Level 3Experienced
Certificates: understanding the little letters that count
The answer
"1st Excellent, CACS, CACIB…" On a results card, the abbreviations soon pile up! A certificate is an official award given under precise conditions. It can count towards a path to a champion title.
But each certificate has its own role: here is how to recognise them.
The French certificates
CACS stands for Certificat d'Aptitude de Conformité au Standard (Certificate of Aptitude of Conformity to the Standard, the French national certificate). The standard is the official text that describes the characteristics expected of a breed.
| Certificate | Classes concerned |
|---|---|
| CACS | Intermediate, open and working |
| CACS-J — Junior version | Junior |
| CACS-V — Veteran version | Veteran |
The champion class does not give access to the French CACS.
For the CACS-J and CACS-V, the dog must get 1st Excellent and be considered by the judge to be of superior quality. Awarding is not automatic. There is no reserve CACS-J or CACS-V.
The international certificates
CACIB stands for Certificate of Aptitude for the FCI International Beauty Championship.
| Certificate | Classes concerned |
|---|---|
| CACIB | Intermediate, open, working and champion |
| CACIB-J — Junior version | Junior |
| CACIB-V — Veteran version | Veteran |
These certificates require a 1st Excellent in the corresponding class, though this placing does not guarantee them. The judge also assesses the quality of the dog.
There is no reserve CACIB-J or CACIB-V.
And what about reserves?
RCACS stands for Reserve CACS; RCACIB, Reserve CACIB.
A second place in a class does not automatically give a reserve. For the RCACIB, the judge compares the eligible dogs that received Excellent; the second Excellent from the class of the CACIB winner may join this comparison.
An illustration for reading the result properly
Imagine Oslo's results card:
1st: his place in his class. Excellent: his grade. CACS: his national certificate. CACIB: his international certificate.
A dog can receive both CACS and CACIB at the same international show in France, if the conditions are met. These two certificates are separate awards.
Certificate won… champion in the making!
A certificate is a step, not a champion title in itself.
The title being aimed for has its own rules: results needed, judges, time limits and any additional requirements. The CACIB proposed at the show is also subject to confirmation by the FCI.
Think of a travel diary: each certificate bears witness to a stage, but you need to check the route to reach the title you want!
Three tips for improving
Beginner — Photograph your documents. Keep the card and the judge's report together. You will easily find the complete result.
Intermediate — Create your tracking table. Note the date, the show, the class, the judge and the certificate won. One line per show is enough.
Advanced — Check the title's conditions before you enter. Consult the official rules and your breed club's requirements. You will then be able to choose shows that suit your goal.