Show Guidelines

HomeShow Guidelines

All-Breed Conformation Show Guidelines

Point System for All-Breed Conformation Shows

National Kennel Club, Inc.
All-Breed Conformation Show Guidelines

NKC RULES AND REGULATIONS

The following procedures were established to help clubs interested in holding NKC licensed events. By following these procedures, you are assured that your club is able to hold its NKC licensed events and that the Championship points earned will be honored by NKC.  Use this procedural guideline as a checklist.

Event Licenses:

  • Event License $25.00 (Per Show Day)
  • Event Recording Fee $ 1.00 (Per Dog Entered in Event)
  • Late Fee $20.00 (For event reports received more than 10 Days after the event is held. Plus $20.00 for each month past due.)

 

Important Information About Fees:

  • All fees must be submitted in United States Funds.
  • Out of Country fee $10.00
  • A fee of $20.00 will be assessed for all returned checks. No further business will be transacted with NKC until the check and fee(s) are paid with a money order or credit card.
  • Amounts due for returned checks, advertising or other amounts due NKC are subject to interest and additional collections cost if more than thirty days past due.

 

How to Register Your Dog:

Applications to single register your dog and to register your litter of puppies can also be found on our Web Site at: http://www.nationalkennelclub.com under forms or you can contact the NKC for applications to be mailed to you.

 

Single Registration Application:

Single registration is for dogs whose parents are not NKC registered. Dogs can be given full registration by completing an Application to Register a Purebred Dog and send in a copy of the registration papers from a registry acknowledged by NKC.  Dogs can also be registered by filling out an Application to Register A Purebred Dog, have it inspected by an NKC licensed Inspector or Veterinarian and summit pictures of the dog (front & side view).  The fees to register a dog including up to a 3-generation pedigree is $18.00, 4-generation pedigree $25.00, 6-generation Pedigree $35.00.

 

Litter Registration Applications:

To register a whole litter of puppies both sire and dam must be NKC registered and the pups must be less than one Year old at time of registering. Temporary puppy Registration Certificates are issued for each puppy in the litter. At the time of registering the litter Breeders may also obtain permanent registration papers on any pup they plan to keep by sending in the additional fee at the time of registering the litter.  The fee to register a whole litter is $18.00

 

The Rights and Responsibilities of the National Kennel Club Inc.:

National Kennel Club holds and has reserved to itself certain inherent rights and powers in connection with conducting its business, registering dogs, transferring ownership of dogs, licensing events, and awarding titles. These inherent rights and powers include but are not limited to inspecting all reports, scorecards and documents related to NKC events. Some, but not all, of the items subject to inspection are:

  • Scores, Dogs data, Club reports etc.
  • Disqualifications of dogs for fighting or other reasons;
  • Errors by the recording person; and
  • Documentation excluded for any reason.

NKC reserves the right to correct any mistakes found during such inspection whether or not the document has the Signature of a Judge or Club Officer. NKC reserves the right to itself and in its sole judgment and discretion, to take such actions and impose such sanctions as would:

  • Bar an individual from entering or participating in any way in any NKC licensed event.
  • Bar an individual from transferring or registering any pups or dogs in that person’s name Joint or full ownership or to any member of that person’s family.
  • Bar an individual from receiving Championship points for any dog registered in that person’s name Joint or full ownership.

By way of examples, the following constitute some, but not all, of the situations calling for the above sanctions:

  • Falsification or alteration of a NKC Registration Certificate, Pedigree, NKC “Easy Entry” Card or any other NKC document.
  • Falsification or alteration of any reports of wins issued by to NKC.
  • Falsification or alteration of point receipts issued by NKC Judges.
  • Switching, wrongfully using or attempting to use a NKC Registration Certificate, Pedigree, NKC “Easy Entry” Card or any other NKC document.
  • Selling or attempting to sell a dog with false or incorrect NKC Registration Certificate or Pedigree.
  • Intimidating, threatening, or injuring a Judge, Association Member, Official, Event Participant, Spectator, NKC representative, or NKC Sanctioned Club.

The examples given above are only by way of for instance and NKC reserves to itself its inherent right and power to impose such sanctions in any other circumstances deemed appropriate by NKC.

