DOG SHOW
RULES
DOG BREEDERS UNION SHOW REGULATIONS
Introduction
§ 1
Organization of dog shows and exhibitions of purebred dogs is one of the responsibilities of a cynological association that is a member of the DOG BREEDERS UNION, hereinafter referred to as the “Association”.
§ 2
These regulations have been developed on the basis of the Association’s Statute, Organizational Regulations, Regulations for Cynological Judges and Judicial Ethics, and other resolutions of the DOG BREEDERS UNION Board.
§ 3
The DOG BREEDERS UNION Association organizes the following types of shows:
a) International Purebred Dog Show
b) International Specialty Show for a selected breed or group of breeds
c) International Dog Show organized by a breed or group Section
d) International Dog Show for the Winner of the Country of Registration
e) International European Purebred Dog Show
f) International World Dog Show or “World Cup” series
g) Other international-level shows - subject to prior agreement and approval by DOG BREEDERS UNION
§ 4
- Any association that is a member of the DOG BREEDERS UNION may organize dog exhibitions and shows referred to in these regulations.
- The Exhibition Organizing Committee is responsible for organizing the exhibition, while the Association's Board supervises the exhibition.
Special Requirements – Dog Welfare
§ 5
- Only purebred dogs with pedigrees recognized by the DOG BREEDERS UNION may be entered in international shows organized by or under its patronage.
- It is prohibited to treat the coat, skin, or nose with any substances that alter their structure, color, or form. Exhibited dogs must not be under the influence of doping agents or substances affecting their psyche. It is also forbidden to leave a dog tied to a grooming table longer than necessary.
- Only healthy dogs with valid mandatory vaccinations applicable in a given country and registered for the show may be present at the show venue.
- Bitches in heat, lactating, or with puppies are not allowed on the show grounds.
- Judges may refuse to assess dogs that are ill, in poor condition, or bitches in heat or during lactation. The organizer, in consultation with a veterinarian, may remove such dogs from the show grounds.
- Exhibitors are required to ensure proper conditions for their dogs, including physiological and psychological needs and overall welfare.
- The use of prong collars, choke chains, and harnesses is prohibited; only standard collars or show leads are permitted.
- The Organizing Committee reserves the right to refuse participation to any exhibitor or dog without providing a reason.
Entries – Acceptance of Dogs For Dog Show
§ 6
- Microchips (ISO standard) and tattoos are equally accepted.
- Organizers must ensure that only breeds whose standards are approved by the DOG BREEDERS UNION, or those classified as “Unrecognized Breeds” under review, are entered.
- Dogs from the “Unrecognized Breeds” group may be evaluated but are not eligible for titles, certificates, or final competitions.
- Breed standards, chip readers and measuring devices may be available in the ring.
§ 7
At all international exhibitions under the patronage of DOG BREEDERS UNION, breeds are divided into groups in accordance with the taxonomy of DOG BREEDERS UNION – the organization to which the given association belongs.
§ 8
1. Dogs may be entered in the following classes:
a) Baby class – 3 to 6 months of age,
b) Puppy class – 6 to 9 months of age,
c) Junior class – 9 to 15 months of age for breeds under 45 cm, 9 to 18 months for breeds over 45 cm
d) Intermediate class - 15 to 24 months of age,
e) Open class – over 18 months of age,
f) Champion Class – over 18 months of age, for dogs holding the title of adult national or international show champion. A copy of the championship certificate must be attached to the exhibition entry.
g) Working class – for dogs at least 12 months old with at least obedience training and positive psycho-test results or dogs that are working dogs in dog therapy, uniformed services, etc. The application must be accompanied by an appropriate document confirming the dog's working capacity.
h) Veteran class – over 8 years of age.
2. The date that determines a dog's age is the date of the show. If the dog's birth date falls on the day of the show, the exhibitor has the right to choose the class in which they wish to enter the dog. If shows are held consecutively, the exhibitor is obligated to enter the dog in the appropriate age class the following day.
3. A dog that reaches the age limit between classes on the day of the show (e.g., a puppy that is 9 months old on the day of the show) may be shown in the puppy or youth class on its birthday, at the exhibitor's discretion; provided that the class selection is made before the closing date for entries. If another show is held at the same location the following day, the dog must be shown in the age-appropriate manner, i.e., in the youth class.
