Level 1Beginner
Why can my dog be Excellent without winning?
The answer
The judge gives your dog “Excellent”… then places another competitor ahead of it. You wonder: “If it's excellent, why isn't it first?”
Because Excellent is a grade, while winning is a placing. Several dogs can receive the same grade, but only one first place is awarded in the class.
Excellent: an assessment of its qualities
The grade Excellent recognises a dog very close to the ideal standard of its breed, presented in excellent condition, harmonious and with a balanced temperament.
It does not demand absolute perfection: minor imperfections can be accepted when the dog's qualities are sufficiently important.
FCI — Dog Show Regulations, section 6, page 9: definition of Excellent (PDF).
Placings: a comparison between the dogs present
After the individual examination, the judge compares the competitors in the class to place them in order.
Fictional example: six dogs receive Excellent. The judge places the top four; the other two keep their grade without being placed.
| Result | What it means |
|---|---|
| 1st Excellent | Excellent and first in its class |
| 3rd Excellent | Excellent and third in its class |
| Excellent, unplaced | Excellent, without a place among the placed dogs |
Being unplaced therefore does not cancel the grade obtained.
Centrale Canine (the French kennel club) — Les expositions, description of judging and placings.
How does the judge separate several Excellents?
Two dogs can both have great qualities without being identical. The judge assesses the whole dog according to the standard: construction, balance, movement and breed characteristics.
The judge evaluates what is seen during the class. A natural presentation lets the judge better appreciate movement; a lead that is too tight can hamper it.
That does not mean a third place necessarily comes from a mistake by the handler. To understand your result, rely on the comments you received rather than on guesswork.
And a first Excellent does not guarantee a certificate
Even if it finishes first, your dog does not automatically receive the CACS (the French national certificate) or the CACIB.
For the CACIB, the regulations state explicitly that a first Excellent is not enough: the judge must consider that the dog's quality justifies the award.
FCI — Dog Show Regulations, section 7, pages 10 and 11: award of the CACIB (PDF).
What should you take away from this day?
“My dog received Excellent” and “my dog didn't win” can both be true at the same time.
Take the time to read the assessments, to acknowledge your team's progress and to choose something to work on. The placing describes a comparison on the day; it does not measure your companion's worth in your life.
Beginner: welcoming the result
- Read the grade first. Don't let the place you got hide this information.
- Ask for an explanation at the right moment. If the judge is available, ask a short question about a comment.
- Finish on a pleasant moment. A break, a quiet walk or a reward: your dog doesn't know about the placings.
Intermediate: understanding in order to improve
- Separate the remarks about the dog from those about the presentation. You will better identify what you can work on.
- Compare several assessments. Look for recurring observations without drawing conclusions from a single class.
- Choose a specific goal. A steadier trot or more ease during the examination is enough for the next session.
Advanced: refining your analysis
- Study the comments alongside the standard. Link each observation to the relevant criterion.
- Use video as a supplement. It helps you review your run, but doesn't replace the judge's examination.
- Keep your preparation measured. Disappointment should not lead you to multiply rehearsals or shows.
These nine tips are practical suggestions.
Illustration caption: several quality dogs can share the ring; after the judging, the bond between the pair remains intact.