Level 3Experienced
RCACIB: a reserve that can count
The answer
Your dog receives an RCACIB: it is the Reserve of the FCI’s Certificate of Aptitude for International Beauty Championship.
This award recognises the second-best eligible dog that has obtained Excellent, in the comparison for the international certificate.
How is it awarded?
The comparison involves the intermediate, open, working and champion classes, for the sex and breed or variety concerned.
After the CACIB has been awarded, the 2nd Excellent of the winner’s class may join the other eligible competitors for the reserve.
The judge is not obliged to award an RCACIB.
A ringside scene to help you understand
Let’s imagine three males:
| Dog | Class result |
|---|---|
| Oslo | 1st Excellent in open class |
| Milo | 2nd Excellent in open class |
| Tao | 1st Excellent in intermediate class |
Oslo gets the CACIB. Milo may then be called back for the reserve and compared with Tao.
Milo can receive the RCACIB even though he was second in his class. Tao can also receive it, even though he won his.
That’s why “2nd Excellent” and “RCACIB” are not synonyms!
Can it become a CACIB?
Yes, in certain cases provided for by the FCI.
The conversion is automatic when the CACIB winner already holds the title of International Beauty Champion — C.I.B., confirmed by the FCI by the day of the show at the latest.
Other situations allow a conversion on request, notably certain conditions already met by the winner or the cancellation of his CACIB.
Note: if the dog receiving the RCACIB is himself already a C.I.B. or C.I.E., his reserve cannot be converted.
For conversions on request, the FCI requires its official form.
And for juniors and veterans?
There is no RCACIB-J or RCACIB-V. The international Junior and Veteran certificates have no reserve.
Three tips to progress
Beginner — Stay near the ring after a 2nd Excellent. If the first in your class wins the CACIB, your dog may be called back. Ask the secretary’s desk whether your turn is over before you leave.
Intermediate — Keep the useful information. Hold on to your ring card, the catalogue and the official results. Also note the name of the CACIB winner: it will make any later check easier.
Advanced — Check the specific conversion case. Consult section III.3 of the FCI regulations before preparing a file. Record the conversion when it is confirmed, with its supporting document.