Level 3Experienced
I don't understand the result: how do I decode it?
The answer
“2nd Excellent”, “RCACIB”, “Very Promising”… You leave with a result that looks like a coded message!
To understand it, read it in parts: the assessment of the dog, its place in the class, then any awards. Here are nine tips to find your way.
Beginner — Reading the basic information
1. Check that the result matches your dog
Look at the official name, the exhibitor number, the class and the date. A mix-up of documents can happen, especially when you are showing several dogs.
The right habit: check these details before trying to interpret the terms.
2. Spot the grade
“Excellent”, “Very Good”, “Good” or “Sufficient” express the judge's assessment according to the regulatory criteria. For the Puppy and Minor Puppy classes, the FCI uses grades such as “Very Promising”. [1]
Remember: the grade and the place in the class give two different pieces of information.
3. Read the placing separately
In “2nd Excellent”, Excellent is the grade and 2nd the place in the class. It does not mean second in the whole show. [1]
The practical tip: restate the result in a full sentence before sharing it.
Intermediate — Understanding the awards
1. Don't infer an award from the placing alone
A “1st Excellent” does not guarantee the CACIB. The FCI regulations state that its award is not automatic. [1]
The right habit: only note the awards actually shown or confirmed.
2. Decode abbreviations in context
Here are some pointers:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CACIB | The FCI's Certificate of Aptitude for International Beauty Championship |
| RCACIB | Reserve CACIB |
| CACIB-J | CACIB for the Junior class |
| CACIB-V | CACIB for the Veteran class |
These awards are separate from the grade and the placing. [1]
The practical tip: if a national abbreviation appears on the document, check the rules of the country concerned.
3. Ask for a precise explanation
If the judge's comments are available, pick out the terms you don't understand. Ask for clarification when the judge is available, without interrupting an examination.
The useful phrase: “Could you explain what you mean by this comment on the gaits?”
Advanced — Using the result to progress
1. Choose a concrete goal
After reading the comments, separate out what you can work on in the presentation: start, pace, stop or preparation for the examination. Choose just one goal for the next sessions.
Example: ask an experienced person to help you compare the comment on movement with a short video of the run.
2. Distinguish a data-entry error from a disagreement
If the recorded result doesn't match your proof, ask for a correction.
MyDogShow tip: send a copy of your proof to the department in charge of results; if the show isn't run by the entry platform, contact the organiser directly.
The useful detail: keep a legible photo of the card, slip or report you received.
3. Check the conditions before talking about a title
An award won at a show isn't enough to announce a champion title. Check the applicable conditions and validation procedure.
Under the FCI system, the judge's decisions on grades, awards and placings are final and not open to appeal. [1]
Your benchmark: understanding the assessment, correcting any administrative error and preparing what comes next are three different steps.
A result becomes more useful when it helps you know what was appreciated and what you can prepare better.