Level 1Beginner
Junior class: a new step in the ring
The answer
Your dog is growing up, the presentation is improving and new awards are within reach.
The Junior class is for dogs from nine months to under eighteen months. It is open even for a first show: no previous time in Baby or Puppy is required.
Your companion enters with his age, not a diploma of experience!
Which age counts for entry?
The dog's age on the day he is shown.
| Age on the day of showing | Situation |
|---|---|
| Exactly 9 months | Enters Junior |
| 12 months | Junior class open |
| 16 months | Choice between Junior, Intermediate and Open |
| Exactly 18 months | Junior class finished |
The classes overlap from fifteen months. You still choose just one class for the individual entry at that show.
What does this class change in the judging?
In Junior, your dog leaves behind the "Promising" assessments used for puppies. The FCI rules provide in particular for the grades Excellent, Very Good, Good and Sufficient; depending on the situation, a dog can also be disqualified or be unable to be judged.
The judge assesses his conformity to the standard, his condition and his presentation. Your dog must be able to move and let himself be examined enough to allow this assessment.
Keep a sense of perspective, though: the judging concerns the dog shown on that day. It does not describe his whole personality and does not predict each of his future results.
Grade and placing: two different pieces of information
A result such as "2nd Excellent" contains two indications:
- Excellent: the grade given to the dog.
- 2nd: his place among the competitors in his class.
Several dogs can receive Excellent. A good grade therefore does not guarantee first place.
Which awards are within reach?
| Award | Where can it be awarded? |
|---|---|
| CACS-J | Within the applicable French national framework |
| CACIB-J | At an FCI international show |
SCC Expo (the French kennel club's online entry platform) states that a 1st Excellent is needed to access these Junior awards.
For the CACIB-J, the FCI adds that the award depends on the quality of the dog: it is not automatic, even with this result. There is no reserve CACIB-J.
A junior can also go forward to the Best of Breed competition, subject to the conditions in the regulations. He can therefore be compared with adults at this stage.
Receiving a Junior certificate is not enough, on its own, to become a champion. A title requires meeting its conditions and following the corresponding confirmation procedure.
How do you prepare for the run?
Work on three simple things: natural movement, a short stack and acceptance of handling.
Gradually vary the places where you train. In the ring, stay attentive to your dog: aim for a clear, comfortable presentation, with encouragement and suitable breaks.
Beginner — three tips to get started
- Check the age on the date of the show. Having reached eighteen months means Junior is no longer open.
- Read the result in two parts. Separate the grade from the place obtained.
- Prepare a simple goal. A calm run and an examination accepted are already progress.
Intermediate — three tips to progress
- Work on transitions. Move calmly from movement to the stack.
- Reread the judge's comments. Pick one concrete point to improve for the next outing.
- Check what follows the judging. If your dog is called back for a comparison, find out the time and the ring.
Advanced — three tips to plan what comes next
- Compare the classes open after fifteen months. Choose according to your goal and the conditions of the event.
- Keep proof of your awards. Note the show, the judge, the date and the certificate obtained.
- Check the regulations for the title you are aiming for. Don't confuse an award in the ring with a confirmed title.