Dog Shows

Types of dog shows

An FCI pedigree is a document that confirms a dog's belonging to a given breed. It is primarily confirmation of where the dog comes from and who its ancestors are. The pedigree also contains information about training, examinations and achievements. At all shows, the primary assessment is the dog's external appearance, whether it conforms to the breed standard, temperament and overall presentation. In order to present your dog at one of the shows, in Poland or abroad, it must have a pedigree issued by the Polish Kennel Club - ZKwP and you must be a member of it. The dog must also be vaccinated against rabies. If we meet these requirements, we can begin a show career. A list of all shows that will be held in a given year can be found on the website of the Polish Kennel Club in Poland (ZKwP). 

Dog shows - national 

National shows can be participated in by dogs of all breeds that have FCI pedigrees. National shows are very prestigious and are often combined with various lectures and seminars. In Poland, approximately 120 national shows are organised during the year. During this show, a dog can receive a certificate for a Show Champion CWC/CAC of a given country. If the show is held in Poland, it will be a Polish Champion certificate, if in Slovakia, it will be a Slovakia Champion certificate. In this type of shows, dogs from abroad can participate if they meet the regulations. Owners with their Polish pets often travel to national shows, for example to Slovakia, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Austria. If their dogs are of outstanding beauty, they can obtain a CWC and become a Champion of that country. 

Dog shows - club 

Club shows are organised by a club uniting only one breed, for example a German Shepherd club. They are usually organised once a year. The standing of these shows is high. A dog can win the title of Club Winner, Youth Club Winner, best junior or best puppy. At a club show, a dog can also receive a certificate for a Show Champion. The best kennel, best stud dog and best brood bitch are also selected. Offspring of a given stud dog is often presented. It is worth attending such a show if you have already decided on a specific breed. 

Dog shows - international 

International shows are organised for all breeds and have a higher standing. At an international show, a dog can receive a certificate for a National Champion CWC, but also a certificate for an International Champion CACIB. In Poland, several international shows are held per year. They are organised by the largest ZKwP branches in Poland. Dogs are judged by judges who have international qualifications and are specialists in the given breed. 

International German Shepherd Dog Show Nuremberg 2018, Germany

Dog show entry

Entering your dog in a show is simple. You just need to fill out an entry form, which is usually available on the ZKwP website. You must provide the dog's name, pedigree number, breed, sex and the class in which the dog will be shown. You must also pay a specified fee for showing your dog. 

You can enter your dog in one of the following classes:

• younger puppy class from 4 to 6 months
• puppy class from 6 to 9 months
• junior class from 9 to 18 months
• intermediate class from 15 to 24 months
• open class for dogs over 15 months 
• working class dogs over 15 months with a working certificate 
• champion class dogs with a national or international champion title
• veteran class dogs that have reached 8 years of age

Show marks and titles

Every dog participating in a show in its class will receive a mark and title from the judge. 
Dogs aged 4 - 9 months can receive a mark of:

• very promising
• promising
• slightly promising 
• Marks for dogs over 9 months are:
• excellent
• very good
• good
• satisfactory
• disqualifying
• not classified

Titles your dog can win are:

• youth winner
• best puppy in breed
• best junior in class
• best adult dog/bitch
• breed winner
• opposite sex winner

Certificates

• CWC/CAC certificate entitling to the title of Show Champion of Poland
• CACIB certificate entitling to the title of International Beauty Champion C.I.B and International Show Champion C.I.E
• res. CACIB reserve CACIB certificate 

Your dog should be well prepared for the show to present itself beautifully. There are dog breeds for which it is worth visiting a grooming salon before the show. The dog must learn a beautiful gait and posture (depending on the breed). The presentation of a German Shepherd looks different from the presentation of a Yorkshire Terrier. Remember that the dog should be accustomed to being touched by strangers, because the judge examines the teeth and checks for the presence of two testicles. 
For the first show, it is best if you go with a friendly breeder or someone who has considerable experience in showing dogs, such as a handler. Dogs are presented in rings. They then receive a mark and comments from the judge. Remember also that the judge assesses your dog according to the FCI standard for the given breed, but may also be guided by personal preferences and the mark you receive may not always be the one you would like. 

The most important thing is to get great joy, pleasure and satisfaction from shows. To meet and chat with other dog lovers. At the end of shows, amongst other things, the FCI group winner is selected, that is the most beautiful dog at the show, the most beautiful junior, puppy and veteran. Good luck!