Level 3Experienced
Understanding grades at dog shows
The answer
"Excellent", "Very Good", "Promising"… These words have a precise meaning. The grade expresses the assessment of the dog against its breed standard. It should be read together with the judge's comments.
Here are the key points, within the framework of international shows governed by the FCI.
Grades from the Junior class onwards
They apply to the Junior, Intermediate, Open, Working, Champion and Veteran classes.
| Grade | How to understand it |
|---|---|
| Excellent | A dog very close to the ideal, harmonious, in excellent condition and with a balanced temperament. Minor imperfections may be tolerated. |
| Very Good | A dog clearly typical of its breed, with balanced proportions and in correct condition. A few minor faults are allowed, excluding faults of conformation. |
| Good | A dog with the essential characteristics of the breed, whose qualities outweigh its faults. |
| Sufficient | A dog recognisable in its type, but without particularly striking qualities or presented in insufficient condition. |
"Very Good" recognises a quality dog. To understand what sets it apart from "Excellent", look at the judge's comments.
Two results to tell apart
Disqualified applies in particular to aggressive behaviour, a non-conformity set out in the regulations or a fault leading to exclusion under the standard.
Cannot be judged applies in particular where an examination has been made impossible: constant refusal of handling or movements that cannot be assessed. This entry also applies to certain infringements, such as double handling.
In both cases, the reason must be stated in the report.
Puppy grades
The FCI Minor Puppy and Puppy classes use special grades.
| Grade | How to understand it |
|---|---|
| Very Promising | A puppy that is very close to the standard, taking its age into account. |
| Promising | A well-typed, balanced puppy in good condition, assessed according to its age. |
| Less Promising | In the current FCI regulations, a result provided for in particular for certain non-conformities, aggressive behaviour or faults leading to exclusion. |
A favourable result for a puppy does not guarantee its future results. It tells you what the judge is seeing at this stage.
For a national show, also check the rules of the organiser and of the country's canine organisation.
Grade, placing and award
These pieces of information complement each other:
- Excellent indicates a grade.
- 2nd Excellent adds second place in the class.
- CACIB denotes a separate award, subject to its own conditions.
The FCI regulations place the four best dogs in each class, provided they have at least "Very Good". Getting "Excellent" therefore does not guarantee first place.
An example to help you read the result
Fictional situation.
Your dog receives "Very Good", with positive comments on its head and proportions, along with a reservation about its condition.
The right approach is to understand that reservation and relate it to the other observations. The grade alone does not tell you what training to undertake.
Nine tips to make progress
These tips are practical suggestions, separate from regulatory obligations.
Beginner — Reading without getting lost
- Identify the class you entered. You will know which vocabulary of grades applies to your dog's turn.
- Read the comments together with the result. Note the qualities recognised and the reservations, rather than stopping at the grade alone.
- Ask for unfamiliar terms to be explained. Someone knowledgeable in your breed can help you understand a technical phrase or an abbreviation.
Intermediate — Turning the result into learning
- Find the relevant sections of the standard. Link the observations on the head, body or movement to the requirements of your breed.
- Choose a concrete priority. If the presentation is the issue, work on one specific point: a steadier stack, a better-followed path or a more regular gait.
- Keep the context of the judging. Note the date, class, judge and conditions of the turn along with the report.
Advanced — Analysing with perspective
- Compare several reports. Look for the observations that keep coming back, taking the dog's development into account.
- Separate what you can work on from anatomical characteristics. Improving cooperation in the ring and understanding a deviation in construction call for different approaches.
- Check the texts before each new season. Consult the applicable regulations and the current standard, especially when the provisions have changed.
The point to remember
The grade becomes really useful when it comes with a careful reading of the comments. It helps you understand the judge's assessment and prepare what comes next with realistic goals.