Dog Show regulations
Exhibition Regulations
of the association “Amerikanische Hütehunde Europa e.V.” (AH e.V.) - American Herdingdogs Europe
1. Definition and general disclaimer
A pedigree dog exhibition is a public event to present and promote dog breeding. Purebred dogs are presented to make the public acquainted with the particular breeds, their typical characteristics and to give an overview on the current status of breeding. For those reasons, the individual dogs can be presented and evaluated.
The sole organizer of the dog show is the respective association affiliated to the umbrella association “Amerikanische Hütehunde Europa e.V.”.
The organizer assumes no liability for accidents, injuries, illness or death of a participant, visitor, affected third parties or dog. Also, no liability for loss or damage to property. The disclaimer also applies to general events of force majeure, as well as measures due to official requirements, orders, strikes, storms, natural disasters, fires, riots, demonstrations, theft, epidemics, pandemics, terrorism, wars (incl. defense case) and similar exceptional circumstances.
2. Dogs
2.1. All dogs with a pedigree can be admitted to the exhibition. It is distinguished between dogs with a pedigree of:
- the association “Amerikanische Hütehunde Europa e.V.” and its affiliated clubs
- the associations AKC, CKC, KC or FCI and their subordinate associations and clubs as well as similar associations and their affiliated clubs
- other associations and their affiliated clubs
The dogs can be judged either together, regardless of the origin of the pedigrees, or separately according to the subgroups listed above. This makes it possible to award special titles according to the associations and respective clubs. In addition, it is possible to give preference to the association's own dogs to those from outside the association, if the registration deadline is expected to be early. It is also possible to set up a lead time for association's or club's own registrations before filling them up with registrations from outside if necessary.
2.2. Only dogs with an attested anti-rabies vaccination, via EU pet passport, performed with an inactive vaccine after WHO standards, are admitted to the exhibition area. The primary vaccination must have been performed at least 21 days earlier. For this reason puppies must be at least 15 weeks of age before they are admitted to exhibition area, provided they have an at least 15 weeks old anti-rabies vaccination. The latest anti-rabies vaccination must not be older than 3 years. The indications of the manufacturer of the particular vaccine, which are documented in the vaccination pass, do apply. The vaccination pass must be shown at the entrance without being asked. The regulations of the locally responsible supervisory authority are decisive for the various exhibition locations. As a rule, dogs from non-listed third countries must be at least 7 months old at the time of import and have a sufficient rabies titer. If the supervisory authority requires a list of data, such as addresses and detailed vaccination data, the organizer reserves the right to request this in advance at its discretion. Of course, the original vaccination passport must still be presented at the entrance control, together with the associated dogs.
2.3. The requirements of the animal protection regulations must be strictly observed. For example, it is explicitly prohibited to present dogs with shortened vibrisses (tactile hairs) and those that are deaf, blind or docked. Castrated males are only permitted in the veteran class.
2.4. Bitches in heat must be especially protected and be reported before entering the exhibition area. If possible, they will be assigned a special area to stay in. The owner has a special duty of supervision. Bitches in an advanced stage of pregnancy, as well as nursing bitches and/or bitches with puppies, as well as dogs infested with vermin and sick or suspected of being sick, are generally not allowed to enter the exhibition grounds. The dog owner is liable for all consequences in the event of a violation. Snappish dogs have to wear a muzzle. Overly aggressive dogs are not admitted to the exhibition area. Otherwise, they may be expelled from the exhibition area without being eligible to be reimbursed for goods and services and other costs that may have accrued. Each owner or keeper is liable for damages caused by his dog. Only dogs that are insured for liability may enter the exhibition grounds. It is not allowed to offer dogs for sale.
3. Exhibotors
3.1. Commercial dog dealers are not allowed to present dogs. Individuals that have been excluded from the association “Amerikanische Hütehunde Europa e.V.” and its affiliated clubs are likewise not allowed to present dogs.
3.2. The organizer reserves all domiciliary rights. Thereby he also reserves the right to impose house ban for the ongoing as well as further pedigree dog exhibitions that will be conducted by him on individuals who disturb the orderly course of events or infringe these regulations. Those individuals are not entitled to be reimbursed for benefits that have not been utilized, costs that may have accrued or compensation payments if applicable.
