Level 1Beginner
How does the awards system work?
The answer
"Excellent", "first", "CACS", "Best of Breed"… At a show, several results can add up on the same sheet.
Each one answers a different question: what assessment does the dog receive, what place does he get, and what distinctions does he win?
1. The grade: the assessment of the dog
The judge examines your dog against his breed standard and gives him a grade.
Among the grades you will come across:
| Grade | In plain terms |
|---|---|
| Excellent — EXC | The dog comes very close to the ideal standard and shows great qualities. |
| Very Good — VG | The dog is a quality specimen, well typed, with a few accepted imperfections. |
| Good — G | The dog has the main characteristics of his breed. |
For the Baby and Puppy classes, assessments adapted to young dogs are used: Very Promising, Promising or Less Promising.
Several dogs can receive the same grade: "Excellent" does not necessarily mean "first".
Centrale Canine (the French kennel club) — Les expositions, section on grades.
2. The placing: your position among the competitors
The judge then compares the dogs in the class. Under the FCI rules, the best four can be placed if they have received at least Very Good.
Fictional example: Oslo receives "2nd Excellent". His grade is Excellent; his place is second in his class.
FCI — Dog Show Regulations, section 6, pages 9 and 10 (PDF).
3. Certificates: an extra distinction
Depending on the show and the class, some dogs can compete for:
- The CACS, the French national certificate.
- The CACIB, the FCI international certificate.
- Their reserves: RCACS and RCACIB.
The Junior and Veteran classes also have their own specific certificates.
Finishing first with an Excellent does not guarantee a certificate. Whether it is awarded depends on the applicable rules and on the judge's assessment.
Centrale Canine — Les expositions, sections on the CACS, CACIB and Junior and Veteran certificates.
4. Best of Breed: a new comparison
Dogs selected from the relevant categories are compared to choose the Best of Breed, often called BOB, for Best of Breed.
The BOS, Best of Opposite Sex, is the best dog of the opposite sex to the BOB.
FCI — Dog Show Regulations, section 7, page 12: BOB and BOS (PDF).
5. The finals: from group to show
The Best of Breed winners can go on to the ring of honour for the selection of the best in their FCI group.
The group winners then take part in the Best in Show final, or BIS, Best in Show. Specific finals may also be held for juniors, puppies or veterans.
Centrale Canine — Les expositions canines, presentation of the final selections (PDF); FCI — Dog Show Regulations, page 12: ring of honour competitions (PDF).
What about cups, rosettes and titles?
Cups, rosettes and prizes give physical form to some awards, depending on what the organiser provides. To understand your dog's result, look above all at the official entries on his documents.
A championship title requires meeting its own conditions and then getting it validated. A cup, a certificate or even a BIS does not automatically mean a championship has been confirmed.
Beginner: reading your first result
- Separate grade and placing. "Excellent" describes the assessment; "second" gives the place.
- Ask whether your dog needs to come back. Don't leave the ring without knowing what might follow.
- Keep your judging sheet. The comments will help you understand the result.
Intermediate: following the comparisons
- Spot the certificates available to your class. Check the regulations before the day.
- Plan a break after each run. Your dog may be called back for another selection.
- Note down results precisely. Avoid summing up the whole day as "he won".
Advanced: making the most of results
- Link each certificate to the title you are aiming for. Check that it counts and which conditions remain.
- Analyse recurring critiques. They give you leads beyond the placing.
- Plan for the finals. Organise rest, water and preparation so your dog stays available.
These nine tips are practical suggestions. The awards programme depends on the type of show and its regulations.
Illustration caption: individual examination, comparison within the class and presentation in the ring of honour.