Level 1Beginner
Is my dog too old?
The answer
Is his muzzle going grey, but he still wags his tail when he sees his show lead? The regulations set no maximum age for the veteran class. A dog of 10, 12 or more is therefore not excluded simply because of its age. It must, however, meet the entry conditions.
The question then becomes: will this day still be enjoyable for him?
From 8 years: welcome to the veterans
The veteran class is open from 8 years on the day of judging, with no prior champion title required. It lets you show your dog alongside other seniors.
Example: Maya is 11. Her age still lets her enter veteran. Before choosing a show, her owner looks above all at the journey, the waiting conditions and how she normally copes with these outings.
Is the veteran class compulsory?
Age alone does not impose this choice: the open class remains available from 15 months, with no upper age limit. Restrictions linked to the dog's status may nevertheless apply, in particular for a dog that already holds a validated CHCS (a French title).
The veteran class has one particular advantage: it gives access to the veteran certificates, CACS-V at a national show and CACIB-V at an international one, subject to the applicable conditions.
How do you decide whether to carry on?
Look at the whole day, not just the few minutes in the ring:
- Do the journey and the waiting still suit him?
- Does he move comfortably and accept the examination?
- Can he manage to rest in the show atmosphere?
These are practical guidelines, not an official test. If you have any doubt about his health or comfort, talk to his vet before entering him.
You can space out the outings or stop showing. Years of closeness are not measured by the number of rosettes!
Health conditions still apply
The veteran class does not exempt a dog from the entry rules. The FCI excludes sick dogs, among others, and does not allow deaf or blind dogs to be entered at international CACIB shows. It puts health and welfare first.
Three tips for progressing
Beginner — Plan for comfort between runs. Bring his usual bed and water, then look for a quiet area to wait.
Intermediate — Adapt your handling. Keep repetitions short and set your pace to your dog's. Watch his comfort rather than trying to reproduce his performances of the past.
Advanced — Pick the outings that suit him. Favour reasonable journeys and an organisation that allows real rest. Keep the option of giving up if your companion no longer enjoys the day.
Sources
- FCI — Dog Show Regulations applicable from 1 January 2026: section 5, pages 7–8, open and veteran classes with no maximum age stated; section 4, pages 4–6, welfare and health restrictions.
- SCC Expo — Entry regulations (SCC: the French kennel club): “Open class” and “Veteran class” sections, ages and veteran certificates.
- Centrale Canine — French Championship Regulations 2025: page 3, “Beauty champion class” section, entry restriction for dogs already validated as CHCS.