to pass the mission.
The quiz
Level complete: your diploma is ready.
MyDogShow Academy Diploma
awarded to
—
for passing level 4: Expert
Level 5
Champion
Read a standard, aim for titles, show anywhere in Europe.
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The standard is the judge's reference. It is written by the breed's country of origin and published by the FCI, always in the same order.
The headings of an FCI standard Origin and use
The country of origin and the work the breed was created for: the key to everything else.
General appearance and proportions
The overall outline and key ratios, such as body length to height at the withers.
Behaviour and temperament
The expected temperament: lively, calm, aloof, friendly… It is part of judging.
Head, body, limbs
The detailed description, region by region: skull, muzzle, eyes, back, chest, angulation, feet.
Gait
How the breed should move: reach, drive, head carriage.
Coat, size and weight
Coat texture, accepted colours and size ranges.
Faults
Deviations, from minor to serious. Disqualifying faults lead to disqualification.
The 10 FCI groups Group 1 : Sheepdogs and cattle dogs (47 breeds)
1.1 Sheepdogs
- Australian Kelpie
- Belgian Shepherd Dog
- Schipperke
- Croatian Shepherd Dog
- Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
- Beauce Sheepdog
- Briard
- Long-haired Pyrenean Sheepdog
- Picardy Sheepdog
- Pyrenean Sheepdog - Smooth Faced
- German Shepherd Dog
- Bearded Collie
- Border Collie
- Collie Rough
- Collie Smooth
- Old English Sheepdog
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Komondor
- Kuvasz
- Mudi
- Puli
- Pumi
- Abruzzes and Maremma Shepherd Dog
- Bergamasco Shepherd Dog
- Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Polish Tatra Shepherd
- Portuguese Sheepdog
- Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog
- Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog
- South Russian Shepherd Dog
- Slovakian Chuvach
- Catalan Sheepdog
- Majorca Shepherd Dog
- White Swiss Shepherd Dog
- Dutch Schapendoes
- Dutch Shepherd Dog
- Saarloos Wolfhond
- Australian Shepherd
- Miniature American Shepherd
- Bohemian Shepherd Dog
- Lancashire Heeler
1.2 Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs)
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Bouvier des Ardennes
- Bouvier des Flandres
- Welsh Corgi (Cardigan)
- Welsh Corgi (Pembroke)
- Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
Group 2 : Pinschers, schnauzers, molossoids, Swiss cattle dogs (58 breeds)
1.1 Pinscher and Schnauzer type - Pinscher
- Austrian Pinscher
- Danish-Swedish Farmdog
- Affenpinscher
- Dobermann
- German Pinscher
- Miniature Pinscher
1.2 Pinscher and Schnauzer type - Schnauzer
- Giant Schnauzer
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Schnauzer
1.3 Pinscher and Schnauzer type - Smoushond
- Dutch Smoushond
1.4 Pinscher and Schnauzer type - Russian Black Terrier
- Russian Black Terrier
2.1 Molossian type - Mastiff type
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Shar Pei
- Broholmer
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- Boxer
- Great Dane
- Rottweiler
- Bulldog
- Bullmastiff
- Mastiff
- Italian Cane Corso
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Tosa
- Saint Miguel Cattle Dog
- Majorca Mastiff
- Presa Canario
- Cimarrón Uruguayo
- Brazilian Campeiro Bulldog
- Continental Bulldog
2.2 Molossian type - Mountain type
- Bosnian and Herzegovinian - Croatian Shepherd Dog
- Newfoundland
- Pyrenean Mountain Dog
- Hovawart
- Leonberger
- Landseer (European Continental Type)
- Atlas Mountain Dog (Aidi)
- Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog - Sharplanina
- Castro Laboreiro Dog
- Estrela Mountain Dog
- Rafeiro of Alentejo
- Romanian Bucovina Shepherd
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog
- Central Asia Shepherd Dog
