SHOWS
Shows Rules
Shows rules for participating organizations may be expanded, but they must not conflict with these Rules.
1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Announcements of next year’s shows must be made by participating organizations before December 1 of the current year. An show may be cancelled or postponed in cases and for reasons beyond the control of the organizer.
1.1 The preparation and conduct of the show are carried out in accordance with these Rules.
1.2 During the judging, only the expert, trainee expert, interpreter, ring steward, secretaries, and those shows dogs may be present in the ring.
1.3 Types of shows:
International shows.
International dog shows are dog shows for all breeds where, in addition to the national certificates of Candidate for Champion (CAC), Candidate for Junior Champion (BJ), and Candidate for Veteran Champion (BVB), the certificate of Candidate for International Champion (CACIB) and Reserve Candidate for International Champion (R.CACIB) are awarded.
At international shows, judging must be conducted only by internationally qualified judges.
National Shows.
National dog shows are dog shows for all breeds where the certificate of Candidate for Champion (CAC), Candidate for Junior Champion (BJ), and Candidate for Veteran Champion (BVB) are awarded.
Judging at national shows must be conducted by national or internationally qualified judges.
Specialized, Mono-Breed, and Club Shows.
Specialized or mono-breed shows for one or more breeds are organized by clubs.
Club shows are held by clubs for all breeds registered with their club.
A specialized or mono-breed show can be organized as part of a national show.
At specialized, single-breed, and club shows, a National Champion Candidate Certificate (CAC), a Junior Champion Candidate Certificate (BJ), and a Veteran Champion Candidate Certificate (BVB) are awarded.
The Championship can be held as either an international or national show; the best representative of the breed at the Championship receives a Champion Certificate.
The WKG Championship is a traveling show and is held only in the format and according to the rules of an international show. The best representative of the breed at the Championship receives a WKG Champion Certificate. The WKG Championship is held in one country every few years. Organizations submit applications to the WKG Working Group to host the WKG Championship. The WKG Working Group reviews the applications and determines the host country for the following year’s WKG Championship.
The Club Championship can only be held as a national show; the best representative of the breed at the Championship receives a Club Champion Certificate.
1.4. Dogs of all breeds are eligible to participate in the show, or a list of breeds is specified. 1.5 Sick animals, bitches in heat, and nursing bitches are not allowed.
1.6 Pre-registration for the show is required and must be included in the catalog. Ring numbers correspond to the catalog numbers and the numbers on the evaluation sheets.
1.7. Dogs arriving late to their ring will be admitted to the judging and evaluated, but will not be awarded a place, title, or the right to participate in comparative competitions.
1.8. Judging in the rings must begin at the time specified in the schedule. It is prohibited to begin the breed ring before the time specified in the show schedule if any specialized is absent.
2. SHOW CLASSES
2.1 A dog’s classification in a particular show class is determined by its age. The dog’s age is determined on the date of the show.
2.2:
— Baby class: 4-5 months (inclusive).
— Puppy class: 6-8 months (inclusive).
— Junior class: 9-17 months (inclusive), but if there are a large number of juniors of the same breed in the ring, dogs may be divided into subclasses: 9-12 months, 12-15 months, and 15-17 months;
— Intermediate: 15-24 months; 13-24 months (at the owner’s discretion).
— Open class: from 24 months to 7 years (inclusive);
— Working class: from 18 months to 7 years (inclusive) (requires a working certificate).
— Sport class: 18 months to 7 years (inclusive) (must have the appropriate sporting discipline certificate);
— Winner class: 15 months to 7 years (inclusive) (must have a Champion Candidate certificate);
— Champion class: 24 months to 7 years (inclusive) (must have the Champion title of the country where the show is being held or a Champion certificate from another country). Dogs with only the Junior Champion title are not eligible for the Champion class;
— Veteran class: 8 years and older.
3. SCORING
3.1 All classes, except for the baby and puppy classes, can be scored as follows:
— Excellent,
— Very Good,
— Good.
In the baby and puppy classes:
— Very Promising,
— Promising.
3.2 Dogs with disqualifying faults will not be scored.
3.3 Dogs that received «Excellent» («Very Promising» in the baby and puppy classes) are entered into the comparison ring, and only the first three (3) places are awarded. The remaining places are determined at the discretion of the Judge.
TITLES
All titles are awarded at the discretion of the judge. The judge reserves the right to award a rating without a certificate.
4.1. BJ – TITLE OF CANDIDATE FOR YOUNG NATIONAL CHAMPION.
— BJ is awarded to the dog and bitch that take first place in the Junior Class standings.
— The title is awarded only in the Junior Class.
4.2. RBJ – TITLE OF RESERVE CANDIDATE FOR YOUNG NATIONAL CHAMPION.
— The RBJ title may be awarded to dogs and bitches that take 2nd and 3rd place in the Junior Class.
— The title is awarded only in the Junior Class.
— Two (2) RBJ certificates are equivalent to one BJ certificate.
4.3. BJB – BEST JUNIOR OF BREED TITLE.
— The BJB title is awarded to the best junior of the breed when comparing the male and female winners of the junior class.
