Introduction

  • Many people see a few dog shows on TV and think they cannot compete at that level. What many don’t realize is the shows you see on TV are usually the most prestigous dogs shows, such as Crufts, Westminster and beyond that only the ‘finals’ of Group and Best in Show Competition.

    Most dogs shows are smaller and much more relaxed than most people realize and people and dogs of all levels of experience compete in them.

    I have shown in the USA in both AKC and UKC conformation shows. Also in several FCI European countries.

    This primer will hopefully help you understand how to get started in showing and what is required to title your dog in some registries and countries.


How to select a show quality Pharaoh Hound

  • This topic could fill volumes and also be a topic of debate.

    There is a wide range of what would be considered a show quality Pharaoh Hound, from a dog that would be a ‘finishable Champion’ up to one that would be considered ‘specials quality’ and capable placing in group and Best In Show competition.

    Dogs inherit their comformation, health, temperament and even coursing ability from their parents. So select your Pharaoh Hound from a line or breeder that is succesful in the areas you want to pursue.


Is your Pharaoh Hound show quality??


Getting your Pharaoh Hound ready for the show ring

  • Pharaoh Hounds can be aloof with strangers, so lot of socialization is essential. All dogs should be socialized as young as possible. Take your puppy with you to visit many new places, people and dogs.
    Attend puppy kindergarten classes and also handling classes for conformation showing.

    Pharaoh Hounds should be shown clean and with their nails short to moderate length.


Getting yourself ready for the show ring

  • Most dog obedience and breed clubs hold ‘handling classes’ to learn how to handle a dog in a conformation show. In the US, George Alston holds weekend seminars for advanced handling techniques which can be located on-line or on the AKC site at www.akc.org.

    Handlers also should be well groomed and dressed.

    If you prefer, professional handlers can also be hired to handle your dog in the US and Canada, although this is rarely seen in the FCI countries.

    AKC Registered handlers can be located through the AKC site at www.akc.org.


Finding and entering the shows

  • American Kennel Club shows (USA):
    www.infodog.com lists all AKC shows and provides on-line entry for all of them.
    Look for shows designated as ‘AB’ – All Breed.

    The United Kennel Club shows (USA):
    www.ukcdogs.com lists all UKC shows. Each show lists the show secretary to send entries to.
    Look for shows that offer the ‘SIGHT’ – Sighthound and Pariah breeds group or PHARH – Pharaoh Hound breed classes.

    The Canadian Kennel Club shows (Canada):
    www.ckc.ca lists CKC shows.

    The FCI Standard (Europe and around the world):
    www.fci.be lists all International shows for all FCI countries and links to each show’s website for entry information.

    There are several different classes a dog can usually enter. I’m not going to attempt to explain all of them in this ‘primer’, but usually these are divided by the age (puppy or Open for adults) and sex of the dog, and also by ‘status’ including past wins or lack of wins (Novice class), working classes, bred by exhibitor, American Bred, champion classes. Entry forms usually list and explain the classes.


Going to the show

  • Breed handling classes will teach you the prodedure used at conformation shows. Before most shows you will receive an entry and possibly juding program in the mail. This varies by registry.

    Essential items to bring are of course your clean, well groomed dog, a crate for your dog to rest in, water bowl and water, ‘bait’.. some tasty morsel to use to animate your dog’s performace, a breed leash, a chair.

    Plan to the show at least an hour before your dog will show. You may want to set up a crate for your dog to rest in. Walk you dog around enough to get them used to the surroundings and relax. Have several strangers ‘play judge’ by examining your dog’s teeth and body and then rewarding them with a cookie. Warm up your dog’s muscles with some trotting at the pace you will show them at.


Requirements for the Champion Title

  • Every registry in every country has different requirements to earn the Champion title. This is probably the most confusing part of showing your dog.

    I’ve attempted to list the requirements from countries I have shown in. However, requirements change frequently, so check with each registry for current requirements.

    Also, some registries award more than just the Champion title. Many FCI countries also award a ‘Youth Champion’ title for dogs between 9 and 18 months, and also a Veteran Champion for dogs over 8 years old.

    In addition, many FCI countries also hold ‘title shows’ where special titles are awarded to the best junior male, adult male, junior female and adult female in each breed. Title shows are also often Crufts qualifying shows and the title winners also receive an invitation to enter Crufts in the United Kingdom.


    Requirements for AKC – American Kennel Club Champion (USA)

    Dogs must acquire 15 points, which include 2 major wins under different judges and at least one point under a third different judge.

    Dogs must be registered with the American Kennel Club within 30 days of earning their first points, or they will loose those points.

    Dogs can earn from 1 to 5 points at one show. Awards of 3, 4 or 5 points are considered ‘majors’.

