How do you choose the right class?

The right method comes down to three questions: how old will your dog be at the show? Does it have the required supporting documents? What is your goal?

This guide covers shows in France. The FCI rules cited apply to international CACIB shows; for a national show, also check the event's regulations.

1. Start with its age

At an FCI international show, calculate the age on the day your dog will be shown, not on the day you enter.

Here are the main benchmarks:

These thresholds appear in the FCI regulations and in the classes section of the official Limoges 2026 sheet. For dogs under six months, the FCI specifies, among other things, that puppies must be properly vaccinated.

“Under” really matters: at exactly 18 months, the junior class is no longer available; at exactly 24 months, the intermediate class no longer is.

2. Several classes possible? That's normal!

The age ranges overlap. Here are a few examples, with no champion title and no working certificate:

These possibilities follow from the age limits: the open class has no upper limit. Reaching eight years old makes the veteran class available, without automatically making it the required choice.

For a first experience at 16 months, the junior class can be a simple choice if you want to start among young dogs. Intermediate is another option if you already want to take part in an adult class.

This is practical advice: none of these classes guarantees easier competition or a better result.

3. Check the conditions for special classes

The working class does not mean “my dog does an activity”. At an FCI international show, the breed must be eligible and a copy of the appropriate WCC certificate must accompany the entry.

The champion class requires a title accepted by the regulations, confirmed no later than the official closing date, with proof. A junior or veteran title, or a simple win, is not enough on its own.

If you're unsure, give the organiser the exact name of the title or certificate before you pay.

4. Choose according to your goal, too

To get to know the show, go for a simple choice among the available classes, then concentrate on preparing your dog.

If you're aiming for a particular award, check which classes can compete for it:

• Adult CACS in France: intermediate, open and working.
• Adult CACIB: intermediate, open, working and champion.
• The junior and veteran classes have their own specific awards.

The official Limoges sheet details these distinctions. Being entered in an eligible class, of course, does not guarantee the award.

Beginner — three tips

1. Write the date of birth and the date of judging side by side. Work out the age before opening the form.
2. Don't choose based on your own experience. “Intermediate” describes a dog's age range, not your handling level.
3. Ask for help with precise information. Give the date of birth, the show and any titles.

Intermediate — three tips

1. Compare the options when ages overlap. Decide according to your goal, rather than looking for a supposedly “easy” class.
2. Recalculate for each show. Two shows close together can fall on either side of a birthday.
3. Check that the summary is consistent. The class chosen must match the age and the documents submitted.

Advanced — three tips

1. Link the choice to your path towards titles. Check the award you are after and its specific regulations.
2. Plan ahead for confirmations and certificates. A document still pending can rule out the class you intended.
3. Finalise before the closing date. At an FCI international show, changing class after closing is prohibited, except in the case of an administrative error by the organiser.

Sources

• FCI: Dog Show Regulations (PDF)
• Limoges 2026 shows: entry form and extracts from the regulations (PDF, in French)