HOW DO I MAKE UP A CHAMPION DOG?

So, you've decided to show your dog in the conformation (breed) classes with the aim of making him/her up as a champion. You've been to some local ringcraft classes and you've tried your hand at showing at a couple of open shows, now you're ready to go for the big ones. You've entered the championship show in advance and you have everything ready for the weekend.

Challenge Certificates (CCs)

During the course of judging the classes, the judge will look for the best dog and bitch that, in his or her opinion, is of "such outstanding merit as to be worthy of qualifying for the title of Champion." If that happens to be your dog - well done! You're one-fifth of the way there! The certificate that is issued is called a Challenge Certificate (CC) and is usually worth one point. If, however, there are more than 10 dogs or bitches competing for a CC, it will be worth two points. The judge may also award a certificate to the second-placed dog or bitch, called a Reserve Challenge Certificate (RCC). These don't count towards your dog's championship, but if the CC winner is disqualified, the RCC winner will be awarded the CC in its place.

A judge has the right to withhold a CC (refuse to award it) if he/she believes the quality of the exhibits are not up to standard.

Gathering points

For a dog to become a Breed Champion, he/she must be awarded five points. Here are the rules in this regard:

* The breed must be on the KUSA Breed Register
* Points awarded to a dog younger than nine months old do not count
* At least one point must be awarded after the dog is 18 months old
* You can earn four points in your own district, but one point (often called "the away CC") must be awarded in another district ...(see the list of districts below)
* All points must be earned under different judges
* Certain breeds, (eg. Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Giant Schnauzers, etc)) require additional tests, age restrictions and ...qualifications - KUSA or your dog's breeder will advise

KUSA districts

* Eastern Districts of Gauteng & Surrounds
* Western Districts of Gauteng & Surrounds
* Kwa-Zulu Natal (Southern Coastal Region)
* Kwa-Zulu Natal (Northern, Northern Coastal & Midlands Regions)
* Free State
* Northern Cape
* Eastern Province & North Eastern Cape
* Border & Transkei
* Western Cape
* Boland & South Cape
* Namibia

Declaring your dog

When you have gathered all the points you need and checked that all CCs are applicable to the rules above, you have to apply to KUSA to declare your dog as champion. It is not an automatic process, neither is it compulsory - some people tend, for example, not to declare their dog immediately, preferring to keep it in the Open Class until it has matured sufficiently to compete in the Champions Class. On the other hand, having achieved such success, it makes good sense to claim your dog's status as soon as possible.

The form you need to complete, "Application for Championship Certificate" is available from the KUSA office or from the KUSA website here. Remember to make photocopies of your CCs and attach them to your application.

 

Contact: SHOWDOGS