    The number of points awarded depends on the number of dogs defeated. The point schedule is updated at least annually and can be checked following this link.
    http://www.akc.org/events/conformation/point_schedule.cfmSEARCH_BUTTON.X=18\&SEARCH_BUTTON.Y=13

    There are many nuances to explaining the AKC points schedule. The first level of competion for points is by defeating other Pharaoh Hounds of the same sex that are also non-champions. This leads to either a “Winners Dog” or “Winners Bitch” ribbon. At this level, points are awarded by how many other Pharaoh Hounds are defeated of the same sex.

    If the Winners Dog/Bitch defeats no other dogs of the same sex, 0 points are awarded.
    If the Winners Dog/Bitch defeats 1 other dog of the same sex, 1 point is awarded.
    If the Winners Dog/Bitch defeats 2 other dogs of the same sex, 2 points are awarded.
    If the Winners Dog/Bitch defeats 3 other dogs of the same sex, 3 points are awarded (major).
    The required number of dogs for 4 and 5 point wins varies by region of the country, and can be checked on the AKC Points Schedule link.

    The Winners Dog and Winners bitch are called back into the ring along with all entered Champions (of both sexes) for what is called Best of Breed competition.

    Best of Winners is selected between the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch. The points awarded at this level is equal to whichever sex had the greatest number of points.

    For example, if the Winners Dog had earned 3 points by defeating 3 other class males. The Winners Bitch had earned 1 point by defeating 1 other class female. Then the Winners Bitch is awarded Best of Winners. She now also earns points equal to the Winners Dog (3 points).

    If the Winners Dog or Winners bitch also defeats any entered Champions by going Best of Breed, both sexes of champions are added to recalculate their points award.

    If the Winners Dog or Winners bitch also defeats any entered Champions by going Best of Opposte Sex, only champions of the same sex as them are added to recalculate their points award.

    Points earned to date can be checked on-line on the AKC site.

    A dog can start showing in AKC shows at 6 months old and competes equally with the adults for points.
    There is no time limit or requirement for earning points. A dog could potentially become a Champion at 6 months and 3 days old if they were lucky enough to win three 5 point majors on three consecutive days.
    Points also do not expire.

    The AKC automatically mails the Champion Certificate upon completion of the title.


    Requirements for UKC – United Kennel Club Champion (USA)

    Dogs must acquire 100 points, including 3 majors won under at least 2 different judges.

    Dogs must be Permanantly Registered with the United Kennel Club or have a Temporary Listing Number (TL) before entering a show. TL numbers must be converted to Permanent Registration within 30 days of issuance.

    Dogs can earn from 10 to 35 points at one show. Defeating at least 1 other dog at the breed, group or Best in Show level is considered a major.

    Points are earned as follows:

    10 points for winning your class (even if your dog is the only one in their class)
    Note: If at least 1 other dog in your class is defeated, this is considered a major. You do not have to be Best Male / Female to earn a major in UKC as in AKC.

    15 additional points for the Best Male / Female (even if your dog is the ony male / female)
    10 additional points for Best of Winners (if at least 1 dog of eac sex is present)

    UKC also awards a ‘Grand Champion’ title which is earned by a Champion dog that has won the Champions class 5 times when at least 3 dogs are competing in the Champions class.

    The Winners Dog and Winners bitch are called back into the ring along with the winner of the Champion and Grand Champion class for Best of Breed competition.

    Best of Winners is selected between the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch.

    Points earned to date can be checked by e-mailing the UKC.

    A dog can start showing in UKC shows at 6 months old and competes equally with the adults for points.
    There is no time limit or requirement for earning points. A dog could potentially become a Champion in 3 shows if they earn the maximum of 35 points per show. UKC clubs often hold 2 shows per day (morning and afternoon), so this can happen in one weekend. Points also do not expire.

    The UKC automatically mails the Champion Certificate upon completion of the title.


    Requirements for CKC – Canadian Kennel Club Champion (Canada)

    Dogs must acquire 10 points, no majors are required.
    1 point is awarded for each dog you defeat of either sex at the breed level. Or at the Group level, but only if you win the group.


    Requirements for Champion in most FCI Countries

    Earning awards in FCI countries is very different from the USA and Canada.
    I will explain the general similarities and then specifics by country.

    Each FCI country awards their own Champion title. A dog can become Netherlands Champion, French Champion, etc.

    A dog earns certicates called the CAC (Certificat d’Aptitude au Championnat). Usually a paper card or diploma is given at the show. Countries can also add a letter that usually designates their country to the award, such as Austria awards the CACA.

    Each country has varying rules about which classes compete for the CAC. Some award the CAC to only the Best Male and Best Female. Some award the CAC to the 1st place dog in each class that competes for the CAC.

    The number of CACs required for the Champion title varies from 1 to 4.

    The minimum age required to start earning CACs varies from 9 to 15 months. Ratings of Excellent, Very Good, Good, Sufficient are assigned to each dog. The CAC will only be awarded to dogs that receive the excellent rating. Usually a written critique or diploma is given as well.

    Some countries require that there be 1 year and 1 day between the first and last CAC.

    The age at when a dog can become a champion varies from 18 to 27 months.