§ 9
1. The Application Form should contain the following data:
a) the dog's name and kennel name,
b) the dog's studbook or preliminary stud book number of the organization in which the dog is registered at the time of entering it for the exhibition,
c) the dog's breed, sex, color, and date of birth,
d) the parents' names and kennel names,
e) the breeder's name and surname,
f) the owner's name and address, telephone number, and email address,
g) the dog's achievements, including awarded titles, categories, certificates, etc.,
h) the class for which the dog is entered,
i) the applicant's signature and consent to the processing of personal data (in the case of electronic entries, a signature is not required, and consent to the processing of personal data is equivalent to submitting the entry)
2. In each case, the dog's entry form should include a clause accepting the organizer's regulations, in particular the Exhibition Regulations, and accepting liability for any damage caused by the dog, as well as consent to the processing of personal data for the organizational purposes of the exhibition.
3. The dog owner must register the dog/dogs for the exhibition by completing and sending the Registration Form within the time specified by the organizer.
4. Each entry must be accompanied by a copy of the Pedigree and other documents confirming entry to a given exhibition class, with the exception of dogs registered with the parent association.
Show Organization Rules
§ 10
1. Participation in the exhibition is subject to fees established by the exhibition organizers, which are used to cover the costs of organizing the exhibition. Confirmation of payment must be attached to the application.
2. Exhibitions are open to the public, and organizers may charge admission fees. Information about the exhibition grounds, location, date, and judging panel will be disseminated by the exhibition organizer in advance through available media.
3. The schedule of international exhibitions and, if the association so wishes, also of other exhibitions for a given calendar year, as well as all changes introduced therein, should be reported by the Board of the member organization to the Head Office of the DOG BREEDERS UNION in order to inform other member and cooperating organizations.
§ 11
1. The Association's Board approves the judging panel for all exhibitions.
2. The Association's Board may refuse to approve a judge if:
– the Association has received complaints or negative opinions regarding a given judge
– a given judge has failed to comply with the regulations of exhibitions, judging, or breeding
– a given judge has committed financial abuse or gross negligence in his canine activities;
- The judging panel and any changes thereto should be notified and approved by the Board of the Member Association and, if necessary, communicated to the Head Office of the DOG BREEDERS UNION.
§ 12
1. The exhibition organizer is responsible for preparing full information about the exhibition.
2. The exhibition organizer is obliged to publish an exhibition catalogue in paper or electronic form.
3. The exhibition catalogue is a document containing a list of dogs to be judged at the exhibition and should contain the following information:
a) breeds
b) gender of dogs,
c) classes within gender,
d) dog data,
e) list of judges,
f) composition of the organizing committee,
g) rules for dividing dogs into classes and groups,
h) certificates and titles awarded at a given show,
i) judging schedule,
j) the catalog may also include a brief description of the breeds, rules for judging the dogs, advertisements, etc.,
k) list of exhibitors
4. Dog data, which the catalog should include:
a) catalog number of each dog, which is also the starting number,
b) name and kennel name, category and title,
c) chip/tattoo number,
d) date of birth, gender, and coat color,
e) pedigree number,
f) names and nicknames of parents,
g) name and surname of breeder and exhibitor
Technical requirements for organization of the exhibition
§ 13
1. The exhibition area should be marked, there should be a shaded area for dogs, access to fresh water for dogs, space for the exhibition organizers, including a secretary's office, veterinary point, sanitary facilities, and fenced rings for judging dogs.
2. The ring equipment should provide the referee and secretary with appropriate working conditions.
This equipment consists of:
a) a judging table with an umbrella or other covering,
b) disposable hand sanitizers and wipes,
c) a judging table for small and miniature breeds,
d) a chip reader, height gauge, etc.
3. The exhibition should meet the requirements of the general regulations in force in a given country.
§ 14
1. Organizers are obligated to provide exhibitors and dogs with appropriate exhibition conditions and safety, and to provide comfortable working conditions for judges, secretaries, interns, ringmasters, and other persons assisting in organizing the exhibition.
2. Exhibitors are obligated to:
a) comply with the exhibition regulations,
b) not engage in discussions with the judge or organizers. All comments regarding the work of the judge and organizers should be submitted in writing to the Association's Management Board after the exhibition (within 7 days of its conclusion) or to the Chief Judge of the Exhibition during the exhibition (if the exhibitor identifies gross deficiencies in the assessment of their dog).
c) wear a show number during the show,
d) arrive with their dog for judging in a timely manner,
3. Exhibition participants who violate the show regulations may be subject to the following penalties:
a) warning,
b) reprimand,
c) ban from participating in shows (for a specified/indefinite period),
d) suspension from membership (for a specified period),
e) expulsion from the organization.
