Level 3Experienced
Best of Breed: what does this award mean?
The answer
Has the judge named your dog Best of Breed? They have just chosen it, from among the eligible competitors, as the best representative of its breed — or of the variety being judged — at this show.
You'll often see the abbreviation BOB, for Best of Breed.
A comparison between males and females
After the placings and the awarding of the certificates, the eligible dogs come back for a further comparison.
At an FCI international show, it normally brings together the males and females put forward for:
- The CACIB.
- The Junior CACIB.
- The Veteran CACIB.
So a junior or a veteran can win Best of Breed against the adults!
If the show first holds a “Best of Sex” competition, the best male and best female from that competition are compared for BOB and BOS. At a national show, the entry conditions are governed by the national regulations.
A ring scene to help you understand
Imagine three eligible finalists:
Oslo, an adult male. Nala, a young female. Jazz, a veteran male.
The judge looks at them once more, standing and moving. They choose Nala: she becomes Best of Breed, even though she is the youngest of the three.
This win reflects the judge's choice that day, from among the dogs presented.
And Best Opposite Sex?
BOS, for Best Opposite Sex, recognises the best dog of the opposite sex to the BOB.
| If Best of Breed is… | BOS rewards… |
|---|---|
| A male | A female |
| A female | A male |
In our example, Nala gets the BOB. The BOS therefore goes to an eligible male chosen by the judge.
And after Best of Breed?
The BOB generally opens up entry to the Best in Group competition, where the Best of Breed winners from the same FCI group meet.
The group winner can then compete for Best in Show.
These are successive comparisons: getting the BOB doesn't guarantee winning the following ones.
Three tips to improve
Beginner — Check whether your dog has to come back. After your class result, ask the ring secretary whether you are taking part in Best of Breed. Keep your number close at hand.
Intermediate — Prepare for the wait. If your dog wins the BOB, find out the group's time. Bring water and a quiet spot so it can recover between rounds.
Advanced — Train in varied spaces. Work on a steady gait and a natural stance, in a small ring as well as a larger space. Short sessions will help your dog stay available.