3.3. The instructions of the exhibition direction and its representatives must be followed at all times.
4. Registration
4.1. A dog can only be registered by his owner, possessor or a representative with a documented power of authority. A registration may only be made under the name that is documented in the pedigree or register documents. All statements on the registration form must be true. The participants agree that the data can be made public, e.g. in the context of an exhibition catalogue and the presentation of the results (e.g. club homepage). The pedigree, potential titles, championships, certificates and performance records must carried along at the exhibition date and shown on demand. If the attestations that are a requirement for starting in a particular class cannot be shown, the dog will automatically be transferred back into an appropriate class. The same applies to the Breeding Class; the Certificate of litter must be carried along and shown on demand. As part of the registration, these documents (as a copy) must be enclosed in advance, until the end of the (early) registration deadline. Later incoming documents as well as later purchased titles, etc. cannot be considered. Breeding groups can only be registered by the associated breeders and progeny groups only by the associated breeders or stud dog owners.
4.2. By registering, the exhibition regulations are automatically accepted. The exhibition regulations are implicitly acknowledged with the entry form. The owner commits himself to pay the registration fee immediately. The registration will be valid only after the complete payment of the fee will have been credited to the stated account. 10,- € processing fee may be requested for improper payment. Double registrations are illegitimate. If there is a registration period or a maximum number of attendees indicated in the announcement, no registration will be accepted after these limits are reached. A waiting list may be established if applicable. The organizer reserves the right, especially in the case of high numbers of entries, in consultation with the association, to increase the number of entries and possibly to give preference to dogs owned by the association and, if necessary, to hire another judge. Withdrawal of a registration is possible until the exhibition date if it is present in writing. The registration fee will not be reimbursed. Registrations for Junior-Handling can only be made by the respective parents.
4.3. The association “Amerikanische Hütehunde Europa e.V.” and its affiliated clubs reserve the right to change the course of events, the announced judges, the venue and the date. None of these constitutes a claim to reimbursement of the registration fee and other costs. If the announced date or venue will be changed, it is sufficient to inform the owners by sending an email to the specified email addresses. If there is no email address specified, the owner will be informed by telephone or mail. The owner can withdraw the registration within the period stated in the notification. Otherwise the dog is considered to be registered. If the exhibition will be cancelled, all registration fees exceeding the amount necessary to defray the already existing expenses will be reimbursed. Apart from that, no further expenses will be reimbursed or other compensation paid.
5. Presentation
5.1. The owner can present his registered dog either by himself or by a representative. Activities or omissions act in favor or against the owner and / or the representative. Each owner or representative is responsible for the punctual presentation of the dog by himself. Double handling is generally prohibited and can lead to dismissal with the consequence that the dog will not be judged without entitlement for reimbursement of costs that may have accrued or indemnification.
5.2. Only the judge, judge applicants, special superintendent, the exhibition director and his representative, the show ring secretaries and possibly stewards and interpreters my stay in the show ring besides the dog handler. Judgement and ranking of a dog must not be influenced by any means. The instructions of the judge and the assistants must strictly be followed. The evaluation and the ranking of the judges are indisputable and will not be reviewed. Public expressions of disapproval, criticism or insult as well as disturbance lead to exclusion of the particular individual from the event without further claims. Titles that have been awarded during the event can be revoked. Where applicable, an exhibition ban can be obtained against the particular individual.
5.3. A preparation of the dogs beyond brushing and grooming is undesirable. Accessories are prohibited. Further grooming in the ring with aids such as brushes etc. is also undesirable. Dogs must only be presented in their natural condition. Deception and fraud lead to exclusion form the event without further claims. Where applicable, an exhibition ban can be obtained against the particular individual. Show collars or leashes without a stop so that they can choke are prohibited.
5.4. Formal reclamations can be reported in writing within 48 hours and a security deposit of € 150 (per bank transfer) to the office of the association „Amerikanische Hütehunde Europa e.V.“. Missing of this term is considered as resignation of the reclamation. Should the reclamation be rejected as unsubstantiated, the security deposit will not be refunded.
6. Classification
Classification for every breed:
Puppy Class (Welpenklasse): 3 - 6 months of age
Youngster Class (Jugendklasse): 7 - 12 months of age
Junior Class (Junghundeklasse): 13 - 17 months of age
Open Class (Offene Klasse): at least 18 months of age
Breeding Class (Zuchtklasse): bitches, at least 18 month of age, which have born puppies in the past 7 months.