4. The above penalty is imposed by the Board of the Member organization, with the exception of a ban from participating in shows (for a specified/indefinite period), which may also be imposed by the Chief Judge of the Show during the show.
5. The Chief Judge of the Show or the Organization's Board of Directors will report the fact that a ban from participating in shows (for a specified/indefinite period) has been imposed on an exhibition participant to the Board of DOG BREEDERS UNION within 7 days of the date of the show.
Rules for judging dogs
§ 15
1. Dogs at the show are assessed by a qualified cynological judge or a cynological judge invited by another national or foreign organization. The rights, requirements, and competencies of the judges assessing dogs at the show are defined in the Regulations for Cynological Judges.
2. During the assessment of dogs, in addition to the judges, only the cynological assistant, the secretary, the ringmaster, the ring host, liaison officer and the translator may be present in the ring.
3. Judges may agree for a replacement of the person exhibiting the dog.
4. The assessment of individual breeds takes place publicly in the ring; dogs first, then bitches, in consecutive classes. In adult classes (from intermediate and above), all dogs are assessed first in the ring, then all bitches.
5. Judging is conducted according to the judging schedule. When assessing dogs in the ring, the judge uses only the judging schedule; they may not use a catalog. Organizers are required to print and provide the judges with a judging schedule or dog evaluation sheets arranged in the appropriate order.
§ 16
1. The judge may award the following grades to dogs entered in the youth class, starting from the youth class:
a) Excellent – may only be awarded to a dog that closely matches the ideal breed standard, is presented in excellent condition, demonstrates a harmonious and balanced character, possesses high class, and has excellent posture. Its outstanding breed characteristics allow for the overlooking of minor imperfections; the dog must demonstrate the distinctive characteristics of its breed and gender.
b) Very Good – may only be awarded to a dog that possesses the typical characteristics of its breed, a proportionate body structure, and good show condition. A few faults, but not anatomical ones, may be omitted. This grade may only be awarded to a dog that demonstrates high class.
c) Good – should be awarded to a dog that possesses the main characteristics of the breed but also displays faults. Overall, it must be a good representative of its breed.
d) Satisfactory – should be awarded to a dog with a sufficiently typical appearance that is presented in an inappropriate condition or does not demonstrate the typical virtues generally accepted for the breed.
e) A disqualifying rating must be awarded to a dog that does not exhibit the typical characteristics of the breed described in the standard, or is aggressive, has dental or bite defects, testicular anomalies, exhibits a faulty coat color, or clearly shows signs of albinism. This rating should also be awarded to a dog that is so untypical in one characteristic that it could pose a health risk. Furthermore, this rating should be awarded to dogs that exhibit serious or disqualifying defects in relation to the breed standard.
f) not to be judged – any dog that is immobile, continually jumps on its handler, or tries to escape from the ring, making it impossible to assess its gait and movements, or refuses to be assessed by the judge, making it impossible to assess its bite and teeth, anatomy and conformation, tail, or testicles, as well as any dog with visible signs of surgery or treatment indicating possible attempts at cheating, should be classified as disqualified. The same applies if the judge has serious reason to suspect that the dog has undergone surgery to correct its original condition or characteristic (e.g., ear or tail surgery). The reason for issuing a "not to be judged" verdict must be justified on the evaluation form.
2. In the baby and puppy classes, the following scores are awarded:
a) Very promising – the highest score for dogs in the baby and puppy classes (3-9 months old) at shows, awarded for outstanding conformation to the breed standard, anatomical structure, and behavior. This score indicates excellent breeding and show prospects.
b) Promising – the second most important score for dogs in the baby and puppy classes (3-9 months old), indicates that the dog is a promising representative of its breed, conforms to the breed standard, and possesses typical characteristics, but exhibits minor anatomical or behavioral defects that may resolve with development. This score indicates good breeding and show prospects.
c) Unpromising - a score for dogs in the baby and puppy classes (3-9 months old) means that the judge noticed significant deviations from the breed standard, such as visible defects in structure, coat, or behavior, even at a young age. This score does not disqualify the puppy from further participation in shows, as the dog is still developing and some of the visible defects may regress. The judge's description and score are a statement of the facts on the day of the show.
d) Unable to evaluate - a score for dogs in the baby and puppy classes (3-9 months old) means that the judge is unable to properly evaluate the dog's exterior, anatomy, and behavior at the given time for reasons beyond their control (the dog is timid, aggressive, does not allow for examination of teeth and bite, does not demonstrate proper movement, etc.).