- Karst Shepherd Dog
- Pyrenean Mastiff
- Spanish Mastiff
- St. Bernard
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Kangal Shepherd Dog
- Macedonian Shepherd Dog Karaman
- Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog
- Transmontano Mastiff
2.3 Swiss Mountain- and Cattledogs
- Appenzell Cattle Dog
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Entlebuch Cattle Dog
- Great Swiss Mountain Dog
Group 3 : Terriers (36 breeds)
3.1 Large and medium sized Terriers
- Brazilian Terrier
- German Hunting Terrier
- Airedale Terrier
- Bedlington Terrier
- Border Terrier
- Fox Terrier (Smooth)
- Fox Terrier (Wire)
- Lakeland Terrier
- Manchester Terrier
- Parson Russell Terrier
- Welsh Terrier
- Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier
- Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Irish Terrier
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Andalusian Terrier (Sherry Terrier)
- Valencian Terrier
3.2 Small sized Terriers
- Australian Terrier
- Czech Terrier
- Cairn Terrier
- Dandie Dinmont Terrier
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Norfolk Terrier
- Norwich Terrier
- Scottish Terrier
- Sealyham Terrier
- Skye Terrier
- West Highland White Terrier
- Japanese Terrier
3.3 Bull type Terriers
- Bull Terrier
- Miniature Bull Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
3.4 Toy Terriers
- Australian Silky Terrier
- English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan)
- Yorkshire Terrier
Group 4 : Dachshunds (1 breeds)
4.1 Dachshunds
- Dachshund
Group 5 : Spitz and primitive types (48 breeds)
5.1 Nordic Sledge Dogs
- Canadian Eskimo Dog
- Greenland Dog
- Samoyed
- Alaskan Malamute
- Siberian Husky
- Yakutian Laika
5.2 Nordic Hunting Dogs
- Finnish Spitz
- Karelian Bear Dog
- Norwegian Elkhound Black
- Norwegian Elkhound Grey
- Norwegian Lundehund
- East Siberian Laika
- Russian-European Laika
- West Siberian Laika
- Jämthund
- Norrbottenspitz
5.3 Nordic Watchdogs and Herders
- Finnish Lapponian Dog
- Lapponian Herder
- Icelandic Sheepdog
- Norwegian Buhund
- Swedish Lapphund
- Swedish Vallhund
5.4 European Spitz
- German Spitz
- Italian Volpino
5.5 Asian Spitz and related breeds
- Chow Chow
- Eurasian
- Akita
- American Akita
- Hokkaido
- Japanese Spitz
- Kai
- Kishu
- Shiba
- Shikoku
- Korea Jindo Dog
- Thai Bangkaew Dog
- Kintamani-Bali Dog
5.6 Primitive type
- Basenji
- Canaan Dog
- Pharaoh Hound
- Xoloitzcuintle
- Peruvian Hairless Dog
5.7 Primitive type - Hunting Dogs
- Cirneco dell'Etna
- Portuguese Warren Hound - Portuguese Podengo
- Canarian Warren Hound
- Ibizan Podenco
- Taiwan Dog
- Thai Ridgeback Dog
Group 6 : Scent hounds (75 breeds)
1.1 Scent hounds - Large-sized Hounds
- Bloodhound
- Brazilian Tracker
- Billy
- French Tricolour Hound
- French White & Black Hound
- French White and Orange Hound
- Gascon Saintongeois
- Grand Griffon Vendeen
- Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hound
- Great Anglo-French White & Orange Hound
- Great Anglo-French White and Black Hound
- Great Gascony Blue
- Poitevin
- English Foxhound
- Otterhound
- Polish Hound
- American Foxhound
- Black and Tan Coonhound
1.2 Scent hounds - Medium-sized Hounds
- Austrian Black and Tan Hound
- Coarse-haired Styrian Hound
- Tyrolean Hound
- Bosnian Broken-haired Hound - called Barak
- Istrian Short-haired Hound
- Istrian Wire-haired Hound
- Posavatz Hound
- Finnish Hound
- Ariegeois
- Artois Hound
- Beagle Harrier
- Blue Gascony Griffon
- Briquet Griffon Vendeen
- Fawn Brittany Griffon
- Griffon Nivernais
- Medium-sized Anglo-French Hound
- Porcelaine
- Small Blue Gascony
- Harrier
- Hellenic Hound
- Hungarian Hound - Transylvanian Scent Hound
- Italian Rough-haired Segugio
- Italian Short-haired Segugio
- Montenegrin Mountain Hound
- Halden Hound
- Hygen Hound
- Norwegian Hound
- Polish Hunting Dog
- Serbian Hound
- Serbian Tricolour Hound
