Level 1Beginner
Special cases to know about
The answer
Does your dog’s age match a class? That’s a good start! But some situations need an extra check before you enter. Here are the main ones, so you can prepare your outing without nasty surprises.
1. My dog isn’t confirmed yet
Confirmation is not compulsory to take part in a show. For an international show, the dog must, among other things, be registered in a recognised stud book, such as the French LOF (the French stud book).
Mind the difference: “not confirmed” and “without pedigree papers” are not the same situation.
A young dog with its LOF birth certificate can therefore discover the ring before being confirmed.
2. Its birthday falls between entry and the show
Work out its age on the day of judging. For two separate shows held on the same weekend, check each date: the eligible class may change between the two.
Your entry form must anticipate that birthday; don’t wait until the day of the show to ask for a change.
3. It has just earned a title or a qualification
Results do not replace supporting documents:
- Champion class: the title must be eligible and homologated (officially confirmed) within the regulatory deadlines.
- Working class: the official certificate must have been obtained before the final closing date for entries.
A file that has merely been sent, or a validation that is still awaited, is not enough.
4. My bitch is in season, pregnant or nursing
These situations do not all follow the same rule.
| Situation | Point to check |
|---|---|
| Season | The FCI allows participation, unless the organiser’s rules forbid it. |
| Nursing or having her puppies with her | Exclusion provided for by the FCI regulations. |
| Visible pregnancy | Some French regulations, such as those of the 2025 French Championship, provide for refusal by the veterinary service. |
So read the event’s rules before you enter.
5. My male is neutered or has a testicular particularity
A testicular abnormality can lead to disqualification.
MyDogShow tip: if your male has been surgically neutered or has a testicular particularity, check with your breed club before entering him: he may not meet the requirements of his breed.
The veteran class does not remove this condition. Don’t assume that a vet’s certificate will allow an exemption.
6. My dog has cropped ears or a docked tail
These two situations are not interchangeable. The rules of the 2025 French Championship recall that dogs with cropped ears, including imported dogs, are barred from SCC events (the SCC is the Société Centrale Canine, the French kennel club).
For a docked tail, check the rules that apply to the breed, the country and the event. The FCI regulations require the relevant legislation to be taken into account: being admitted in one country does not guarantee admission elsewhere.
7. Its breed is only provisionally recognised by the FCI
Taking part and earning every award are two different things. A provisionally recognised breed can compete for Best of Breed, but cannot earn the CACIB.
Before building a championship path, check the breed’s exact recognition status and the certificates available to it.
Three tips to progress
Beginner — Describe your situation precisely. Instead of asking “Can my dog come?”, state its age at judging, its pedigree papers and the particularity concerned.
Intermediate — Get a written answer before you pay. For an unusual case, contact the organiser with the relevant supporting documents and keep their reply.
Advanced — Check admission, class and awards separately. A dog can be admitted to the show without being eligible for a particular class or for certain certificates. Check all three points for every event.