§ 17
1. The judge will enter the following information on the dog's evaluation form: the evaluation with its justification, the dog's placement, titles, and certificates.
2. If the Show Organizer so requests and the judge agrees, the judge may verbally evaluate the dogs entered in a given class. The three best dogs in each class, ranked 1st to 3rd, will receive evaluation forms with a description. The remaining dogs will receive a verbal description from the judge and diplomas with their placements.
3. The evaluation form must be signed by the judge.
§ 18
Titles:
1. Best Baby in Breed ((NBwR / Best Baby) – a dog and a bitch from the Baby class with very promising scores and first place compete for this title in each breed.
2. Best Puppy in Breed (NSzwR / Best Puppy) – a dog and a bitch from the Puppy class with very promising scores and first place compete for this title in each breed.
3. Junior Winner (Zw.Mł./ Junior Winner) – a dog and a bitch from the Youth class with excellent scores and first place compete for this title in each breed.
4. Best Dog / Best Bitch in Breed (NPwR/NSwR / Best Male / Female) – dogs and bitches that received excellent scores and first place in the Intermediate, Open, Working, Champion, and Veteran classes compete for this title separately. The Best Dog/Best Bitch is determined by a judge after comparing the winners of the aforementioned classes.
5. Best Veteran in Breed (NWwR Best Veteran) – a dog and a bitch from the veteran class with excellent scores and first place compete for this title in each breed.
6. The Best of Breed title (Zw.R/Best of Breed) is competed for by the Best Dog in Breed and Best Bitch in Breed.
The winner of the comparison receives the BOB/Best of Breed title; for second place, the judge may award the Vice-BOB/Vice-Best of Breed title.
§ 19
Certificates:
- BCC – Baby Champion Certificate, baby class – certificate for Baby Champion (in other systems, analogous to CAPC, CP, etc.). This certificate is awarded to a dog and a bitch in baby class that has received a very promising rating and first place, regardless of the number of competitors. The judge records the award of the BCC on the evaluation sheet.
- PCC – Puppy Champion Certificate, puppy class – certificate for Puppy Champion (in other systems, analogous to CAPC, CP, etc.). This certificate is awarded to a dog and a bitch in puppy class that has received a very promising rating and first place, regardless of the number of competitors. The judge records the award of the PCC on the evaluation sheet.
- JCC – Junior Champion Certificate, junior class / youth class certificate for Junior Champion
(in other systems, analogous to CAJC, JCAC, etc.). A certificate may be awarded to a dog or a bitch in the junior class that has achieved an excellent rating and first place, regardless of the number of competitors. The judge records the award of the JCC on the evaluation sheet.
- CHC – Adult Champion Certificate, intermediate, open, working, champion – certificate for a national show champion (in other systems, analogous to CAC, etc.). A certificate may be awarded to a dog or a bitch that has achieved an excellent rating and first place in the intermediate, open, working, or champion classes, regardless of the number of competitors. The judge records the award of the CHC on the evaluation sheet.
- VCC – Veteran Champion Certificate. veteran class certificate for Veteran Champion (in other systems, analogous to CAVC, VCAC, etc.). This certificate may be awarded to a dog or a bitch in the veteran class that has received an excellent rating and first place, regardless of the number of competitors. The judge records the award of the VCC on the evaluation sheet.
- JIBCC – Junior International Beauty Champion Certificate. Certificate for the title of Junior International Beauty Champion (in other systems, analogous to JCACIB, etc.). A JIBCC certificate may be awarded to one dog or one bitch of the breed that has received an excellent rating and first place in the junior class. The judge records the award of the JIBCC certificate on the evaluation sheet.
A JIBCC certificate may only be awarded if the dog has been assessed as being of first-class quality. The JIBCC is automatically combined with the "EXCELLENT – first place" rating and the CHC certificate. The judge records the award of the JIBCC on the evaluation sheet.