- Slovakian Hound
- Spanish Hound
- Hamiltonstövare
- Schillerstövare
- Smålandsstövare
- Swiss Hound
- Colombian Fino Hound
- Appennine Hound - Italian Hare-hunting Dog
- Estonian Hound
- Segugio Maremmano
1.3 Scent hounds - Small-sized Hounds
- Basset Fauve de Bretagne
- Blue Gascony Basset
- Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
- Norman Artesien Basset
- Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
- German Hound
- Westphalian Dachsbracke
- Basset Hound
- Beagle
- Drever
- Small Swiss Hound
6.2 Leash (scent) Hounds
- Alpine Dachsbracke
- Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
- Hanoverian Scent Hound
- Tatra Hound
6.3 Related breeds
- Dalmatian
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
Group 7 : Pointing dogs (36 breeds)
1.1 Continental Pointing Dogs - Type "Braque"
- Old Danish Pointing Dog
- Ariège Pointing Dog
- Auvergne Pointer
- Bourbonnais Pointing Dog
- French Pointing Dog - Gascogne Type
- French Pointing Dog - Pyrenean Type
- Saint Germain Pointer
- Deutsch Stichelhaar
- German Short-haired Pointing Dog
- German Wire-haired Pointing Dog
- Pudelpointer
- Weimaraner
- Hungarian Short-haired Pointer (Vizsla)
- Hungarian Wire-haired Pointer
- Italian Pointing Dog
- Portuguese Pointing Dog
- Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer
- Burgos Pointing Dog
1.2 Continental Pointing Dogs - Type "Spaniel"
- Blue Picardy Spaniel
- Brittany Spaniel
- French Spaniel
- Picardy Spaniel
- Pont-Audemer Spaniel
- Deutsch Langhaar
- Kleiner Münsterländer
- Large Munsterlander
- Drentsche Partridge Dog
- Stabijhoun
1.3 Continental Pointing Dogs - Type "Griffon"
- Bohemian Wire-haired Pointing Griffon
- Wire-haired Pointing Griffon Korthals
- Italian Spinone
2.1 British and Irish Pointers and Setters - Pointer
- English Pointer
2.2 British and Irish Pointers and Setters - Setter
- English Setter
- Gordon Setter
- Irish Red and White Setter
- Irish Red Setter
Group 8 : Retrievers, flushing and water dogs (22 breeds)
8.1 Retrievers
- Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
- Curly Coated Retriever
- Flat Coated Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever
8.2 Flushing Dogs
- German Spaniel
- Clumber Spaniel
- English Cocker Spaniel
- English Springer Spaniel
- Field Spaniel
- Sussex Spaniel
- Welsh Springer Spaniel
- Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
- American Cocker Spaniel
8.3 Water Dogs
- French Water Dog
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Romagna Water Dog
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Spanish Water Dog
- Wetterhoun
- American Water Spaniel
Group 9 : Companion and toy dogs (27 breeds)
9.1 Bichons and related breeds
- Bichon Frise
- Maltese
- Havanese
- Bolognese
- Coton de Tulear
- Little Lion Dog
9.2 Poodle
- Poodle
9.3 Small Belgian Dogs
- Griffon Belge
- Griffon Bruxellois
- Petit Brabançon
9.4 Hairless Dogs
- Chinese Crested Dog
9.5 Tibetan breeds
- Lhasa Apso
- Shih Tzu
- Tibetan Spaniel
- Tibetan Terrier
9.6 Chihuahueño
- Chihuahua
9.7 English Toy Spaniels
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- King Charles Spaniel
9.8 Japan Chin and Pekingese
- Pekingese
- Japanese Chin
9.9 Continental Toy Spaniel and others
- Continental Toy Spaniel
- Russian Toy
- Prague Ratter
9.10 Kromfohrländer
- Kromfohrländer
9.11 Small Molossian type Dogs
- Pug
- French Bulldog
- Boston Terrier
Group 10 : Sighthounds (14 breeds)
10.1 Long-haired or fringed Sighthounds
- Afghan Hound
- Saluki
- Borzoi - Russian Hunting Sighthound
- Kazakh Tazy
10.2 Rough-haired Sighthounds
- Deerhound
- Irish Wolfhound
10.3 Short-haired Sighthounds
- Greyhound
- Whippet
- Hungarian Greyhound
- Italian Sighthound
- Azawakh
- Sloughi
- Polish Greyhound
- Spanish Greyhound
FCI nomenclature: 364 breeds, including provisionally recognised ones (in italics).