Champion Class (Championklasse): at least 18 months of age, for dogs with an acknowledged National OR International Championship
Honorary Class (Ehrenklasse): at least 18 months of age, for dogs with an acknowledged National AND International Championship
Veteran Class (Veteranenklasse): at least 8 years of age (only here are castrated males permitted)
Effective date for the classification by age is the day of the exhibition. Female and male dogs are judged separately from each other. The organizer is free to adjust, combine or further subdivide individual classes, e.g. depending on the number of entries, e.g. by hair type, color and/or date of birth (e.g. age class/Age I and II). For breeds such as the Collie, a division into Rough and Smnooth is generally recommended. If there are enough entries, separate winner titles can be awarded up to BOB and BOS. They can then compete against each other in the BIS(S) (see below). A division by color is also recommended in the Open Class: Open Sable (Sable, including Sable Merle), Open Tri (Tricolor, including Blue Merle) and Open White.
7. Competitions
In addition to the regular judgement of the particular classes further competitions can be offered. Evaluation is at the discretion of the judge. If several judges are involved in judging the classes, the competitions should also be judged jointly by the judges of the particular breeds. In the case of BIS(S) also breed overlapping.
7.1. Group Competitions: All dogs that were registered and presented in one of the above stated classes (see 6.) and were judged at least with “Good”, or that started in the Honorary or Veteran Class (certificates have to be provided) have the opportunity to take part in group competitions if the following requirements are met:
Couple Class (Paarklasse): 1 dog and 1 bitch of the same breed, belonging to the same owner. The ideal-typical pair is looked for
Breeders Group (Zuchtgruppe): At least three dogs of the same breed, with the same kennel name, registered by the breeder
Progeny Group (Nachzuchtgruppe): 1 dog or 1 bitch with at least four of its offspring, of both sexes and deriving from at least two litters, registered by the breeder or stud dog owner. The quality of the single offspring is judged as well as the phenotypically conformance with the parent.
7.2. Junior Showmanship (Juniorhandling): In this competition the priority for judgement is not on the dog, but on the child presenting the dog. This competition shall prepare children in a relaxed atmosphere for presenting dogs later on. The handling of the partner dog, harmony, appearance, the presentation itself, but also fairness and sportsmanship are judged. A division into various age classes is possible. If male dogs and bitches should be together in the ring, the male dogs should always go first.
7.3. National Winner and European Winner Show: Once a year each nation can perform a National and European Winner Show. The following titles will be awarded per breed:
Best Young Bitch: Among the class winners of the young bitches (Puppy Class to Junior Class) the best bitch is determined. It is awarded with the respective junior title of the show. E.g. at the European Winner show this would be the title “European Junior Winner (bitch)“.
Best Young Dog: Among the class winners of the young dogs (Puppy Class to Junior Class) the best dog is determined. It is awarded with the respective junior title of the show. E.g. at the European Winner show this would be the title “European Junior Winner (dog)”.
Best Bitch: Among the class winners of the bitches (Open Class to Veteran Class) the best bitch is determined. It is awarded the respective title of the show. . E.g. at the European Winner show this would be the title “European Winner (bitch)”.
Best Dog: Among the class winners of the dogs (Open Class to Veteran Class) the best dog is determined. It is awarded the respective title of the show. . E.g. at the European Winner show this would be the title “European Winner (dog)”.
7.4. Best of Breed, Best of Opposite Sex and Best in Show or Best in Specialty Show:
Best of Breed (BOB): All winners in a certain breed compete against each other. If the best junior bitch, the best bitch, the best junior dog and the best dog have been determined before, as is usual in National Winner and European Winner shows, only these four dogs compete against each other. The best of breed is awarded the title “BOB”.
Best of Opposite Sex (BOS): Here the opposite sex of the BOB is awarded for the title BOS. If the selection for the BOB has been made, then the best dog among the remaining dogs of the opposite sex is also given a title, the "BOS". This title is not eligible to participate in the final round of the BIS or BISS.
Best in Show (BIS): If several breeds or variants of these (e.g. Rough andSmooth) are judged during an exhibition, the respective best of every breed (BOB) compete against each other. The best dog in the show is awarded the title “BIS”
Best in Specialty Show (BISS): If the show is a special breeding show, conducted by a special breeding club of the respective breed, it is possible, that the best dog in the show is awarded the title "BISS" instead of "BIS", when the show is a specialty show. This is just possible once a your for every association.