 

NKC Policy on Persons involved in crimes involving Dogs:

Any individual who is found guilty by a court of law of a crime involving dogs will be barred from National Kennel Club for an indefinite period. A person shall be considered guilty in a criminal proceeding if they are convicted by a judge, jury, or if they enter a plea bargain or other arrangement to plea to a lesser offense, or if their case is disposed of by any form of deferred adjudication; a person shall be considered guilty in a civil proceeding if they are held responsible or liable by a judge, jury, or if a compromised settlement is reached between the parties.

 

Regulations Governing NKC Licensed Conformation Shows:

The following rules and regulations governing NKC licensed Conformation Shows, the awarding of NKC Championship points and titles issued by National Kennel Club, Inc.

  • Absolutely no dogs are to be judged prior to the advertised starting time of the event. The conformation event must start as soon as possible to the advertised time. Fun Classes or other events must not interfere with the licensed conformation portion of a Show. If it is anticipated that these events may run longer, they should be scheduled to the held at the conclusion of the Conformation portion of the show.
  • NKC licensed events are classified by type of Activity. Conformation events are classified by Breed. Each Breed is classified as a separate Activity. A Single-Breed Show is one where only one breed is hosted. A Multi-Breed Show is one where more than one breed is hosted.
  • The National Kennel Club, Inc. license covers only events sanctioned by the NKC (NKC Conformation Shows, NKC Sanctioned Weight Pull and NKC GTT Trials).
  • NKC Licensed Conformation Shows are governed by NKC Rules.
  • Regardless of the name of the event that the club or organization has chosen to promote, no distinctions between events are recognized by National Kennel Club, Inc., other than provided by the above (Single Breed / Multi Breed).
  • All Dogs must be registered with NKC to be able to compete in NKC Events. (This may be done day of the show)
  • A dog is entered in a NKC Licensed Conformation Show, for the purpose of an NKC Judge’s personal inspection and decision at that particular show or trial, and by entering their dog, agrees to accept the decision of the Judge as final.
  • Judges are responsible for their decisions, and their decisions are final. National Kennel Club, Inc. is not responsible for the decisions of the Judge.
  • Events are to be conducted according to the Rules and Regulations of the National Kennel Club, Inc.
  • Points are awarded after official event reports are received from the host club, approved and processed by National Kennel Club.
  • The distance between each type of NKC, licensed event is 100 miles meaning no other club may hold the same type event on the same dates within the 100-mile radius.

 

Show Site

If a show is to be held outdoors, plans should be made for an alternate site in the event of inclement weather. Official NKC Conformation minimum ring size for all breeds is 40 x 50 feet.  Larger rings are recommended if space permits.

 

Scheduling NKC Events:

Application Deadline Dates:
Applications must be received by the stated deadline dates as follows:

  • January-February event applications must be received by September 1st.
  • March-April event applications must be received by November 1st.
  • May-June event applications must be received by January 1st.
  • July-August event applications must be received by March 1st.
  • September-October event applications must be received by May 1st.
  • November-December event applications must be received by July 1st.

 

The scheduling of NKC Events has the following procedure:

  • To avoid a conflict of interest, NKC will not issue licenses to any club or organization if they are holding any other all-breed registry or organization events on the same weekend.
  • All Clubs, Groups or Individuals must complete an Application for Show Date. This form can be found on our web site at nationalkennelclub.com or interested persons may request this form from the NKC.
  • Once a club has a proposed date for their event, a call may be made to the Event Scheduling Department to verify the availability of that date. Once it is determined that there are no conflicts in scheduling, the club must forward their request for the new date to NKC, in writing and signed by a club officer. Verbal requests or verification of date availability are not a guarantee that the club will be scheduled for the requested daters.
  • Requests for new dates are only approved by written requests and are processed in the order they are received.
  • Applications with appropriate fees not received by the stated deadline date will be assessed a penalty charge of $20 per event.
  • Once an Application for Licensed Event is received by NKC, any requested changes to the application must be made in writing and must be signed by either the Event Secretary or another club officer. Clubs who wish to host additional events for an existing date, must submit a written request to the NKC prior to the show date
  • Clubs are encouraged to hold multiple events weekends or two shows ONLY where they have the membership manpower and availability to handle them.