4.4. CACIB – CANDIDATE FOR INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION TITLE.
— The CACIB title is awarded only at international shows to the female and male winners of the intermediate, open, working, sport, winners, and champion classes. 4.5 RCACIB — TITLE OF RESERVE CANDIDATE FOR INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION
— The RCACIB title is awarded only at international shows to the female and male dogs that take second place in the Intermediate, Open, Working, Sport, Winners, and Champions class comparisons.
— Two (2) RCACIBs are equivalent to one CACIB.
— This title is not awarded to juniors, puppies, or babies.
4.6 CAC — TITLE OF CANDIDATE FOR NATIONAL CHAMPION
— The CAC title is awarded to the class winner, first place in the Intermediate, Open, Winners, Working, Sport, and Champions classes, separately for males and females.
— This title is not awarded to juniors, puppies, babies, or veterans.
4.7. RCAC — CANDIDATE FOR RESERVE NATIONAL CHAMPION.
— The RCAC title is awarded to the second and third place winners in the Intermediate, Open, Winners, Working, Sport, and Champion classes, separately for males and females.
— Two (2) RCAC titles are equivalent to one CAC certificate.
4.8 BEST OF BREED (BOB).
— The BEST OF BREED title is awarded to the best representative of the breed, selected after comparing the best male and best female of the breed.
— If only one representative of the breed participates in the show, the BEST OF BREED certificate is awarded at the judge’s discretion.
— The best representative of the breed is sent to participate in the BEST IN SHOW.
4.9 RESERVE BEST OF OPPOSITE (BOO).
The BOO title is awarded to the second best representative of the breed, selected by comparing the best male and best female of the breed.
4.10. BVB — TITLE OF CANDIDATE FOR NATIONAL VETERAN CHAMPION.
— The BVB is awarded to the winner of the first place in the veteran class, separately for males and females.
— The title is awarded only in the veteran class.
4.1. RBVB — TITLE OF RESERVE CANDIDATE FOR NATIONAL VETERAN CHAMPION.
— The RBVB is awarded to the winner of the second place in the veteran class, separately for males and females.
— The title is awarded only in the veteran class.
4.12. BPB — TITLE OF CANDIDATE FOR PUPPY CHAMPION.
— The BPB is awarded to the winner of the first place in the puppy class, separately for both the female and the male.
— The title is awarded only in the puppy class.
4.13. RBPB — RESERVE CANDIDATE FOR CLUB CHAMPION TITLE AMONG PUPPY BIRD CHAMPIONS.
— RBPB is awarded to the female and male dog that take second place in the puppy class.
— The title is awarded only in the puppy class.
4.14. CAC — CANDIDATE FOR CLUB CHAMPION
— CAC is awarded in accordance with the rules of the participating organization.
4.13. All reserve certificates can only be awarded if the main certificates have been awarded. Thus, R.CAC cannot be awarded without CAC, and R.CACIB cannot be awarded without CACIB.
5. BEST IN SHOW.
5.1. The best baby, puppy, junior, veteran, and best representative of breed may be nominated for BEST IN SHOW at the judge’s discretion.
5.2. BEST VETERAN IN SHOW. Veterans of all breeds are compared in a single ring.
5.3. BEST BABY IN SHOW. Babies of all breeds are compared in a single ring.
5.4. BEST PUPPY IN SHOW. Puppies of all breeds are compared in a single ring.
5.4. BEST JUNIOR IN GROUP. The best juniors of the breeds in the corresponding group are compared. The winner of first place in each group becomes the best junior in the group.
5.5. BEST JUNIOR IN SHOW. The best juniors in each group are compared. The first-place winner becomes BEST IN SHOW.
5.6. BEST IN GROUP (BIG). The best representatives of the breeds in the corresponding group are compared. The first-place winner in each group becomes BEST IN GROUP.
5.7. BEST IN SHOW (BIS). The first-place dogs in BEST IN GROUP are compared. The first-place winner becomes BEST IN SHOW.
5.8. Dogs that miss their BEST IN SHOW group are not allowed to participate in the next group. Complaints are not accepted.
6 CATALOG
6.1. A show catalog of any level must contain:
• — A list of judges, indicating their country of residence.
• — A list of the show organizing committee.
• — A schedule of dog show by breed, day, ring, and judge.
• — A schedule of all show events.
• — A list of breeds by group, in alphabetical order, with catalog numbers.
• — A list of show, beginning with the breed name, followed by a list of participants by sex and class.
6.2. Breeds that require color judging are also divided by color.
6.3. Sequential numbering is used for all show at the show. Numbers are issued to participants and correspond to the catalog number, the diploma number, and the evaluation sheet number.
6.4. Complete catalog data for each dog must include, at a minimum, the following: catalog number, dog’s name, dog’s document number, date of birth, color, father’s name with owner’s name, mother’s name with owner’s name, and the last name and initials of the show dog’s owner.
6.5. The catalog may be in either paper or electronic format.
JUDGING
7.1 Experts who have received the appropriate qualifications have the right to judge dogs at shows.
7.2 The expert evaluates dogs in the ring alone, but has the right to consult with another expert if a dispute arises. The expert’s decision is final and cannot be appealed.
