Course of Judging
The more than 350 breeds recognised by the DKK have been divided into 10 groups according to type and use, and the groups are judged on different days at the show.
The judging always follows a certain pattern
The breeds are judged separately and the basis of the judging is the breed standard, which is a description of the breed’s appearance and characteristics.
Most often, the puppies of both sexes are judged first.
Thereafter, first the males and then the females are judged in different classes according to age and previously obtained championships and trials.
The two sexes do not meet until the competition for "Best of Breed”.
Classes
The minor puppy class (unofficial class) is for dogs aged 3-6 months. This class can also be called "baby class".
The puppy class (unofficial class) is for dogs aged 6-9 months.
The junior class is for dogs aged 9-18 months. Dogs entered in the junior class do not compete for the CACIB (Certificate for the international beauty championship).
The intermediate class is for dogs aged 15-24 months.
The open class is for dogs that have attained the age of 15 months (no upper limit).
The working class is for dogs that have passed a working trial that gives admission to the working class. The type of trial varies from breed to breed. The minimum age in the working class is 15 months.
The champion class is for dogs that have obtained a national or an international championship before the show. The minimum age in the champion class is 15 months.
The veteran class is for dogs over 8 years. Dogs entered in the veteran class do not compete for the CACIB (Certificate for the international beauty championship).
Furthermore, there is a juniorhandling competition where young handlers compete about being best at handling their dog.
The juniorhandlers compete in two age groups: Mini for handlers aged 10-13 years – and Maxi for handlers aged 14-17 years.
Moreover there is a a progeny group competition where a male or a female takes part with 4 progenies as well as a breeder’s group competition with groups of 4 dogs from the same breeder. In the progeny group and breeder’s group, classes of high quality can be awarded (HP) (prize of honour).
The dogs are judged in the order of succession stated in the catalogue.
The individual dog is first judged by its quality.
Degrees of quality
The following degrees of quality can be given:
EXCELLENT may only be awarded to a dog which comes very close to the ideal standard of the breed, which is presented in excellent condition, displays a harmonious, well-balanced temperament, is of high class and has excellent posture. Its superior characteristics in respect of its breed permit that minor imperfections can be ignored; it must however have the typical features of its sex.
VERY GOOD may only be awarded to a dog, which possesses the typical features of its breed, which has well-balanced proportions and is in correct condition. A few minor faults may be tolerated but none of a morphological nature. This award can only be granted to a dog that shows class.
GOOD is to be awarded to a dog that possesses the main features of its breed however showing faults provided these are not concealed.
SUFFICIENT must be awarded to a dog which corresponds adequately to its breed, without possessing the generally accepted characteristics or whose physical condition leaves something to be desired.
Furthermore, the dog can be given a CANNOT BE JUDGED or a DISQUALIFIED.
CANNOT BE JUDGED indicates that the judge cannot decide which prize degree the dog deserves.
DISQUALIFIED is disqualifying and is given to dogs with anatomic, typological or psychological faults.
Classes
The dogs from the best quality group (EXCELLENT) take part in a competitive judging where the best dogs are placed as 1st, 2nd 3rd and 4th winner and receive a red, blue, yellow or green ribbon respectively. If more than 4 dogs have received an Excellent, these dogs are also placed, but they do not receive a ribbon.
If there are less than 4 dogs in the best quality group, the dogs from the second best quality group (VERY GOOD) are included in the competitive judging.
The dogs that the judge believe to have champion quality will be awarded a CK.
CK - Champion quality
The judge can award a CK (champion quality) to dogs of exceptionally high quality. It is, however, a condition that the dog in question has received an Excellent in the previous quality judging. All dogs that in each official class obtain the qualification CK proceed to the competition for best of sex.
Best of sex
The dogs that have been awarded a CK participate in the competition of best of sex. All the males and all the females, awarded a CK, compete for a placement in best of sex. The dogs are placed 1st to 4th. Along with the placements in best of sex, the dogs are awarded Certificats/CACs and CACIBs.
Certificat
A part of the judging is awarding the Certificat/CAC (red/white card), qualifying for the Danish championship. The CAC is awarded to the best placed dog that is NOT a Danish Champion. There is also awarded a Reserve Certificat (light blue card), which in some cases can be converted into a real Certificat. Furthermore, a CACIB (white card) is awarded, qualifying for the international championship. A Reserve-CACIB (orange card) is also awarded, which in certain cases can be converted into a real CACIB.
BOB & BOS.
The judge's choice for best dog and bitch are at last assembled in the competition for "Best of Breed" (BIR/BOB) (red/yellow rosette) and "Best of Opposite Sex" (BIM/BOS) (green/white rosette).
Group finals
The dog that is selected "Best of Breed" goes on to the afternoon group finals in the main ring where dogs of different breeds - but of the same FCI group - compete together. In the end, the winners of the 10 group finals go on to the "Best in Show" competition (BIS) where the best dog of the show is selected. We refer to the show regulations of the DKK for further details about the course of judging. A leaflet showing a diagram of the course of judging as well as the colours of the many ribbons and rosettes that are handed out in the different classes is available from the DKK information stands at the shows.
Puppy and minor puppy class
| Degrees of quality | Colour | |
|---|---|---|
| Most promising | Pink | |
| Promising | Blue | |
| Less promosing | Yellow | |
| Best minor puppy | Pink rosette | |
| Best puppy | Red rosette |
