Level 1Beginner
Champion class: a title in the bag, and the adventure goes on!
The answer
Has your dog earned a champion title? Congratulations to you both! He can now enter a class reserved for dogs that already hold a title, provided his title is one of those accepted.
The champion class admits officially recognised champions. A collection of rosettes or a fine win is therefore not enough to enter.
What are the entry conditions?
The dog must be at least 15 months old on the day he is judged and hold an eligible title that has already been officially recognised by the closing date for entries. A copy of the supporting document must accompany the entry.
Recognition (homologation) is the official validation of the title by the competent body.
Example: Nala has just earned the last award needed for her championship. Her file has been sent, but her title has not yet been recognised by the closing date for entries. She cannot yet be entered in the champion class on the strength of that title.
Which titles give access?
For international shows governed by the FCI, the accepted titles include, among others:
- International Beauty Champion — CIB;
- International Show Champion — CIE;
- certain national beauty or show champion titles, depending on the country and the conditions set out in the regulations.
A junior, veteran or club champion title is not enough, on its own, to open access to this class under this list. Check the exact name of the title: the word “champion” can refer to several different titles.
What can a dog win in the champion class?
In France, this class does not give access to the CACS, the Certificat d’aptitude de conformité au standard (the French certificate of aptitude for conformity to the standard).
At an international show, it allows the dog to compete for the CACIB, the Certificate of Aptitude for International Beauty Championship, against the intermediate, open and working classes. The dog must get a 1st Excellent to enter the contest; the certificate remains at the judge’s discretion.
The champion therefore continues to be assessed at every outing. His title tells his story; his presentation on the day still counts!
Three tips to progress
Beginner — Check the title, not just the results. Before entering, check the exact name of the title, its recognition date and that you have the supporting document. Keep a legible copy on your phone.
Intermediate — Keep up your good habits. Even a ring regular benefits from short rehearsals: a few steps at a trot, a relaxed stack and an examination calmly accepted. Maintain these skills without piling on sessions.
Advanced — Choose your outings according to your goal. If you are working towards an international championship, check the conditions for the title you are after before building your calendar. In France, entering the champion class will not let you earn an extra CACS.