Dog Shows
Judging context – eligible classes for young dogs
- CONTEXT – Eligible Classes for Young Dogs
A young dog may take part in the WDF in:
• Very Young (9–12 months)
• Young / Junior (12–18 months)
These classes CANNOT receive:
- CAC
- CACIB
But they may receive:
- CAJC
- JBOB
- access to BIS PUPPY (if aged 6–9 months) or BIS JUNIOR (9–18 months)
For JUNIORS, the absolute maximum title is:
BEST IN SHOW JUNIOR (BIS Junior)
1. ENTRY INTO THE RING – OFFICIAL CHECKS
The judge is obliged to check:
✔ the catalogue number
✔ class membership (exact age)
✔ general behaviour on entry
✔ the presentation of the dog and the handler
The judge does not permit:
- uncontrolled aggressiveness
- extreme fear
- refusal of mandatory examinations
In case of impossibility of evaluation: ➡ the judge awards N.J. – Not Judgeable.
2. INDIVIDUAL EVALUATION OF THE DOG (junior)
✔ 2.1. Static evaluation
The judge examines:
- breed typicity
- proportions, structure
- head, expression
- dentition (mandatory)
- forelimbs / hindlimbs
- topline
- tail
- coat texture and colour
- bodily condition
Difference from adults: ➡ minor natural imperfections of age are accepted.
✔ 2.2. Evaluation in movement
The judge requests:
- gait in a triangle
- gait in a circle
- free gait
It evaluates:
- balance of movement
- elastic gait
- coordination
- rear engagement
- the specific presence of a junior
✔ 2.3. Judge’s commentary
The judge dictates to the ring steward:
- the qualities
- the minor imperfections
- the final conclusion
The report is entered into the official sheet.
3. AWARDING THE GRADE
In the Junior classes, the judge may award:
✔ EXC – Excellent
✔ VG – Very Good
✔ G – Good
✔ DSQ – Disqualified
✔ NJ – Not Judgeable
For titles, the following is required:
➡ EXCELLENT 1 (1 Excellent)
4. PLACEMENT WITHIN THE CLASS
The judge places the top 3 dogs with a minimum grade of VG.
Our dog receives:
➡ 1st Place – 1 Excellent
And becomes the winner of the class.
5. PLAY-OFF FOR CAJC
The CAJC title may be awarded to:
- 1 male
- 1 female
From the classes:
- Very Young
- Young
The judge compares:
- the best Very Young with
- the best Young (of the same sex)
The dog that is superior receives:
➡ CAJC (Junior Champion Aptitude Certificate)
6. PLAY-OFF FOR JBOB (Best of Breed Junior)
In accordance with Art. 11, the judge compares:
- the Very Young winner
- the Young winner (only the dogs with EXCELLENT 1)
Separately for Males and Females.
The judge selects:
➡ JBOB Male ➡ JBOB Female
These represent the best juniors of the breed.
7. ACCESS TO THE RING OF HONOUR – BIS JUNIOR
The JBOB dog automatically enters:
• BIS Junior (Best in Show Junior)
Here it competes with all the JBOB winners of all breeds.
The BIS judge (different from the breed judge):
- re-evaluates the dogs (quickly)
- compares typicity and presence
- designates the finalists
In BIS Junior the following are awarded:
1️⃣ BIS JUNIOR – FIRST PLACE (the maximum possible title) 2️⃣ RESERVE BIS JUNIOR – SECOND PLACE 3️⃣ 3rd BIS JUNIOR – THIRD PLACE
8. THE MAXIMUM POSSIBLE TITLE FOR A JUNIOR DOG
The absolute maximum title that a Very Young / Junior dog can obtain in the WDF is:
🏆 BEST IN SHOW JUNIOR (BIS Junior)
It is the equivalent of the supreme title at Junior level.
Young dogs cannot compete for BIS Adult.
SUMMARY – COMPLETE JUDGING FLOW (the judge’s perspective)
1. Entry into the ring
Identity, behaviour, class validation.
2. Static evaluation
Complete examination, stacking.
3. Evaluation in movement
Triangle, circle, dynamic evaluation.
4. Judge’s commentary
Official written report.
5. Grade
➡ The dog receives “1 Excellent”.
6. Winning the class
Wins Very Young or Young.
7. CAJC play-off
Wins the CAJC title.
8. JBOB play-off
Wins the JBOB title (the best junior of the breed).
9. Access to BIS Junior
Takes part in the ring of honour.
🏆 10. BIS Junior
➡ The maximum possible title at this age.