Why can a dog be “Excellent” without finishing first?

Because the grade recognises a quality, whereas the placing compares the competitors.

Two different questions

The judge first assesses each dog against the standard of its breed. Then he or she decides between the dogs to set the placings.

The FCI regulations allow some minor imperfections to be tolerated for “Excellent”. Several dogs can therefore receive it while showing different qualities and shortcomings.

Why can another dog go ahead?

The judge must follow the breed standard. He or she assesses, among other things, structure, typical characteristics and movement, looking at the dog as a whole.

A competitor may show, depending on what the breed calls for:

• More harmonious proportions.
• A more characteristic head or expression.
• Steadier movement.
• Better condition at the time of the examination.

An advantage that is convincing enough in this comparison can make the difference. It does not take away the qualities recognised in your dog.

A simple example

Made-up situation for teaching purposes.

Your dog has a lovely head, good structure and movement that earn him “Excellent”.

A competitor shows comparable qualities, but moves more steadily and has more harmony in his proportions. The judge prefers him in the final decision.

You go home with “2nd Excellent”: your dog received a very good assessment, and another was preferred in this class.

Can he even be “Excellent” without being placed?

Yes. At international shows under the FCI regulations, the four best dogs in each class are placed, provided they have at least been given “Very Good”.

In a class with six “Excellent” dogs, two can therefore keep that grade without being among the four placed.

And the presentation?

It lets the judge see the dog’s qualities.

Steady movement, a clear outline and a dog who is available for handling make the examination easier. An unsettled presentation can make some qualities harder to assess.

Your preparation should therefore help your dog show clearly what he has, calmly and comfortably.

Nine tips to progress

These tips are practical suggestions for training and for reading your results.

Beginner — Understanding his result

1. Read the grade before the placing. Take time to enjoy the “Excellent” you earned, even if you had hoped to finish first.
2. Re-read the comments. Identify two recognised qualities and one point to work on. You’ll go home with more useful information than a number alone.
3. Set yourself a presentation goal. For example: follow the requested pattern or achieve a short, calm stack. You’ll be able to judge your progress independently of the placing.

Intermediate — Improving what the judge can see

1. Have your run filmed. Look at how steady the movement is, where you position yourself and how you hold the lead. Choose just one adjustment for the next session.
2. Prepare for the final comparison. Work on linking movement and stopping, then a short wait near other dogs, at a comfortable distance.
3. Study the differences with someone who knows the breed. Ask what sets the dogs apart as a whole. A single photo rarely explains a decision between dogs.

Advanced — Analysing with more perspective

1. Track recurring observations. Compare several reports to spot the qualities that are regularly recognised and the points often mentioned.
2. Link each comment to the standard. Look for why the feature matters in your breed, beyond how it looks.
3. Assess your preparation after every show. Note what helped your dog: pace, rest time, handling practice. Adapt the next session to those observations.

The key point to remember

Your dog can be excellent and still meet a competitor who is preferred on the day. The grade tells you about his quality; the placing tells you the outcome of the comparison.

Sources

• FCI: Dog Show Regulations (PDF)
• FCI: Breeds nomenclature and standards