 

PLANNING NKC EVENTS

The clubs written request must also provide the following information:

  • Clubs must have enough manpower and an organized event committee to handle the increased work and responsibilities. Including names and a schedule of committee, stewards and/or work assignments.
  • An adequate slate of Judges to cover all classes without expecting them to officiate beyond the normal guidelines. Including Judge(s) Names and assignments.
  • Adequate facilities. This will include: an alternate site in case of inclement weather, if the event is planned for outdoors; and a site with enough room to handle the increased number of rings necessary. Including a layout diagram, with measurements, of the event facilities.
  • Each Application will list when entries will be taken, a schedule of activities and how classes will run. When two events are being held on one day, the club must establish a definite Entry Time and Starting Time for each event. The club must establish a defined Entry Time and Starting Time for each event. If the club lists separate Entry Times for individual activities, the club must also indicate a separate Starting Time for those activities. At no time may the club allow the Judging to start prior to the Event times as published in the Upcoming Events Listing of for the club’s event.
  • Each Conformation Show shall either have a veterinarian in attendance or on call. Some states require the presence of a veterinarian at all dog events. It is the responsibility of the organization holding the NKC Licensed Event to check with the appropriate local government agency to see what the rules are in regard to the presence of a Veterinarian at their event.
  • NKC accepts no responsibility as to the presence or absence of a veterinarian at any licensed NKC event.
  • NKC accepts no responsibility for diseased dogs present on the grounds, off the grounds or in any way connected or associated with a NKC Licensed Event.
  • It is the responsibility of the club holding a NKC Licensed Event to publish in the Upcoming Events Listing of, any special health certificate requirements. This would be anything required over and above a rabies vaccination.
  • A club that has held a NKC Licensed Event must mail the winner photos to NKC, if they wish those photos to be published with event results.
  • It is the host club’s responsibility to have knowledgeable stewards to assist the Judges in the ring. The host club should consider additional assignments to assure they have adequate help before, during and after their event. The following are suggested work assignments, which should assist the club at the event: Chief Ring Steward, Grounds/Maintenance, Hospitality, Transportation and any additional committee assignments the club deems necessary.

 

 Event Committee/Club Secretary

The Event Packet is mailed to the Club Secretary.  This packet includes, Applications for

NKC Registration, Event Report Form, Event Entry Forms, Class Rosters, Judges Packets and any other information the Show Host may need. The Clubs must retain copies of all entry forms, event reports, and point receipts for a period of 3 years.  The host club must designate an individual to act as Event Secretary.  If the Secretary becomes ill the club must have an alternate person selected to perform these duties.

 

Event Secretary Responsibilities

The Event Secretary must be in good standing with NKC and be present at the event.   The Event Secretary may not also act as a Judge for any event.   The Event Secretary will most likely be very busy during the event, and the NKC would strongly suggest they make a personal decision not to exhibit. If so, they would want to make alternate arrangements to make sure their dogs are shown.  The Event Secretary must have all necessary forms ready for the Show.  This includes (but is not limited to) the following:

  • Conformation Result form(s) “Show Reports”
  • Conformation Entry form(s)
  • Breed Standard for Breed(s) being Exhibited
  • Points Receipts for all dogs earning NKC conformation points
  • Registration Forms
  • Class Rosters
  • Arm Bands, rubber bands, paper, pens etc.
  • Insurance policy information

The Event Secretary is responsible for all entries and preparation of event paperwork for each activity the club is hosting.  Listed below are some of the Event Secretaries jobs:

  • It is vitally important that the rules regarding the taking of entries be followed. Failure to follow the rules may cause the club to be placed on probation. Winning placements may be affected, and those deserving a win may be denied a win because the club did not follow the rules. Accept only completed and signed Entry Forms filled out by the owner/handler.  In the area(s) indicated include the following: armband number assigned to the dog, if necessary the height & weight of the dog. The owner/handler is responsible for the accuracy of the information; however, it is the Event Secretary’s responsibility for processing the information correctly.
  • The Entry Form for each winner must be included with the applicable Event Report Form. The club should keep a copy of all submitted entry forms.
  • All Dogs entering in pointed classes MUST be NKC permanently registered. Dogs can be registered the day of the show.
  • All dogs entering in the events must be three months of age or older.
  • Ensuring armbands with numbers must are provided and worn in the ring.
  • It is the Event Secretary’s responsibility to prepare before the listed show time all materials use by a Judge.
  • Record the information about the winners on the NKC Event report forms. Be sure that the NKC registration number is copied correctly and the armband number is correct.
  • Verify that all forms and event reports are completed correctly, decipherable, signed by all officials, and sent to NKC with the designated fee.
  • All Completed Event forms and proper fees must be received by NKC within ten (10) days of the event, or a penalty charge of $20.00 per licensed event, will be made for the delay of event reports. An additional charge of $20.00 per licensed event, per month, will be made on Event reports for each 60 days past due.
  • Event Reports to be sent to NKC must include, accurately completed event report, copies of all class rosters, new registration applications, white copy of all event entry forms, and occurrence report if applicable.

