Level 3Experienced
International titles: a path beyond borders
The answer
Is your dog getting results in several countries? He can work towards an FCI international champion title — the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.
In the show ring, the main titles are the C.I.B., the C.I.E., the C.I.B.-J and the C.I.B.-V. The right path depends, among other things, on the breed and the dog’s age.
Adult titles: Beauty or Show?
Here are the general conditions, excluding exemptions officially granted by the FCI:
| Title | Dogs concerned | Results required |
|---|---|---|
| C.I.B. — International Beauty Champion | Breeds not subject to a working trial | 4 CACIBs, in 3 countries, under 3 different judges |
| C.I.B. — International Beauty Champion | Breeds subject to a working trial | 2 CACIBs, in 2 countries, under 2 different judges, plus the required working trial |
| C.I.E. — International Show Champion | Breeds subject to a working trial | 4 CACIBs, in 3 countries, under 3 different judges, with no working result required for this title |
For these three paths, the regulations require a minimum period of one year and one day between the first and the last CACIB, calculated using the official method.
Whether a breed is “subject to work” depends on the FCI nomenclature for the breed, not on whether your dog personally does an activity.
The Junior and Veteran titles
| Title | General path |
|---|---|
| C.I.B.-J — International Junior Beauty Champion | 3 CACIB-Js, in 3 countries, under 3 different judges |
| C.I.B.-V — International Veteran Beauty Champion | 3 CACIB-Vs, in 3 countries, under 3 different judges |
These titles apply to breeds whether or not they are subject to a working trial. Junior, Veteran and adult certificates correspond to separate paths: they cannot be added together to make a single championship.
A passport of results
Imagine Nala, who is working towards the C.I.B.-J:
- France: one CACIB-J.
- Belgium: one CACIB-J under a different judge.
- Germany: a third CACIB-J under a third judge.
Her owner checks the supporting documents and the general conditions, then prepares the homologation application.
The results open the way to the title; homologation makes it official.
Check eligibility too
The FCI sets conditions that include, among others, the definitive recognition of the breed, registration in a recognised stud book and the pedigree.
Winning a Best in Show does not replace the certificates required. Likewise, taking part in an international show is not enough to become an international champion.
Three tips to progress
Beginner — Choose the right title. Start with your dog’s age and the FCI status of his breed. You will know which certificates to aim for.
Intermediate — Count the countries and judges too. In your table, add a column for each. Several certificates under the same judge may leave a condition unmet.
Advanced — Prepare for homologation from the start. File the certificates and check the official procedure for your title and your country of residence. For the C.I.B. with a working trial, have the eligible trial validated before building your programme.