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Minimum age to take part
The answer
How old does a dog need to be to take its first steps in the ring?
Your puppy walks proudly on the lead and you want to discover dog shows together. In France, it can start from four months old at a show that offers the Baby class. This class is optional: check that it appears on the entry form.
Four months is an entry possibility, not an appointment you must not miss. You can wait until your puppy is more at ease.
Baby, Puppy, Junior: each in its own category
Here are the first guidelines for choosing a class:
| Class | Dog’s age on the day of judging |
|---|---|
| Baby, in France | From 4 months to under 6 months, if offered |
| Puppy | From 6 months to under 9 months |
| Junior | From 9 months to under 18 months |
| Intermediate | From 15 months to under 24 months |
| Open | From 15 months |
| Veteran | From 8 years |
Classes can overlap: at sixteen months, several choices are possible. The working and champion classes, open from fifteen months under the FCI regulations, also require specific supporting documents.
Age is counted on the day of the show
The date that matters is the day your dog is shown, not the day you fill in the form or pay the entry fee.
Take an example: your puppy was born on 10 January.
- On 9 July, it is not yet six months old: it belongs in the Baby class if offered.
- On 10 July, it reaches six months: it belongs in the Puppy class.
For a show held over several days, use the date scheduled for your dog’s judging.
Abroad, check the local conditions
The FCI international regulations provide for a Minor Puppy class for correctly vaccinated puppies under six months. On that line, they do not set a universal minimum age of four months: check the conditions of the organiser and of the host country.
Think about travel rules too. Being old enough for a class is not enough to meet the entry conditions for another country.
Taking part and being confirmed: two different stages
Your puppy can discover dog shows well before the age of confirmation. Confirmation is not compulsory to take part, subject to the other admission conditions.
MyDogShow tip: check the minimum confirmation age for your breed: it comes much later than the first shows, and is sometimes higher for certain large breeds. Your puppy can therefore start in Baby without being able to be confirmed at that age.
A first outing should stay enjoyable
Before entering your puppy, watch it: does it accept the lead, the presence of strangers and light handling without feeling overwhelmed?
Prepare it gradually and plan for rest. The aim of that first day can simply be to discover the venue and have a good time together.
Beginner — three tips to get started
- Check that the Baby class is offered. Not every show lists it.
- Work out the age on the day of judging. Use the date of birth shown on the documents.
- Choose according to how comfortable it is. You are not obliged to start at four months.
Intermediate — three tips to prepare the entry
- Watch for class changes. A six- or nine-month birthday can fall between the entry and the show.
- Get it used to handling gently. Do short sessions, with breaks.
- Check its health preparation. Ask the vet whether its protection is suitable for this outing.
Advanced — three tips to plan ahead
- Plan the classes for each date. Do not automatically reuse the one from the previous show.
- Check the rules abroad. The class offered and the travel conditions must both be met.
- Keep the show calendar separate from the confirmation one. The required age is not the same.