 

Judges

  • All Judges being used at an NKC Sanctioned event must be an NKC Licensed Judge. No exceptions will be made.
  • All Judges must judge the entire class.

If an alternate Judge is needed or a Judge has been changed:

  • The club must make every effort to contact exhibitors in sufficient time to inform them that there has been a judging change.
  • The Judging changes must be made public for all exhibitors.
  • If a listed Judge is changed, before the Event Date the club must have all Judging changes pre-approved by NKC
  • The judging changes must be posted or announced at the Event site for all exhibitors.
  • If a Judge becomes ill or is unable to attend the day of the Event, the club must:
    1. Appoint a replacement Judge that is well qualified to finish judging that particular assignment.
    2. When selecting a replacement for Conformation events, a NKC Licensed Judge for the breeds in question is preferred. If a NKC Licensed Judge for the breeds in not present, the club should select the most qualified person present to complete the assignment for that Judge only.
    3. All replacement Judges must be indicated on the Official Event Forms.

 

Entering Dogs in NKC licensed Events

  • Only National Kennel Club Permanently Registered, or dogs registered the day of show registered dogs 3 months of age or older can enter NKC Licensed classes.
  • When entering a NKC Licensed Conformation Show, registered owners or designated handlers must use the Official National Kennel Club, Inc., Entry Form (copies of the form are acceptable). This applies to pre-entries and day of show entries. Registered owners/designated handlers are advised to double check that all information on the submitted Entry Form is correct and that the Entry Form is signed.  If the Entry Form is not filled out correctly and signed, Championship points may be withheld.
  • If a dog is entered and/or shown in the wrong class by the owner/handler, no Championship points will be awarded. If a dog is entered with an incorrect NKC Registration Number on the Entry Form, Championship points may be withheld.
  • It is the responsibility of the owner/handler to see that their dog has been entered and shown in the correct class.
  • It is not the responsibility of the entry taker to determine or verify that the information on the submitted form is accurate.

 

Class Change

Dogs which fulfill the requirements for a NKC Conformation title Champion, Grand Champion or Super Grand Champion may be entered in the next level of competition starting with the next show, even though they have not been officially notified of their new title by National Kennel Club. This is contingent on the condition that the records kept by the dog’s owner are in accordance with those kept by NKC.   Neither the NKC nor the host clubs are responsible for any mistakes made by the owners of these dogs concerning the dogs’ points. If it is found that the owner’s records were in error, and the dog had not fulfilled the requirements for a Championship title, all points attained by that dog in the higher level will be considered void. Repeated mistakes in tabulating a dog’s points place the individual in jeopardy of a “points” penalty.   NKC reserves the right to determine the extent of those penalties.

 

When Titles are earned

All Championship points (legs) disputes must be reported to NKC no later than six (6) months after the event date.

  • Once it has been determined that a dog has enough points and major wins to be declared a show champion, the dog must be shown in the Champion Class. The dog may not move back to the Open Class unless the owner is notified by NKC that the dog did not fulfill the requirements for the necessary title to move up.
  • If NKC has notified the owner that his dog has completed its Champion title, it may no longer compete in the Puppy, Junior, Senior, or Veteran class. The dog must move up to the Champion of Champions class.
  • If NKC has notified the owner that his dog has completed its Grand Champion title, it may no longer compete in the Champion of Champions class. The dog must move up to the Grand Champion class.
  • If NKC has notified the owner that his dog has completed its Supreme Grand Championship, it may no longer compete in the Grand Champions of Grand Champions Class.

 

Event Participation Ineligibility

If a judge finds a dog displaying any of these conditions, he may disqualify the dog.

