Level 3Experienced
What does “Excellent” mean?
The answer
On your dog's judging sheet, one word catches your eye: Excellent, often shortened to EXC. You can savour this result! But how should you understand it, especially if your dog goes home without a first place?
A demanding grade
In the FCI regulations, “Excellent” rewards a dog very close to the ideal breed standard, presented in perfect condition, harmonious, with a balanced temperament and brilliant gait. It must also show the typical characteristics of its sex. A few minor imperfections remain possible where its qualities make up for them.
The standard is the reference portrait of a breed: among other things, it describes its structure, its appearance and its behaviour.
To put the idea simply: “This dog is a remarkably good representative of its breed.”
This teaching rewording is not a quotation from the regulations.
Excellent doesn't mean “faultless”
A small reservation in the critique can therefore go alongside an “Excellent”. The assessment covers the dog as a whole: a minor imperfection doesn't necessarily cancel out its great qualities.
Read the whole critique: it gives depth to the result and helps you understand what the judge observed.
Grade, placing and award: three pointers
| Mention | What it indicates |
|---|---|
| Excellent | An assessment of the dog's quality. |
| 1st Excellent | This grade and first place in its class. |
| CACIB | A separate certificate, awarded under specific conditions. |
Several dogs in a class can get “Excellent”. Even a “1st Excellent” in an eligible class doesn't guarantee the CACIB: awarding it remains subject to the judge's assessment.
An example to help you understand
Imagine three dogs: Nala, Oslo and Ruby. All get “Excellent”, then the judge places them in that order.
Oslo finishes second: his grade is still Excellent. The placing separates the competitors; it doesn't turn his assessment into “Very Good”.
This example is made up.
Beginner: three tips to get off to a good start
- Appreciate the grade before looking at the placing. A second or third place can come with a very good assessment.
- Decode the critique. Note one strong point and one remark to understand. If a term escapes you, ask a knowledgeable person to explain.
- Prepare a calm presentation. Get your dog used to standing briefly, being examined and moving on the lead, with short, rewarded sessions.
Intermediate: three tips to improve
- Compare the comments over successive outings. Recurring observations teach you more than a string of “EXC” letters.
- Film a short presentation. Check whether your pace lets the dog move naturally and whether you give it enough space.
- Choose a concrete goal. A steadier stand or a more regular movement gives training a useful direction.
Advanced: three tips to refine your reading
- Link the critique to the standard. Look for the precise characteristics the judge values in your breed.
- Distinguish structure from presentation. Training can improve how the dog is shown; it doesn't change its anatomy.
- Analyse the result in context. Record the class, the competitors, the dog's condition and the comments. This will help you understand a placing without drawing excessive conclusions from a single show.
These nine tips are practical recommendations, separate from the regulations.