Is this the same as a dog that has gained their show certificate of merit? I have been told this also qualifys a dog for crufts?

No.. it does not qualify a dog for crufts.. A show certificate of merit is gained after collecting 25 points from Open Show BOB and group placings.. and has nothing to do with Championship shows or Crufts.. points can be gained over many years..

Edited to add.. at least 5 of those points must be gained from Group placings..

1 Point for BOB

4 Points for G1
3 points for G2
2 Points for G3
and 1 Point for G4

the Only way you could qualify for Crufts from an Open show is to take BIS, or if an Open Premier, BOB

A Show Champion can only be gained from Championship shows.. and Even then.. must take the CC from 3 Different shows under 3 different Judges..

Gundog Group and Border Collies can only become Show Champions on 3CCs' they must also take a working test to become a full Champion.. other Groups do not require this extra test, and 3CCs give them full Champ Status..

and I have no doubt someone will come along.. and word it MUCH better than I have lol...

which also can be difficult to do especially when there are few open shows that hold classes for your particular  breed ,I find it very difficult to find shows that I can enter unless I am willing do travel further than I would normally for a champ show!

> which also can be difficult to do especially when there are few open shows that hold classes for your particular  breed

The beauty of the ShCM is that you can gain points from NSC classes too.  So BNSC includign BNSC of yoru group when on group system also gives you a point like BOB.

oh right thank you for that B , I gave up on open shows forever picking up schedules without breed classes, although you cant go in for BIS can you even if you win the class?

Best AVNSC can also go into the group, so if you take G1, then yes, you can go on for BIS

well I didnt know that ..still sooooo much to learn ...concentrate on Ch show dont give open much thought ..will do from now on thanks

sorry, I should actually re-word that...

AV(group)NSC can go forward to the group then BIS

ie:  AV Working NSC
AV Gundog NSC
AV Pastoral NSC

and so on.. you get the drift lol...

thanks kayc, i didnt think it could, as you said you can only get the shch at open shows, yes you can get 1 point from best avnsc as my boy has picked up a few points from the avnsc working as we dont always have classes at open shows, only a few more points needed now as hes had all the points needed from group placings.

Good luck with those last few points :-)