  • Any dog that displays disqualifications based on that dog’s breed standard.
  • A dog which is blind, deaf, lame, spayed or neutered or which has been changed in appearance by artificial means except as indicated acceptable in the NKC standard for its breed.
  • A dog is considered changed in appearance by artificial means if it has been subjected to any type of procedure that obscures disguises or eliminates any congenital or hereditary abnormality or any undesirable characteristic, or that does anything to improve a dog’s natural appearance, temperament, bite or gait. Example: tattooing to mimic pigmentation or any surgery that masks a cosmetic or genetic fault.
  • A male having only one descended testicle or neither testicle.
  • A dog displaying extreme viciousness or shyness.

 

General Ring Etiquette:

  • No food is allowed in the ring. If baiting does occur the dog will be excused.
  • No grooming of dogs and no grooming tools will be allowed while in the ring.
  • Armbands with numbers must be provided by the host club and worn in the ring.
  • The dogs must be shown on leather leads or slip collars either of fabric, leather or chain to maintain control. No harness or pinch collars allowed.
  • While exhibiting, handlers are not to wear badges, coats etc with kennel club or identifying names or distracting apparel. The judge has the right to excuse any handler under these circumstances.
  • Dogs will not be allowed to leave the ring until dismissed by the Judge. Dogs must compete in each class as they advance unless scratched or disqualified by the judge.
  • Owners, Handlers and spectators may not interfere with the Judge in any way during the judging of an event.
  • Double handling is considered poor sportsmanship. An example of this is someone trying to get the dog’s attention outside the ring while it is being shown. This may be a noise or just the person getting the dog’s attention to have it more alert, thus giving an unfair advantage. The judge has the authority to either excuse the dog from competition if it occurs or does not stop or not consider the dog in the placement. The event host has the authority to excuse the exhibitor from the event.
  • The handler must be someone who is physically able to control the dog at all times. If the Judge or Club Official feels that the situation is not being handled properly, the dog and handler may be excused. The judge’s decision is final.
  • If a dog fouls the ring, the right steward will take cleaning supplies to the owner/handler and will offer to hold the dog while the owner/handler cleans up. The host club may ask any exhibitor not cleaning up after their dogs to leave the event

 

General Rules

  • Owners/handlers should always conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner.
  • A dog is entered in a NKC Licensed Conformation Show by the owner, exhibitor or handler for the purpose of inviting that particular Judge’s personal inspection and decision at that particular show or trial, and by entering their dog, agrees to accept the decision of the Judge as final.
  • Exhibitors with their dogs should be ready at ringside when it is their turn to exhibit. Dogs should be judged in Numerical order unless the Judge has granted permission.
  • All dogs will be judged on the ground and/or floor. A bench or table can be used, if the Judge so desires.
  • No dogs will be allowed in the ring or judged prior to show time.
  • While not being exhibited, all dogs must be crated or on adequate leads and kept under control at the event site. It is recommended that dogs not be crated within five (15) feet of the ring.  Should a dog(s) become a disturbance at ringside or in a crated area, the Officiating Judge, Event Committee or Club Management may require that the dogs be moved or removed from the show grounds.
  • The Club, Event Committee and/or the Event Superintendent have no obligation or responsibility for providing service through a public address system, stewards or runners for the purpose of calling or locating dogs that are not brought into the ring when required.
  • The club management and/or Judge has the right to refuse entry, bar, excuse from the ring or have removed from the show grounds any dog that is in poor health, uncontrollable or vicious to other dogs and/or humans.
  • The club management and/or the Judge has the right to refuse entry, bar, or excuse from the ring any individual, dog or handler for actions which are unsportsmanlike or unbecoming to the sport of dog showing. However, no handler shall be barred on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, or sex.
  • Owners/handlers must assume full responsibility and follow all rules and procedures set forth by the host club and hotels/motels regarding cleaning up after their dog(s). It is the responsibility of the owner/handler to clean up after their dog both in the ring, on the event grounds, and at the hotel/motel.
  • Host clubs are responsible for providing local hotels/motels with a contact person with whom to register complaints about dog owners/handlers attending the host club event. Clubs must promptly investigate complaints lodged by hotels/motels. This shall include providing the owner/handler against whom the complaint has been lodged notice of the complaint and an opportunity to respond.
  • Clubs must report substantiated complaints to National Kennel Club. National Kennel Club will take appropriate action against persons found to have violated host club or hotel/motel policies regarding cleaning up after their dog(s). Everyone must remember that all owners and handlers must be responsible or host clubs will not be able to obtain facilities for; holding dog events.

