Level 3Experienced
What does “Good” mean?
The answer
Your dog has just received the grade “Good”. If you were hoping for more, this little word can leave you puzzled. Yet it has a precise meaning at a dog show: let's take the time to decode it.
Breed qualities that are clearly present
According to the FCI regulations, “Good” applies to a dog that has the main characteristics of its breed. Its positive points must outweigh its faults, so that it is considered a good representative of the breed.
Put simply: “This dog has the essential qualities of its breed, with reservations in the overall assessment.”
This teaching paraphrase is not a quotation from the regulations.
The standard, which is the judge's reference, describes the characteristics sought in the breed: appearance, proportions, movement and behaviour.
What should you take from this result?
On the scale of grades, “Good” sits below “Very Good” and above “Sufficient”. It therefore recognises qualities, while corresponding to a less favourable assessment than the two higher levels.
The word alone does not, however, tell you which points weighed in the judging. For that, the written critique is your best lead.
Avoid quick conclusions: “He just lacked training” or “His grooming explains everything”. First you need to understand the judge's observations.
Can you be placed with “Good”?
Under the FCI regulations, a placing requires at least “Very Good”. A dog that has received “Good” therefore cannot be placed, even if it is alone in its class.
A concrete example
Oslo is the only dog entered in his class. The judge gives him “Good”.
He receives that grade, without a first place: the number of competitors does not replace the level of quality required to be placed.
This example is fictional.
Beginner: three tips to get off to a good start
- Read the whole critique. Note the qualities recognised as much as the reservations expressed. This will give you a fairer view of the result.
- Ask for unfamiliar terms to be explained. Better to understand a specific remark than to leave with a rough interpretation.
- Keep the outing pleasant for your dog. Reward his cooperation and give him a break. Any disappointment you feel shouldn't weigh on him.
Intermediate: three tips for progressing
- Separate preparation from construction. A hesitant presentation can be worked on; training doesn't change the dog's anatomy.
- Choose a concrete goal. If the critique mentions movement that was poorly shown, get help finding a presentation pace that suits him.
- Keep successive critiques. Remarks that come up again will help you identify points to look at more closely.
Advanced: three tips for refining your analysis
- Re-read the relevant passages of the standard. Place each observation within the requirements specific to the breed.
- Seek a competent, well-reasoned opinion. Ask a specialist to show you what the remark means on your dog, rather than predicting his next result.
- Adapt your goals to what you learn. Better presentation can be useful, without guaranteeing a higher grade. Choose upcoming outings taking into account the dog's comfort and interest.
These nine tips are practical recommendations, separate from the official rules.