Pardon my ignorance - although I used to have dogs, I know nothing about showing (other than I enjoy watching it when possible!) I noticed, when flicking through a friend's copy of the KCBS, that some dogs have 'Sh Ch' after their name and others within the same breed have 'Ch'. What's the difference? Is it to do with the number of CC's won, or having to be BIS so many times, or what? Presumably 'Show Champion' is harder to achieve than 'Champion', or have I got that wrong?

Also - years ago, when I had a Golden Retriever, the KCBS had dogs registered described as 'Dark Golden', 'Golden', 'Light Golden', 'Cream', 'Gold', 'Medium Gold' and even 'Blonde'! I had a peek at the Goldens in my friend's KCBS and the only colours appeared to be 'Golden', 'Gold' and 'Cream'. Has the KC clamped down on the range of colour descriptions allowed, and secondly - what's the difference berween 'Gold' and 'Golden'?

Sorry if these questions seem really stupid - I genuinely am interested, but have only ever had pet dogs in the past so am quite ignorant of showing and breeding practices.

I am sure there are folk more into Gundogs than myself, who will give a more detailed response, but in a nutshell.....gundog breeds have to be a sh. champion and also get a working gundog qualification before they can then become a full champion. (Ch) (Some of us are really trying hard to get similar scheme in my breed but its slow progress!)

Border Collies also are Sh Ch instead of Ch.
Dawn.

At one time the KC refused to register any colour except Golden for a Golden retriever. I believe anything else was listed as a non standard colour. In the same way, yellow Labradors are yellow not cream, fox red or golden.

Regards, John

Sam,
Just out of intrest what is your breed? I think this is a good idea, dogs that are bred to work should be able to prove themselves doing what they do naturally as well as be judged on how they look.
Vikki

As was once said, "Does that mean that the judge has to eat the Chow Chow" then Vikki?

John ;)

Oooppsss :p