 

Grooming for NKC Events:

Grooming of a dog before entering a NKC Event is encouraged within the following guidelines:

  • Bathing is relative to the maintenance of the health of the dog and to its presentation in the show ring.
  • Dogs should be exhibited in a near to natural state.

Chalking, powdering or dying to cover faulty hair color, or texture is not allowed.  If the Judge determines that any of the above has been violated, they will not consider the dog for placement.

After the judge has finished judging the group, they should advise the hander why they did not consider the dog for Championship points.

 

Formal Complaint Procedure

Any owner of a NKC registered dog entered in a NKC licensed event has the right to make a formal complaint when a NKC rule or policy has been violated.

Please use the following protocol for formal complaints.

  • All possible effort should be made to resolve the problem at the club level.
  • The alleged rule violation should be presented to an Event Host officer. That person will assemble any club officers present and any member whose input they feel is necessary.
  • If a situation cannot be resolved with the clubs officials and a formal complaint is to the NCK is needed, a written explanation of the rule violation and complaint must be mailed to the NKC. Complaints will be handled on an as-needed case by case basis directly by NKC.  All involved parties will be contacted by the NKC to investigate the complaint and help resolve the situation.

 

Policy Regarding Dog Temperament at NKC Events

Participants presenting dogs at NKC licensed events have the responsibility of exhibiting dogs of sound mind and body. Extreme shyness or viciousness can be an inherited defect, therefore such dogs are not recommended for breeding or Conformation Events.  It is understood that environment also plays a part in this type of behavior. If this is the case, the owner/handler has the responsibility of socializing the dog to correct any behavioral problems. Severely aggressive behavior by dogs shall not be tolerated at NKC events. Dogs participating in NKC events are expected to have stable temperaments appropriate to their breeds. Owners or designated handlers are responsible for the behavior of the if dogs and are expected to ensure at all times that their dogs present no thereat to persons or other dogs attending the event. Normal canine behavior includes limited dominance behavior such as lunging or barking. Such normal acts of canine behavior shall not be considered aggressive. Judges are responsible for disqualifying dogs that act aggressively in their rings. The Judge should describe the specific act of aggression. Each Judge has complete authority to disqualify a dog for acting aggressively and the Judge’s decision is final.

 

Excused or Disqualified Dogs

The judge has the right and responsibility to excuse, disqualify or withhold giving NKC points if in their opinion if a dog is dog submitted that does not qualifies or meets the breed standard. If a dog is disqualified, excused or points are withheld for any reason the exhibitor should be informed that points are not to be awarded

 

Official NKC Show Classes & Points

When only one dog is entered in any classification, the dog must score 80 points or better (*See Chart Below*) on a conformation breakdown before any points are awarded, in the Champion class there must be competition for a win to be awarded.  The judges’ decision is final.  No appeal. To receive championship points each dog must be registered with NKC.  The show must be licensed by NKC and judged by an NKC licensed show judge.  All shows will have day of show registration to accommodate all dogs.

Conformation Points Break Down for Judging

 

General appearance (including Coat) 10
Head and Neck (teeth, jaws, ears, eyes) 15
Front quarters (chest, front feet, front legs, and shoulders) 15
Hind quarters (hips, back, back feet & legs, and tail) 15
Special characteristics of breed 15
Gait and movement 15
Temperament 15
Total 100 Points

 

The following outlines the licensed classes to be held at NKC Licensed events.  Age is determined as of the date of the show.  Note: males are judged before females.

  • Puppy Class I is for all males/females 3 months to 6 months of age.
  • Puppy Class II is for all males/females 6 months to 9 months of age.
  • Puppy Class III is for all males/females 9 months of age to less than 1 year of age.
  • Junior Class is for all males/females 1 year of age and under 2 years of age.
  • Senior Class is for all males females 2 years of age and under 4 years of age.
  • Veteran Class is for all males/females 4 years of age and older.

