Dog Show Preparation

For a show, a dog should be sound in health with good and clean coat and be devoid of any deformity. Various Kennel clubs have formulated a class rule of dogs as per their specification. They are as follows:

1. Open class: This is confined to a breed or to a variety of breeds classified as such by the Kennel club of India is a class in which all dogs of the breed or variety of breeds may compete.

2. Special limit class: It is akin to open class where no dog can compete which has won three challenge certificates.

3. Limit class: It is similar to open class, save that no dog can compete which has been awarded a challenge certificate or which has won three first prizes in all, in open and limit classes, at a championship or openshow.

4. Novice class: In it no dog can compete which has won a first prize in any class other than puppy, maiden, local or members at a championship or open show.

5. Maiden class: It is one in which no dog can compete which has won any prize in any class at any show.

6. Junior class: It is one in which only dogs of 9 months and under 18 months on the first day of the show can compete, date of birth, size of sire and dam must be shown in one entry form.

7. Puppy class: It is one in which only dogs of four months and not exceeding 12 months on the first day of the show can compete.

8. Litter class: It is one for puppies not less than 2 in number of one of the same litter being not less than 45 days and net more than 4 calendar months of age, on the first day of the show. Not more than one entry shall be made for one litter in the same class. A litter shall be exhibited by one breeder only.

9. Veteran class is one in which only dog not less than 7 years old on the first day of the show can compete.

10. Champion class: It is one in which dogs which have qualified for the title champion in accordance with the regulation can compete.

11. Brace: It is a class in which two exhibits of one same breed or variety of breeds (either sex or both) being the property of same owner can compete provided such exhibits are entered in one or more of their breed classes.

12. Team: It is a class in which three or more exhibits of the same breed or a variety of a breed (either sex or both) being the property of the same owner can compete, provided such exhibits are entered in one or more of their classes.

13: Field trial class is one in which only dogs that have won a prize or certificate or merit or diploma of merit in actual competition at a recognized field trial can compete.