Understanding Dog Show Titles: A Comprehensive Guide to Awards from Excellent to Best in Show

A Guide to Dog Show Awards and Titles

In the world of dog shows, a myriad of awards and titles recognize the exceptional qualities and achievements of canine competitors. These titles span across various age categories and levels of competition, from puppies to veterans, and cover evaluations from breed judging to the ultimate ring of honor. Here’s a more detailed look at the awards and titles, organized by age group and judging stage. Please bare in mind that some titles are optional and others have been awarded under different order or rules depending on the internal regulations of the county or the kennel club under which the show is being held.

Exc (Excellent)

• Description: Given to a dog that meets the breed standard very closely. This rating is usually awarded to the top-quality dogs in their class.
• Significance: It signifies that the dog has outstanding breed characteristics and is an exemplary representative of its breed. Only dogs awarded with Excellent can be awarded with CAC or CACIB title.

VG (Very Good)

• Description: Awarded to dogs that are of high quality but have some minor faults that prevent them from achieving the top rating.
• Significance: This rating indicates that the dog is a good example of the breed but does not meet the highest standard of excellence.

G (Good)

• Description: Given to dogs that meet the breed standard but have more noticeable faults.
• Significance: Reflects that while the dog is of satisfactory quality, it has several issues that affect its overall standing.

S (Sufficient)

• Description: Awarded to dogs that meet the minimum requirements of the breed standard but have significant faults.
• Significance: Indicates that the dog fulfills the basic breed characteristics but lacks refinement or has considerable issues.

Can not be judged 

• Description: Given to dogs that do not meet the breed standard in significant ways or have serious health or behavioral issues.
• Significance: Shows that the dog is not considered suitable for the breed standard in its current condition.

VP (Very Promising)

• Description: This rating is given to puppies in the Minor Puppy and Puppy classes. A "Very Promising" rating indicates that the puppy shows significant potential and exhibits qualities that suggest a bright future in the show ring.
• Signifacne: To recognize puppies with notable qualities that indicate future success.

P (Promising)

• Description: Given to puppies that demonstrate good qualities but with room for further development.
• Significance: Recognizes puppies with potential but not yet fully developed.

Puppy BOB (Puppy Best of Breed)

• Description: Given to the best puppy in each breed. This award highlights the top puppy who best represents the breed standard.
• Significance: To distinguish the top puppy in a breed and showcase emerging talent.

J CAC (Junior Certificate of Aptitude for the Beauty Championship)

• Description: Awarded to the best Junior dog from each sex of each breed at a national show. 
• Significance: Indicates high quality and potential in young dogs, it is often required for Junior dogs to earn their Junior Champion title, depending on the rules of the specific kennel club or organization. The J CAC winner competes for teh J BOB title
   

J CACIB (Junior Certificate of Aptitude for the International Beauty Championship)

• Description: Given to the best Junior dog from each sex of each breed in an international show.
• Significance: It is a prestigious award that recognizes exceptional quality in young dogs at an international level. It is one of the steps toward achieving the Junior International Champion title.  This award highlights a dog's potential on an international scale and acknowledges their superior breed characteristics. The J CACIB winner competes for the J BOB title.

J BOB (Junior Best of Breed)

• Description: Awarded to the best Junior dog in each breed, typically between 9 and 18 months of age.
• Significance: Highlights exceptional young dogs and their potential for future success. Recognize outstanding Junior dogs who exhibit high breed standards. The J BOB winner competes for the J BIS (Junior Best in Show) title at the ring of honour and for the BOB title as well.

CAC (Certificate of Championship Aptitude)

• Description: This certificate is awarded to the best dog of each adult class from each sex in each breed at national show. It is necessary for a dog to qualify for the Champion title.
• Significance: To recognize a dog that meets high standards necessary for championship status. The CAC winner competes for best dog of the respective sex.

CACIB (Certificate of Aptitude for the International Beauty Championship)

• Description: Awarded to the best dog in of each sex in each breed at international show. It is a certification required for the CIB (International Champion title).
• Significance: To acknowledge dogs that excel at an international level, aiding in their qualification for the International Champion title. The CACIB winner competes for best dog of the respective sex.

BOB (Best of Breed)

• Description: Awarded to the best dog in each breed from regular classes regardless of it's sex class. This title is given to the dog that most closely conforms to the breed standard.
• Significance: Recognizes the top example of the breed in a particular show, showcasing the highest standard of breed quality. The BOB winner competes for the BOG title at the ring of honour.

This is easily the most important title because if a dog wins it frequently and consistently shows stable results, it indicates that this particular dog is an exemplary representative of the breed particular dog is an exemplary represenatitve of the breed.

BOS (Best Opposite Sex) - optional

• Description: Given to the best dog of the opposite sex to the BOB winner in the same breed.
• Significance: Highlights the best female or male, whichever is opposite to the BOB winner, emphasizing overall breed excellence. In some rare cases the BOS winner competes vor the BOS BIS title at the main ring.

V CAC (Veteran Certificate of Aptitude):

• Description: Awarded to the best veteran dog from each sex at each breed at national show showing that the dog still meets high standards in its senior years.
• Significance: Recognizes exceptional quality in senior dogs. The V CAC winner competes for the BOB title.

V CACIB (Veteran Certificate of Aptitude International):

• Description: Given to the best veteran dog from each sex at each breed at international competitions.
• Significance: Highlights top quality among veteran dogs on an international stage. The V CACIB winner competes for the BOB title.

V BOB (Veteran Best of Breed)

• Description: Awarded to the best veteran dog in each breed. Veterans are usually dogs over 7 years old.
• Significance: Recognizes outstanding quality in older dogs and honors their enduring breed characteristics. The V BOB winner competes for the BOB title and as well for the V BIS title at the main ring.

V BOS (Veteran Best Opposite Sex) - optional

• Description: Given to the best veteran dog of the opposite sex to the V-BOB winner.
• Significance: Highlights exceptional quality in senior dogs and serves as a tribute to their long-term excellence.

BOG (Best of Group)

• Description: Awarded at the ring of honour to the best dog from each of the breed groups, such as Group 1 (Herding), Group 2 (Hound), etc.
• Significance: Represents the top dog within a specific breed group, showcasing the best of a broad category of breeds. The BOG winner competes for the BIS title.

J BIS (Junior Best in Show)

• Description: Given to the best Junior dog from all breed groups competing for the title of Junior Best in Show.
• Significance: Recognizes the best young dog across all groups, highlighting exceptional quality and potential in the junior category.

BIS (Best in Show)

• Description: Awarded to the best dog among all group winners at the show.
• Significance: Represents the top dog in the entire show, showcasing the highest standard of all breeds and groups.

In conclusion, each award and title in the dog show world serves to recognize the diverse qualities and achievements of canine competitors, from the promising puppies to the seasoned veterans. These awards not only highlight individual excellence but also set benchmarks for future success in the ring. Stay tuned for our next article, where we’ll dive deeper into the specific criteria and significance of each title, ensuring you’re fully equipped with knowledge for your next dog show adventure.