 

The following groups are shown in All-Breed Shows:

Group 1 Hounds
Group 2 Sporting Dogs
Group 3 Working Dogs
Group 4 Terriers
Group 5 Toy Breeds
Group 6 Non-Sporting

In all-breed show take dogs alphabetical in groups:

  • First show all males together to determine the Best of Age for each class listed above and the Best of Breed.
  • Then show all male breed winners for Best of Group Male.
  • Show all females together to determine the Best of Age for each class listed above and the Best of Breed.
  • Then show all female breed winners for Best of Group Female.
  • Once you have group winners for the males and females. Show all male group winners against each other for the Best male of Show, and then show all the females against each other for the Best Female of Show.
  • Show the Best Male of Show and the Best Female of Show against each other for the over all Best of Show.
  • The Champion of is open only to those dogs that have earned their Champion title. All male and female Champions compete against each other for the Best Champion of Show. In order for the win to be credited towards the Grand Champion title, there must be competition in the Champion class.  If less than two dogs are entered, the class will be held and a winner will be designated by the Judge, but the win will not be credited toward the Grand Champion title.
  • The Grand Champion Class is open only to those dogs that have earned their Grand Champion title. All male and female Grand Champions compete against each other for the Best Grand Champion of Show.  In order for the win to be credited towards the Supreme Grand Champion title, there must be competition in the Grand Champion class.  If less than two dogs are entered, the class will be held and a winner will be designated by the Judge, but the win will not be credited toward the Supreme Grand Champion title.
  • The Supreme Grand Champion Class is open only to those dogs that have earned their Supreme Grand Champion title. All male and female Supreme Grand Champions compete against each other for the Best Supreme Grand Champion of Show.

 

Championship points awarded: All-Breed Dog Show

 

Best of Age 10
Best of Breed 10
Best of Group 5
Best in Show 10
Total Maximum points in a show 35

 

How to earn Championship Titles

Champion:

  • Dogs 1 year of age or older earning 100 NKC Conformation points with either a Best Of Show win with *competition or two (2) Best of Sex wins will be awarded a Champion Title.

Grand Champion:

  • Dogs having earned their NKC Champions title, must earn (5) five Champion of Champions Class wins with *competition.

Supreme Grand Champion:

  • Dogs having earned their NKC Grand Champions Title, must earn (5) five Grand Champions class wins with *competition.

*Competition: consists of at least (2) two dogs in the ring. If there is only one, representative, available for an upper level class that class may still be held but no championship points will be awarded. Ribbons, Trophies or other awards will be awarded.

 

Titles & Championship Degree Policy

  • The title or championship degree will be sent to the registered owner when the dog fulfills the requirements for a title or championship degree.
  • Once you receive the title or champion degree, your dog’s record from that point forward will reflect the awarded title. Any offspring out of this dog will have this dog’s title or degree on their pedigree also.
  • If you would like for a dogs title to be shown on its Registration Certificate, you can return the certificate to the NKC with a request for an updated Registration Certificate. The current fee for an update certificate is $15.00.  This is not required as your dog is already a champion and is to be entered in the next higher class or category.

 

NKC Trademark Information

NKC is the trademark of the National Kennel Club, Inc. located in Blaine, TN. The use of the initials NKC in Association with any other registry would be in violation of the registered trademark. Notify Del Morgan President, National Kennel Club, P.O. Box 331/ 255 Indian Ridge Road Blaine, TN 37709 should you become aware of such a violation.

National Kennel Club, Inc.
Point System for All-Breed Conformation Shows

When only one dog is entered in any classification, the dog must score 80 points or better (*See Chart Below*) on a conformation breakdown before any points are awarded, in the Champion class there must be competition for a win to be awarded.  The judges’ decision is final.  No appeal. To receive championship points each dog must be registered with NKC.  The show must be licensed by NKC and judged by an NKC licensed show judge.  All shows will have day of show registration to accommodate all dogs.

Conformation Points Break Down for Judging

General appearance (including Coat) 10
Head and Neck (teeth, jaws, ears, eyes) 15
Front quarters (chest, front feet, front legs, and shoulders) 15
Hind quarters (hips, back, back feet & legs, and tail) 15
Special characteristics of breed 15
Gait and movement 15
Temperament 15
Total 100 Points

 

Championship points awarded: All-Breed Dog Show

Best of Age 10
Best of Breed 10
Best of Group 5
Best in Show 10
Total Maximum points in a show 35

 

 NKC Licensed Conformation Classes

 

Puppy Classes 3-6 Months
  6-9 Months
  9-12 Months
Junior 1-2 Years
Senior Class 2-4 Years
Veteran Class 4 Years and up
Champion Class  
Grand Champion Class  
SuperGrand Champion Class  

* Ages apply to age of dog on the day of the show.