- IBCC – International Beauty Champion Certificate. Certificate for the International Beauty Champion title (in other systems, analogous to CACIB, etc.). The IBCC certificate can be awarded to a dog or a bitch of any breed who is the winner of their class (awarded an excellent rating and first place). The judge selects a dog and a bitch based on a comparison. The winners of the intermediate, open, working, champion, and veteran classes are compared. The judge records the award of the IBCC certificate on the evaluation sheet. The IBCC certificate can only be awarded if the dog has been assessed as being of first-class quality. The IBCC is automatically combined with the "EXCELLENT – first place" rating and the CHC certificate. The judge records the award of the IBCC on the evaluation sheet.
- VIBCC – Veteran International Beauty Champion Certificate. Certificate for the title of International Veteran Beauty Champion (in other systems, analogous to VCACIB, etc.). The VIBCC certificate may be awarded to one dog and one bitch of the breed that received the excellent mark and first place in the veteran class. The judge records the award of the VIBCC certificate on the evaluation sheet. The VIBCC certificate can only be awarded if the dog in question has been assessed as being of first-class quality. The VIBCC is automatically combined with the "EXCELLENT - first place" mark and the CHC certificate. The judge records the award of the VIBCC on the evaluation sheet.
- Res. JCC, res. CHC, res. VCC – are awarded in classes, at the judge's discretion, for placing second in the class. The condition is to obtain an excellent rating during the evaluation of the given class (two res. JCC or res. CHC certificates can be exchanged for a JCC or CHC certificate, depending on the age category).
- Res. IBCC, res. VIBCC – after selecting a dog to receive an IBCC or VIBCC certificate, the judge may award the second best dog a res. IBCC or VIBCC certificate (two res. IBCC or VIBCC certificates can be exchanged for an IBCC or VIBCC certificate).
§ 20
National titles (optional – if the organization has its own, they may use them):
1. Gold Baby / Puppy (GBB / GPP) – this title can be awarded based on three BCC / PCC certificates obtained by at least two different judges at shows in the baby and puppy classes. At least one of the certificates must come from a show organized by a member organization. One of the BCC / PCC certificates may be replaced by a JCC certificate obtained in the youth class, if the dog's owner so requests.
2. Junior National Champion (JCH …) – this title can be awarded based on three JCC certificates obtained by at least two different judges at shows in the youth class. At least one of the certificates must come from a show organized by a member organization. One of the JCC certificates may be replaced by a CHC certificate obtained in the adult class (intermediate and above), if the dog's owner so requests.
3. National Champion (CH…) – may be awarded based on three CHC certificates obtained from at least two different judges in adult classes and after DNA testing. At least one certificate must come from a show organized by a member organization.
4. Veteran Champion (CH V) – may be awarded based on three VCC certificates obtained from at least two different judges. At least one certificate must come from a show organized by a member organization.
5. Grand Champion (Grand CH) – may be awarded based on three CHC certificates obtained by a dog already holding the title of National Champion. At least one year must elapse between the first and last certificate.
The titles of Gold Puppy, Junior Champion, Champion, Veteran Champion, and Grand Champion are awarded by the Board of Directors of a member organization at the request of the dog's owner. The application must include legible copies of the evaluation sheets, the relevant form, and proof of payment.
International titles awarded by DOG BREEDERS UNION:
1. Royal Baby / Puppy (RBB / RPP) – This title can be awarded based on the dog holding the Gold Baby / Puppy title and achieving the Champion title in the baby and puppy classes at an international show in a country other than the owner's country of residence. The Baby / Puppy Championship can be replaced by a Junior Championship obtained in the youth class if the dog's owner so desires (this Championship cannot be reused).
2. Junior Inter Champion (J Int. CH) – This title can be awarded based on three JIBCC certificates obtained at shows of clubs belonging to or cooperating with the DOG BREEDERS UNION as partners, by at least two different judges. One show must take place outside the country and one must be organized by a member organization. The J Int. CH title can be awarded only if the dog holds the Junior National Champion title (JCH …). The application for the Junior Inter Champion title is sent to the Association's Board of Directors. The Board then forwards the applications to the DOG BREEDERS UNION Board of Directors.
3. Royal Junior Inter Champion (RJ Int.CH) – This title can be awarded based on three consecutive Junior Champion titles from three different countries, obtained at shows held by clubs belonging to or cooperating with the DOG BREEDERS UNION as partners, by at least two different judges, with one show organized by a member organization. The RJ Int. CH title can be awarded only if the dog holds the Junior Champion title (JCH …). An application for the Royal Junior Inter Champion title is sent to the Association's Board of Directors. The Board then forwards the applications to the DOG BREEDERS UNION Board of Directors.