8. Conformation score
The awarding of a conformation score is at discretion of the judge.
8.1. Starting from the Open Class: Starting from the Open Class the following applicable qualifications can be awarded:
Ex = Excellent (V = Vorzüglich): An excellent dog must be very close to the ideal standard of the breed and show the typical attributes of its gender. It must be in an excellent condition and display a balanced harmonious character. Its posture is outstanding and the dog is of marvelous class. Its superior characteristics within its breed help to forget small imperfections.
VG = Very Good (SG = Sehr Gut): A very good dog must show the typical characteristics of its breed, with balanced proportions and in good condition. Some pardonable faults can be overlooked, although no serious morphological ones. This predicate is only awarded to a quality dog.
G = Good (G = Gut): A good dog bears the key characteristics of ist breed. The good qualities should outweigh the faults so that the dog can be considered a good representative of its breed.
S = Satisfactory (Ggd = Genügend): A quite good dog conforms to the type of the breed sufficiently without bearing the breed’s generally known characteristics or which physical condition leaves things to be desired.
I = Insufficient (Disq = Disqualifiziert): A dog can be disqualified if it does not conform to the defined type of the standard, or shows a behavior that is not conforming to the standard or is aggressive, or contains testicle defects, or has significant dental defects or an anomaly of the jaw, or displays obvious signs of a White Tiger or albinism, or shows another defect that excludes it from the valid standard. Same applies to dogs which conform to the standard so sparsely that their health is impaired.
8.2. Puppy to Junior Class: Younger dogs, competing in the Puppy, Youngster or Junior Class, usually deviation applicable qualifications are awarded:
vp = very promising (vv = vielversprechend)
p = promising (vsp = versprechend)
s = satisfactory (wv = wenig versprechend)
i = insufficient (disq = disqualifiziert)
8.3. Without Conformation score: Dogs that cannot be awarded any of the above defined ranking grades, must be removed from the ring with the annotation:
Cannot be judged (ohne Bewertung): This applies to dogs that cannot be awarded any of the above mentioned conformation score. The justification must be stated on the report of the judge.
Withdrawn (Zurückgezogen): This applies to dogs that were withdrawn from the ring before having been judged.
Non-attendance (Nicht erschienen): This applies to dogs that were not presented in the ring on time.
9. Placings
The allocation of placings is at the discretion of the judge. The four best dogs in each class are placed, if they have at least achieved the conformation score “G = Good”, or - up to the Junior Class – if they have at least achieved the conformation score “s = satisfactory”. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place are assigned. Further placings are illegitimate. The placings happens immediately after the ranking. The placing is noted behind the conformation score (e.g. Ex1 bzw. V1 in German).
Delayed: This applies to dogs that are taken to the ring after another dog has already been placed. They are withdrawn from placing and can only receive an conformation score.
10. Judges
The judge conducts the assessment of the dogs. He commits himself to either write a report on every dog to be evaluated or to dictate. The exhibition direction is eligible to substitute the judge. Judge applicants need the approval of the association “Amerikanische Hütehunde Europa e.V.”.
11. Entitlements to Championship
It is distinguished between:
JU-CAC = Jeunesse Certificat d'Aptitude au Championat: This youth-certificates can be awarded for the later title "Junior Champion".
CAC = Certificat d'Aptitude au Championat: This certificate for the title “National Champion” can be awarded at National Exhibitions.
CACIB = Certificat d'Aptitude au Championat International de Beauté: This certificate for the title “National Champion” or “International Champion” or „Grand Champion“ can be awarded at International Exhibitions.
There is no legal claim to a Certificate towards a Championship. The allocation of such a Certificate is at the discretion of the judge. Class winners, which at least achieved the applicable qualification "Very Good" respectively "promising" in the younger dog’s classes, can receive a card with a Certificate towards a Junior-, National or International Champion. Only one certificate per class can be awarded to the respective best male or female dog. There is also the possibility to award a Reserve Certificate (R-Ju-CAC, R-CAC u. R-CACIB) towards a Junior, National or International Champion title to the respective second best male or female dogs of each class, provided they reached the qualification result "Very Good" or respectively "promising" in the younger dog’s classes.
