Champion dog: new goals

After the title, choosing what comes next

The title has been ratified. You look at the certificate, then at your dog, who mostly seems to be waiting for its walk. An important milestone has been passed… so what now?

You can go after another title, pick a few lovely shows, fine-tune your presentation or share your experience.

The next goal should interest you and remain suitable for your dog.

1. Taking stock before setting off again

Before looking at the next dates, take a moment to look back at how far you've come:

• Which events did you particularly enjoy?
• What have you learned about your dog?
• Which movements were difficult?
• What pace do you want to keep?

The title brings recognition. It doesn't oblige you to fill a new season straight away.

You can decide to go out less often, being more selective about your events.

2. Checking access to the Champion class

At FCI shows with CACIB, the Champion class is open from 15 months, provided the dog holds an eligible title ratified no later than the official closing date for entries. The supporting document must accompany the entry.

Careful: not every title containing the word "champion" automatically gives access to this class. Check the regulatory list; a Junior title is not enough on its own.

Your new status therefore requires an administrative check before your first entry in this class.

3. Choosing a new, concrete goal

Choose one priority. You can then select the outings that fit it.

4. Considering another title methodically

A national title does not automatically turn into an international title. The conditions of each route must be met. The FCI regulations distinguish in particular between the International Beauty Champion and the International Show Champion.

Before booking a trip, note down:

• The certificates needed.
• The countries, judges and time limits required.
• The eligibility conditions.
• Any working requirements.
• The ratification procedure.

For a title awarded by another country, consult the national canine organisation concerned.

The right question: "What would this new step bring to our journey?"

5. Aiming for Best of Breed without taking it for granted

Best of Breed, often called BOB, is an award separate from the champion title.

Under the FCI framework, it is awarded according to the arrangements set out in the show's regulations. Winning the Champion class therefore does not automatically give the BOB.

Your dog will be judged afresh on the day of the event. Its title guarantees neither a first place nor a certificate.

Also keep a presentation goal: you will be able to recognise a successful turn even if the award you hoped for goes to another dog.

6. Deepening your knowledge of the dog for breeding

If your plans involve breeding, the title enriches the information available about your dog. It is not enough to choose a mate or to guarantee the qualities of its offspring.

Weigh the assessments against health, ancestry, temperament and the breed club's criteria.

LOF Select lets you consult in particular the pedigree, DNA and health, show, breeding use and offspring data recorded by the Centrale Canine (the French kennel club).

A new goal can be to understand this information better before making a breeding decision.

Beginner: three tips after a first title

1. Check the ratification and the supporting documents. Keep the official documents and check the conditions for your next entry class.
2. Choose just one new priority. Another title, a better presentation or a few relaxed outings: start with whatever motivates you most.
3. Keep watching your dog. Its experience and track record are no substitute for assessing how comfortable it is now.

Intermediate: three tips for renewing your route

1. Select events that bring something. A meeting, an assessment or a regulatory step: give each entry a specific reason.
2. Maintain what you've achieved with short sessions. Work on one useful detail without multiplying repetitions just because your dog is now a champion.
3. Set a new budget. Assess the cost of the next project separately from what has already been spent on the title won.

Advanced: three tips for keeping it meaningful

1. Re-examine each international project. Check its regulatory usefulness, its logistics and the demands it places on your dog.
2. Share concrete pointers with beginners. Explain your preparation, your useful mistakes and your organisation, without presenting your journey as a universal recipe.
3. Define the conditions for a break. Difficult recovery, reduced availability or loss of interest: plan how to adapt the calendar. Welfare remains the priority at the FCI shows concerned.

Your next step

Complete this sentence:

"Now that the title is won, I'd like to… because…"

Then note:

• What this goal will bring us: …
• The conditions to check: …
• The budget and pace that are acceptable: …
• The date of our next review: …

Your dog can keep showing its qualities, discover other activities or enjoy a lighter programme. The choice of what comes next is yours.

Sources

• FCI: Dog Show Regulations (PDF)
• FCI: Regulations for the FCI International Championship (PDF)