>>In the US (not so sure about Canada) there seems an expectation that most quality animals shown will become champions, whereas in the UK that is not the case it is only the outstanding (or good and very lucky, with patient owner) dog that gains it's crown<<
It seems that way. But mostly, it has to do with the handler. I have seen really awful dogs, oversized to the point it should be disqualified, still obtain CH because the handler is well known.
Our one bitch, it took 4 years to get her championship. She had a lot of breed by defaults. My breed, has very little competition out there, so to get a CH on one, its a big deal.
But my other bitch, who has perfect movement, well put together, everything (well except for a great coat at the moment, and she has a bite issue - she doesnt have a true scissor bite). She has gotten 6/10 points, with limited showing. She only has never taken breed once. And thats when she was a 6 month old pup.
The UK show system seems interesting. And the entries seem better for breeds. I cant remember if it was on here, or another forum, that someone said they took class by beating 112 Goldens. You'd be lucky to get that entry in the entire Sporting Group - what you call Gundog.
Is it also true, that before your dog in the UK can be deemed a champion, it has to also excel in the area the dog was bred for. For example. a gundog has to excell at field trials? I heard this a while back, but still havent come across it.