Open shows are open to all registered pedigree dogs and are often considered as the first step to serious dog showing. They can be an excellent place to improve your skills, as the atmosphere can be quite relaxed and they provide a good opportunity to speak to other people involved in the activity. If you win best in show, reserve best in show or best puppy in show at a general or group open show, your dog will have qualified to participate at Crufts, the largest dog show in the world.

A limited show is an entry level show that is restricted either geographically or by membership of a club, group, society or breed. Dogs that have won a Challenge Certificate or obtained any award that counts towards the title of Champion under the rules of any governing body recognised by The Kennel Club, are not eligible for entry at these shows.

Premier open shows are open to all levels of pedigree dogs. Premier open shows are a larger version of an open show and are run on a similar format, but in addition some winning dogs have the opportunity to qualify for Crufts. To see if you are eligible, please see the society’s schedule.

Championship shows are the highest level of dog show in the UK. They are open to all exhibitors but there is a higher level of competition, as it is here that in certain breeds of dog can win a Challenge Certificate (also known as CCs, or tickets) and may also qualify for Crufts.                    

A Challenge Certificate is awarded to the dog that the judge believes is the best dog and the best bitch within each eligible breed on the day. The judge will only award the CC if they believe that the winning dog is of such outstanding merit as to be worthy of the title of Champion. Any dog that wins three CCs (under three different judges, one of which when it is over a year old) is awarded the title of Champion, which is one of the highest accolades in the show world and it entitles the dog to carry the letters Ch at the front of its name.