Key points
- The standard is written by the country of origin and published by the FCI.
- Always start with origin and use: they explain the rest.
- A disqualifying fault leads to disqualification.
4 correct answers out of 5 to pass the mission.
The quiz
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The international beauty champion title (C.I.B.) follows a general FCI rule. Adjust the counters to see whether the conditions are met.
C.I.B. simulator General FCI rule: 4 CACIBs, in 3 countries, under 3 judges, with at least one year and one day between the first and the last. Breeds subject to a working trial: 2 CACIBs, in 2 countries, under 2 judges, over a year and a day, plus a working trial result. Always check the current rules.
Titles, from most accessible to most prestigious National junior champion Depending on the country, a title for young dogs, won in the junior class.
National champion Awarded by the national club under its own rules (number of certificates, judges, time limits).
International champion (C.I.B.) Awarded by the FCI from CACIBs won in several countries.
Winner Titles from a specific show: World Winner, European Winner, or some yearly national titles.
Key points
- Each country sets the rules for its national champion title.
- The C.I.B. is based on CACIBs won in several countries, under several judges.
- A title must be applied for; it is not automatic.
4 correct answers out of 5 to pass the mission.
The quiz
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A CACIB in another country starts with the right paperwork. Tick your list before every trip.
Travel paperwork 0/8All set: have a good trip!
Differences to know Classes
FCI classes are similar, but ages and conditions can vary by country: read the show rules.
Language
Grades are given in the local language: Vorzüglich, Eccellente, Excelente all mean Excellent.
Entering
Each country has its own platform and payment methods. Closing dates are often earlier than you think.
Outside the EU
UK, Switzerland, Norway, Serbia…: check entry, return and customs rules well before you leave.
Key points
- Microchip, passport and a valid rabies vaccination are the basis of any trip in Europe.
- Some countries require a tapeworm treatment before entry.
- Always read the show and country rules.
4 correct answers out of 5 to pass the mission.
The quiz
Level complete: your diploma is ready.
MyDogShow Academy Diploma
awarded to
—
for passing level 5: Champion
Level 6
Ambassador
Take stock, pass it on and choose what comes next.
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You've seen it all: entering, the ring, critiques, titles. Final mission: take stock and decide what's next, for you and your dog.
My review 0/6Well done: you are ready for your Ambassador diploma.
What next? A new title
National champion, C.I.B., Winner: set the next step.
Mentor a beginner
Explain the ring to a new exhibitor, as someone did for you.
Become a handler
Show other people's dogs: MyHandler opens in 2027.
Go further
Breeding, breed clubs, official training: the purebred-dog world is vast.
Key points
- Your dog's welfare comes before any result.
- A good exhibitor passes on what they have learnt.
- Every season starts with a new goal.
4 correct answers out of 5 to pass the mission.
The quiz
Level complete: your diploma is ready.
MyDogShow Academy Diploma
awarded to
—
for passing level 6: Ambassador