What does ShCM stand for when its put after a dogs name, and does it mean much and in showing, when they say their dog got first or second etc postgraduate, what does this mean?

ShCM stands for Show Certificate of Merit, which is an award introduced in the last couple of years or so - Isomeone more up-to-date in the show scene will be able to tell you what a dog has to have achieved to gain that title. As for first or second postgraduate, that is where the dog was placed in the postgraduate class. There are many different classes, of which all except Open have limitations, due to age or previous wins by the dog (or owner).

The qualification of Show Certificate of Merit is acheived by winning 25 points in Open Show(not Championship Show) competition, unless it's a Champ Show without CCs for your breed, then it is regarded as an Open Show.

One point is awarded to the best of breed winner, further points are gained if your dog is placed in the group judging, 4 for group 1, 3 for group2, 2 for group3 and 1 for group4. A further 4 points again if you win Best in Show. There is a required minimum number of points to be won at group level, therefor 25 Best of Breed wins would not qualify. The full explaination is provided on the Kennel Club website under the title KC Forms, application for Show Cert of Merit.

Dawn R.

Nursey Ch show wins without CCs do not count towards this award :D

Our imported male has both his JW (not wasy to get in our numerically small breed as often there aren't enough in the classes, especially at Open shows where we had to havge 10 class wins, now changed to 3).

We also have his ShCM, which again wasn't that easy, but fortunately does include wins in not sepearetly classified.

You need to win BOB or BNSC to get one point.  BIS will get you 5 points, Group one 4, Grp two 3 and so down to one.

The dog must win at least 5 points in Group, competiion, so no good being BOB of one 25 times, the dog must place in Group at least twice for 5 points.

Thanks Brainless, I stand corrected.
Dawn R.