What Are the Classes of Dogs in a Dog Show?

Dog shows are events in which dogs, along with their owners or handlers, compete for awards and recognition based on various criteria. Judges in dog shows view the dogs and determine which ones receive awards and advance to the next level of competition. Dogs and handlers accumulate "points" from wins, which count toward their quest to become American Kennel Club (AKC) champions. To achieve champion status, AKC says, "It takes fifteen points, including two majors (wins of three, four or five points) awarded by at least three different judges." For the shows, males and females compete separately from each other. Dogs are also separated by breed and class, and there are seven standard dog show classes.

  1. Puppy

    • The Puppy class is for dogs that are between 6 and 12 months old. Dogs in this class are also not champions, which means they have not yet attained "champion" designation. This is an optional class, which means that a dog show is not required to include the Puppy class.

    12-18 Months

    • The class named 12-18 Months includes dogs that are between 12 and 18 months old. Dogs in this class are also not champions. This is also an optional class.

    Novice

    • The Novice class is another optional class. This class includes dogs that are 6 months old or older. To be eligible for the Novice class, dogs must meet several criteria. Dogs cannot have received three first prizes in the Novice class. Also, a dog that has earned a first prize in Bred by Exhibitor, American-Bred or Open class cannot compete in Novice class. If a dog has earned one or more points toward its championship, it also cannot participate in Novice class.

    Amateur-Owner-Handler

    • Dogs in the Amateur-Owner-Handler class are not champions and are at least 6 months old. The dog's owner must handle the dog in the show. This class excludes participants who have been professional dog handlers and AKC conformation judges, as well as those who have worked as professional dog handlers' assistants. This is also an optional class.

    Bred By Exhibitor

    • The class dubbed Bred By Exhibitor includes dogs that are not champions. As the name implies, the dogs in this class are exhibited by the owner or breeder. Bred By Exhibitor is an optional class.

    American-Bred

    • Dogs in the American-Bred class were born in the United States, and their parents mated in the United States. These dogs have not earned the designation of champions. This is a mandatory class, which means that every dog show must include the American-Bred class.

    Open

    • A dog of any breed that is at least 6 months old can participate in the Open class. This is a mandatory class, which means that every show must include the Open class.