Can anyone tell me the difference between open shows and championship shows? And how do you qualify for Crufts? Also, how does a dog become a champion?

Hi Guest, Championship Shows are shows at which dogs compete for Challenge Certificates. To become a Champion a dog needs to be awarded three of these certificates by three different Judges, and at least one of the certificates has to be won after the dog turns 12 months old.

Not all breeds have these 'CCs' and not all breeds that do have them, will have them available at every Championship Show. There are four representative shows each year. they are Crufts, Scottish Kennel Club (May), Welsh Kennel Club and Birmingham National. At each of these four shows, all breeds that have CCs, have them on offer. Otherwise the Kennel Club distributes the available CCs across the country as it sees fit.

At a Championship show with CCs on offer there is one CC for males and one for females and in addition one reserve CC for males and one for females.

The CC is awarded to the dog and bitch that the judge regards as closest to the breed standard on the day, and the reserves to the next best specimen in each sex. The Judge signs the certificate to say the he/she regards this named dog worthy of having the title of Champion. The reserve CC winner is also regarded as worthy of the title of Champion, but may only rise to that position on the disqualification of the CC winner.

It is possible for the judge to withold the CCs, if he/she decides that no dog/ bitch present is worthy of the title of Champion.

Open shows are smaller events altogether, but are OPEN to all, Champions included.

Dawn R.