Level 1Beginner
Is my dog too young?
The answer
Its paws are still a bit clumsy and it finds shoelaces fascinating… Can it already discover the ring? In France, a dog can take part from 4 months in the baby class, when that class is offered and the other admission conditions are met.
But two questions are worth asking: is it old enough? And is it comfortable enough to go through this experience?
The first age guidelines
| Age on the day of judging | Class available |
|---|---|
| Under 4 months | Too young for the usual French classes |
| From 4 to under 6 months | Baby, if offered |
| From 6 to under 9 months | Puppy |
| From 9 to under 15 months | Junior |
| From 15 to under 18 months | Junior, intermediate or open |
The working and champion classes are also open from 15 months, but require specific supporting documents.
Watch the calculation date
What counts is your dog’s age on the day it is shown, not its age when you fill in the form.
Example: Luna was born on 10 January. For judging on 9 May, she is not yet 4 months old. For judging on 11 May, she reaches the age for the baby class.
Abroad, check the local rules: the FCI uses the Minor Puppy category in particular for correctly vaccinated puppies under 6 months. The French benchmark of 4 months should therefore not be carried over automatically to every show.
Is age enough to be ready?
A show brings together dogs, people, noise and sometimes a lot of waiting. For a first outing, watch your puppy during small discoveries: does it accept a few steps on the lead? A gentle touch? Can it relax after something new?
These observations are practical guidelines, not additional regulatory conditions. If the environment is too much for it, you can wait and carry on with gradual preparation. You have no obligation to start as soon as it reaches the minimum age.
The FCI regulations put health and welfare first and call for particular attention to puppies’ needs.
What are we looking for on the first outings?
In baby and puppy, the judge gives an assessment suited to a young dog, such as “Very Promising”. These classes do not give access to the adult CACS or CACIB certificates.
Your goal can be very simple: a few pleasant moments in the ring and a puppy that leaves feeling confident. A first outing does not need to be perfect to be useful.
Three tips to make progress
Beginner — Check the exact age before entering. Compare the date of birth with the judging date and look at the classes offered on the form.
Intermediate — Repeat in small doses. A few steps on the lead, a few seconds standing, then a reward and a break. Increase the distractions gently, according to your puppy’s reactions.
Advanced — Choose a suitable first outing. Take into account the journey, the venue and the announced waiting time. Plan a rest area and keep a flexible schedule: your young dog’s comfort guides the day.