4. Inter Champion (Int. CH) – This title can be awarded based on three consecutive IBCC certificates obtained by at least two different judges at shows held by clubs belonging to the DOG BREEDERS UNION or cooperating clubs as partners, with one show held abroad and one organized by a member organization. The condition for awarding the Int. CH title is that the dog holds the National Champion title (CH …). An application for the Inter Champion title is sent to the Association's Board. The Board forwards applications to the DOG BREEDERS UNION Board.
5. Multi Inter Champion (Multi Int. CH) – this title can be awarded based on two consecutive Inter Champion titles (the dog must hold the Inter Champion title + three IBCC certificates) at shows held by clubs that are members or cooperate with the DOG BREEDERS UNION as partners, with one show being organized by a member organization. An application for the Multi Inter Champion title is sent to the Association's Board. The Board forwards applications to the DOG BREEDERS UNION Board.
6. Master Inter Champion (Master Int. CH) – this title can be awarded based on three consecutive Multi Champion titles (the dog must hold the Inter Champion title + six IBCC certificates). at exhibitions of clubs belonging to or cooperating with the DOG BREEDERS UNION as partners, with two exhibitions required to be organized by a member organization. An application for the Master Inter Champion title is sent to the Association's Board. The Board forwards the applications to the DOG BREEDERS UNION Board.
7. Royal Inter Champion (Royal Int. CH) – this title may be awarded based on three consecutive Championships in a country other than the country where the exhibition is held, awarded by at least two different judges at exhibitions of clubs belonging to the DOG BREEDERS UNION or clubs cooperating as partners, with one exhibition required to be organized by a member organization. An application for the Royal Inter Champion title is sent to the Association's Board. The Board forwards the applications to the DOG BREEDERS UNION Board.
8. Championships of other countries won at exhibitions will only be recognized if such Championship was won at an exhibition of a club belonging to or cooperating with the DOG BREEDERS UNION.
9. Certificates with a different name, issued by member or cooperating clubs, and corresponding to specific age categories, will be recognized as titles.
10. In accordance with the Regulations and with the consent of the DOG BREEDERS UNION, an international exhibition may be organized in one country with the right to award IBCC certificates and the title of Champion of another country.
Final competitions
§ 21
- Best of Group (BOG) – Best of Breed (BOB) from groups consistent with the DOG BREEDERS UNION system (according to their group affiliation) compete for the title of Best of Group.
These competitions are not mandatory, but if held, the winners of each group qualify for the Best in Show final.
2. Best in Show Baby – all dogs with the title of Best Baby in Breed (NBwR / Best Baby) compete for this title,
3. Best in Show Puppy – all dogs with the title of Best Puppy in Breed (NSzwR / Best Puppy) compete for this title,
4. Best In Show Junior (BIS Junior) – all Junior Winners from each breed compete for this title (Zw.Mł. / Junior Winner)
5. Best In Show up to 45 cm (Winner of the Show – BIS up to 45 cm) – all Best of Breed Winners up to 45 cm compete for this title (Zw. Rasy / Best of Breed)
6. Best In Show over 45 cm (BIS Winner over 45 cm) – all Best of Breed Winners over 45 cm compete for this title (Zw. Rasy / Best of Breed)
7. Best In Show – 2 dogs compete for the title of Best In Show (Zw. Wystawy / BIS) – up to 45 cm and BIS above 45 cm, or in the case of a Best of Group competition, all Group Winners.
8. The course of the final competitions at a national show is determined by the Organizer; at an international show, it should comply with the DOG BREEDERS UNION Show Regulations (subject to minor and justified modifications at the Organizer's request).
§ 22
1. Breeding competitions may also be held at national and international dog shows. These competitions include:
a) Best Breeding Pair: a stud dog and a breeding bitch of the same breed, belonging to the same owner and holding breeding licenses.
b) Best Breeding Group – a group of at least three dogs of the same breed, regardless of gender, bred by the same person (same kennel name). The dogs do not have to be owned by that person.
c) Best Stud Dog or Best Breeding Bitch – a dog or a bitch with at least three of their offspring.
d) Most Beautiful Generation – a group of at least three dogs (of different genders), belonging to the same or different owners, representing three generations, e.g., grandfather – father – son. They are exhibited in order of seniority, from oldest to youngest.
e) The breeding competitions at national shows are determined by the Organizer; at international shows, they may be modified at the Organizer's request.
