Level 3Experienced
1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th: what do these places mean?
The answer
The judge invites you to go to the "2" board with your dog. Good news: you have just won second place in your class! But what exactly does that number tell you?
Four places to separate the dogs
In the class placings, dogs are compared within their breed or variety, their class and their sex.
| Place | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1st | The dog the judge puts at the head of this class. |
| 2nd | The dog placed just behind the first. |
| 3rd | The third dog selected in the placings. |
| 4th | The fourth dog selected, the last place in the class placings. |
These places apply to this particular comparison, not to the show as a whole.
The number and the grade are read together
The place shows a position among the competitors. The grade expresses the assessment of the dog against his breed standard.
So "3rd Excellent" means: third in his class, with the grade Excellent.
A little ringside scene
Imagine five dogs that all get Excellent:
- Tao: 1st Excellent
- Milo: 2nd Excellent
- Jazz: 3rd Excellent
- Ugo: 4th Excellent
- Newton: Excellent, unplaced
Newton keeps his Excellent: he simply isn't among the first four.
The four places don't have to be filled
In classes using the grades Excellent, Very Good, Good and Sufficient, you need at least Very Good to be placed.
A dog on his own in a class who receives Good therefore doesn't automatically become first. Puppy classes use specific grades.
And note: first place does not guarantee a CACIB. Likewise, second place doesn't automatically mean "Reserve CACIB".
Three tips, depending on your level
Beginner — Remember both pieces of information. When you announce the result, say "4th Excellent" rather than just "fourth". The grade counts too!
Intermediate — Keep the context. Note how many dogs were there and the judge's comments. "Second out of two" and "second out of twelve" tell you different things when you follow your progress.
Advanced — Turn the comments into training. Choose a concrete point to work on: a steadier gait, a natural stance or a calmer examination. The placing gives a result; the observations help you prepare for the next outing.