12. Granting of Titles
There is no legal claim for the granting of titles. To apply for a title, the dog owner must submit the required original Certificates towards a Championship (see terms below) together with a copy of the judge reports and the pedigree at the association “Amerikanische Hütehunde Europa e.V. ”. At least one of these must be from a special show organized by a special breeding club for the respective breed. After the approval and payment of the due fee, the owner receives a certificate bearing the respective title. A copy of this certificate must be carried along at future exhibitions and shown upon request, if it entitles the dog to compete in a higher class (Champion or Honorary Class). If this verification is missing, the dog will be transferred into the Open Class. The title "Junior Champion” does not qualify for competing in a higher class.
Junior Champion: The dog owner must submit two JU-CAC prospective entitlements from at least two different judges. The last certificate may not be older than 1 year and one day. One Reserve Certificates can be increased in value. The title "Junior Champion” does not qualify for competing in a higher class.
National Champion: The dog owner must submit three CAC prospective entitlements from at least two different judges. CACIB prospective entitlements are acknowledged as alternatives. There must be a period of at least one year and one day between the first and the last certificate that is submitted. The last certificate may not be older than 3 years. Two Reserve-CAC- or Reserve-CACIB-Certificate can be increased in value.
International Champion: The dog owner must submit three CACIB prospective entitlements from at least two different judges. There must be a period of at least one year and one day between the first and the last certificate that is submitted. The last certificate may not be older than 3 years. Two Reserve-CACIB entitlement can be increased in value.
Grand Champion: Such a dog must already have been awarded the National and International Championship. The dog owner must submit three CACIB prospective entitlements from at least two different judges, acquired at Special Shows organized by special breeding clubs for the respective breed, arranged by American Collies Special Breeding Associations. There must be a period of at least 1 year and 1 day between the first and the last certificate that is submitted. Two Reserve-CACIB-Certificate can be increased in value.
Recognition of titles: The only recognised Championships are Junior Championship, National Championship and the International Championship. Titles such as Grand Champion, BOB, BIS(S), European(junior)winner etc. will be only recognized, if they are from our (umbrella)association, as well as by other special breeding clubs fort he respective breed of the AKC, CKC, FCI, KC and other equivalent clubs. That means only these titles are kept at the respective dogs. The titles National (e.g. German CH) and International Champion (Int.CH) are summarized under the abbreviation "CH", if both title have been won. Higher is only the Grand Champion, the abbreviation is replaced by "GCH".
13. Violations
Violations against this regulation can be sanctioned with disciplinary actions, from a warning, to the revocation of titles and prospective entitlements as well as an exhibition ban that is limited or unlimited in time. The sanctions can be directed against owner, exhibitor, presenter or visitor. The sanction of choice depends on the severity or repetition of violations. Such violations are e.g. the disturbance of the orderly course of events of a pedigree dog exhibition, noncompliance to an instruction of the exhibition direction or their representatives, unauthorized stay in the ring, introducing inadmissible dogs to the exhibition area, insult of judges or public verbal or written critique of his assessment, participation upon false pretenses or statements at the registration, nonpaying of registration fees and carrying out changes or interventions on the registered dog or tolerating this from a delegated person who is applicable to deceive the judge or presenting such dogs or tolerating their presentation by a delegated person.
14. Image rights
During the events, the umbrella association and the organizing association reserve the right to take pictures or hire someone to do them. These can be published later, e.g. on homepages, facebook etc.. The participants and visitors of the events declare themselves to be in agreement, when they visit the event. These can be published later, for example when presenting the results on homepages, in social media such as facebook, etc.. Participants and visitors to the events automatically agree to this by attending the events.
15. Member Clubs of the Association “Amerikanische Hütehunde Europa e.V.”
Member clubs can issue regulations and instructions that are complementary to the regulation and supplement this regulation meaningfully, but they must not stand in contrast with it.
16. Implementing Rules
The board of the association “Amerikanische Hütehunde Europa e.V. ” is entitled to issue implementing rules as supplement to this exhibition regulation. For this, it is recommended to constitute a committee “Exhibition” that cooperates with the member clubs of the association.
17. Invalidity of Parts of this Regulation
Invalidity of parts of this regulation does not bring about the invalidity of the whole regulation.
18. Coming Into Effect
This regulation was adopted by the general assembly of the association of „Amerikanische Hütehunde Europa e.V.“ (American Herdingdogs Europe) on November 24th, 2024 in Kerpen and come into force immediately.