2. The Organizer has the right to organize other additional competitions not listed above, and must notify the Board of the organization of such competitions. The Board may issue permits or prohibit the organization of other competitions not covered by these regulations.
3. Examples of Additional Competitions:
a) Most Beautiful Working Dog,
b) Best in Show Veteran,
c) Best in Show Champion,
d) Junior Handling
e) The course of additional competitions at a national show is determined by the Organizer; at an international show, modifications may be made at the Organizer's request.
4. Only a dog or a bitch participating in the show, entered for individual judging, may participate in the final competitions.
In competitions for children and youth, the only requirement for participation is a pedigree dog.
Detailed rights and obligations of organizers and judges.
§ 23
1. Organizer's Obligations to the Judge
a) The show organizer may invite a judge from the DOG BREEDERS UNION or a cooperating organization, or a judge from outside these organizations, after prior notification to the DOG BREEDERS UNION Office.
b) The show organizer must provide care for the judge, in accordance with a prior agreement, from arrival until departure; for foreign judges, this usually covers the day before the show begins and the day after its conclusion.
c) The organizer must cover the judge's travel expenses, necessary accommodations, and meals during the show and travel (per diem or actual expenses incurred). The organizer is obligated to pay for the judge's travel expenses before the show (purchase of a ticket or travel allowance) or, with the judge's consent, settle the costs immediately after the show ends.
d) It is recommended that financial arrangements between the judge and the show organizers be made in advance in the form of a written agreement and respected by both parties.
e) The show organizers should send the judge an invitation. A judge is obligated to inform the organizers of their acceptance or refusal of an invitation. A judge must always fulfill their judging obligations unless this is prevented by compelling and justifiable reasons. If, for any compelling reason, a judge is unable to fulfill their duties, they must immediately inform the organizer orally or in writing.
f) The exhibition organizer must uphold their invitation; its cancellation is only permissible due to force majeure or by mutual agreement with the judge. If the exhibition organizers are forced to cancel the show, they are obligated to reimburse the judge for any costs incurred to date. If a judge, for any reason other than force majeure, deems themselves unable to fulfill their judging obligations, they are obligated to cover any costs incurred by the organizers.
g) The judge must be informed in advance of the show of the breeds and number of dogs they will be judging. The exhibition organizer is responsible for sending this information to the judge in writing in advance.
2. The judge is prohibited from viewing the main exhibition catalog before or during judging. For this reason, the organizer cannot provide the judge with the main exhibition catalog before the end of the exhibition. 3. If necessary, the judge may use the working exhibition catalog (no evaluation sheets), which is only a list of classes, genders, number of dogs, and starting numbers, along with the dogs' chip/tattoo numbers.
Complaints and penalties
§ 24
All judge's decisions regarding the description of the dog, the place and score awarded to it, as well as the awarding of titles and certificates are final, indisputable and not subject to discussion, with the exception of § 25
§ 25
1. Subject to § 24, if an exhibitor finds significant errors in the judge's assessment, they may submit a protest to the Chief Judge of the Show during the show. In such a situation, after the show has concluded, the judging panel shall convene and consider the validity of the protest.
2. Certificates and titles awarded by the judge may be challenged by the Chief Judge of the Show during the show (only in justified cases) or by the DOG BREEDERS UNION Board upon receipt of a written complaint if they were issued contrary to the Show Rules.
3. If a complaint is submitted to the DOG BREEDERS UNION Board, the exhibitor must do so within 7 days of the show's conclusion; otherwise, the complaint will not be considered.
§ 26
Violation of these regulations may be punished by disciplinary measures in accordance with the Statute.
§ 27
Exhibition organizers are responsible for any violations to the Board of DOG BREEDERS UNION.
Final provisions
§ 28
Matters not regulated by these regulations shall be decided each time by the Management Board of DOG BREEDERS UNION by adopting an appropriate resolution or by issuing a decision of the Chief Judge of the Exhibition if a given situation occurs during the exhibition.
§ 29
The Regulations may be amended by a resolution issued by the Congress, or in justified cases by the Management Board of the DOG BREEDERS UNION at the request of the Judging Committee.
§ 30
The Regulations come into force on March 11, 2026