7.3 The expert has the right to refuse to judge a dog and disqualify it if:
— the owner or handler behaves unethically or is intoxicated.
— the dog is extremely fearful or aggressive toward any person or animal in the vicinity;
— it is impossible to examine the dog.
7.4 The expert has the right to consult with colleagues to resolve disputes, but the final decision is made only by the expert.
7.5 A dog belonging to any of the ring organizers or show organizers may be exhibited in the ring. The dog must be exhibited by a handler and is not eligible to participate in BEST IN SHOW, even if nominated by the judge.
7.6 Dogs must be brought into the judging ring on a soft collar or choke collar. Dogs wearing harnesses, retractable leashes, or prong collars, as well as dogs wearing medals, muzzles, or electric collars are not permitted in the ring.
7.7 If a dog misses the ring, it receives only a description sheet and is not eligible to compete in the title or comparison rings.
7.8 After examining the dog, the judge must disinfect their hands with antiseptic (provided by the organizers).
7.9 Dogs exhibiting aggression in the ring or on the show grounds will be disqualified at the discretion of the organizers or the judge, depending on the situation.
7.10. Dogs that have been subjected to actions intended to mislead the expert (correction of congenital defects and deficiencies, use of unacceptable chemicals, varnishes, paints, etc.) will not be assessed.
The rules for holding Show of participating organizations may be expanded, but not contradict these Rules.
ADDITIONS
For the purposes of all The World Kennel Group Rules and Regulations, the phrase «current vaccination status» or «immunization» means vaccination or vaccine titer testing in accordance with any regulations, as well as the requirements of provincial, federal, or other agencies under which the event is conducted.
Determining Months After a Dog’s Birth
The date a dog reaches a certain number of months is calculated as follows: counting forward from the month in which the dog’s birth date is recorded, the specified number of months beginning with the first month after the month of birth, and the dog reaching the specified number of months on the day corresponding to the number indicated in the birth date, or, if there is no day with such a number in the month, on the last day of that month.
Cancellation and/or Abandonment
In the event of adverse and/or severe weather conditions, the club hosting the event may, at its sole discretion, cancel, shorten, and/or postpone judging of the event if the weather is so severe that it could cause harm to shows and their dogs. The World Kennel Group will not impose any penalties if such circumstances result in the cancellation or postponement of an event.
Exhibitors
Individuals disqualified from a club may not participate in any club events.
Exhibitors with disabilities may participate in any World Kennel Group event.
Ring Stewards
Clubs must make every effort to ensure that an experienced ring steward is used when appointing endurance judges for the first time.
Results from the judges’ books for each sport discipline must be posted prominently during the event no later than one hour after the conclusion of each level of competition.
These pages must not be removed without the permission of the competition superintendent. The information must be available to exhibitors for verification.
When clubs, event secretaries, or registration services publish/post results online in any format where exhibitors can view them, a copy must be provided to the WKG.
Lists of winners and judging schedules must be provided to exhibitors and the WKG in accordance with the applicable rules.
Eligibility
New Breeds Included in the WKG Breed List
The effective date for all new breeds to participate in WKG events is January 1st and July 1st of each year.
Neutered Dogs
A dog that has undergone neutering or spaying is not eligible to participate in the general ring of shows held according to WKG rules. These dogs may be shown in a separate ring at the club’s discretion.
Foreign Dogs
Dogs born abroad and owned by foreign owners, whose breeds are recognized by the WKG and registered in their country of birth, may participate in all events based on the dog’s registration number and in accordance with established rules.
Rides, Shows, and Exhibitions at WKG Events
No animals other than dogs are permitted on the premises of WKG events where animals are not required.
Rides and show performances conducted by officially registered entertainment organizations and canine agencies may be held during WKG events, on the premises, provided they do not interfere with or delay judging.
An Approved Handling Competition is an official event held by an accredited WKG club, in which points are awarded for the first four (4) places in each class.
Sanctioned handling competitions are informal events held by an accredited WKG club where points are awarded for placing.
Regular classes may be scheduled to encourage learning and participation in one or more areas of interest to participants, such as:
1. Classes in handling, obedience, and field training of all types.
2. Discussions or presentations on selection, care, grooming, history, psychology, and welfare of dogs, as well as other discussions or presentations on breeding theory and practice, breed standards, movement, anatomy, and first aid.
3. Guest speakers who can discuss the work of various dogs and the facilities and services available to owners for training and caring for dogs. Guest speakers may include breeders, judges, trainers, WKG representatives, veterinarians, etc.
4. Stewarding and judging training. 5. Conducting one-day or longer dog training sessions, film screenings, field trips, camping, and visiting kennels, training centers, and public spaces.
6. Participating in community projects that strengthen the human-animal bond and educate the public about purebred dogs.
7. Participating in events and competitions with other young people interested in dogs and other canine clubs, from the local to the international level.
The WKG emphasizes the need to ensure that all owner competitions and dog-related events maintain a fun element.
