Disqualifying faults: understanding what leads to exclusion

A disqualifying fault is a characteristic that the standard states leads to exclusion. To understand a decision, you need to read the official text for the breed and the regulations applicable to the class.

Where do you find the list?

In the standard, look for the section “Disqualifying faults”, sometimes called “Eliminating faults” or “Faults leading to exclusion”.

Don't confuse it with the sections “Faults” or “Serious faults”. A serious fault is not automatically disqualifying.

Your first reflex: find the exact wording, with any thresholds and exceptions.

What does the judge check?

Depending on the breed and the regulatory provisions, the examination may cover, among other things:

The dentition and the alignment of the jaws.
The colour or characteristics of the coat.
The height, where an exclusion threshold is provided.
Certain anatomical features.
Behaviour.

This list points to areas to check, not a universal list of disqualifying faults.

The judge observes, examines and, where necessary, measures to determine whether the characteristic found matches the case set out in the text.

Three examples that show why the words matter

A colour: white

The German Shepherd Dog standard lists a white coat among the faults leading to exclusion.

In the White Swiss Shepherd Dog, white is precisely the colour that is required!

A colour is always assessed within the standard of the breed concerned.

A tooth: which one is missing?

In the German Shepherd Dog, the absence of a canine is among the faults leading to exclusion. The text also details other absences and combinations of teeth.

Saying “a tooth is missing” isn't enough: you need to identify the tooth and consult the exact provision.

A height: how far over?

The German Shepherd Dog standard provides for exclusion for a deviation of more than one centimetre above or below the prescribed height.

The White Swiss Shepherd Dog standard specifies that well-typed individuals slightly outside the range must not be eliminated.

Being outside a range does not automatically have the same consequence in every breed.

What is the effect on the result?

In classes using the grades “Excellent” to “Disqualified”, the FCI regulations provide for “Disqualified” for a fault leading to exclusion. The dog's other qualities cannot override this.

The reason must be recorded in the judge's report.

Special case for puppies: the current regulations provide for “Less promising” in these situations in the Minor Puppy and Puppy classes.

And “Cannot be judged”?

This mention applies in particular where an examination is made impossible, for example by constant refusal of handling.

The distinction is essential: finding a disqualifying fault and being unable to examine the dog are two different situations.

Nine tips to prepare well

These tips are practical suggestions; they do not replace the official texts.

Beginner — Finding the right information

Read the exclusion section before you enter. You'll know which points are worth checking and avoid the interpretations you hear at ringside.
Get unfamiliar terms explained. Someone knowledgeable about your breed can help you understand the anatomical descriptions and dental abbreviations.
Get your dog used to the examination. Gradually prepare for the presentation of the teeth and touching the body, with short, pleasant sessions.

Intermediate — Checking precisely

Respect the thresholds and the nuances. “More than”, “totally” or a precise combination of missing teeth: each word can change how the text is read.
Don't draw conclusions from a photo. The angle, the light and the position can distort the impression. Have the point in question checked in suitable conditions.
Re-read the reason recorded after the judging. Find the corresponding passage in the standard. If the wording is still unclear, ask for an explanation where the organisation allows it.

Advanced — Building a rigorous preparation

Make a sheet specific to your breed and variety. Note the faults leading to exclusion, the thresholds and the exceptions, with the date of the standard used.
Check for updates and the class you've entered. Make sure your documents match the date of the show and the grades that apply.
Present the dog without concealing its characteristics. Work on cooperation and presentation. The regulations also penalise interventions or treatments intended to deceive the judge.

The benchmark to remember

The right question is: “Does this point correspond exactly to a case of exclusion provided for this breed?” Reading, checking and understanding lets you approach the show with more realistic expectations.