Our shows are based on the U.K system. Dogs are judged according to the British Breed Standards. The breeds are divided in 6 Groups, being the Working, Terrier, Gundog, Toy, Utility & Hound. Each breed is divided by sex, dogs & bitches, which are then divided into 4 age classes, those for puppies (4 to 12 months), Juniors (12 to 18 months), Open (18 months to 7 years) and Veteran (7 years and over).
Anyone who becomes a member of the Society can participate as long as they own a breed which is recognized by the Kennel Club (U.K). Participating dogs must be registered with the Maltese National Canine Federation. Special arrangements are made for overseas exhibitors in this regard. All our shows are judged by British judges who are purposely invited for every show.
New to the Sport?
Dog showing or exhibiting is an exciting competitive activity where dogs compete against each other for prizes or awards. It is a competition where a dog’s attributes and conformation are compared against a breed standard for its breed. Whilst it can often be taken very seriously, it can be a fun pursuit that people and their dogs thoroughly enjoy.
Some essential things to know:
The breeds are separated in six groups, as described above. There are also 6 groups for the Puppies and Juniors.
The classes:
Every Breed is separated into different classes, according to age and sex. These are:
PUPPY CLASS: The puppy class is for dogs of 4 months and not exceeding 12 calendar months of age on the first day of the show. (Dogs that are 12 months on the first day of the show are eligible for the puppy class).
JUNIOR CLASS: Open for dogs which are more than 12 months and not older than 18 months on the first day of the show.
OPEN CLASS: Open for dogs which are more than 18 months of age on the first day of the show.
VETERAN CLASS: For dogs which are more than 7 years old on the first day of the show.
Every exhibit competes in the relevant class in it's breed. For instance, a dog aged 14 months will compete in the Junior Dog class in the breed, in which other dogs aged between 12 months and not more than 18 months on the first day of the show. A 7 month old puppy bitch will compete in the Puppy Bitch class where she will be competing with other puppy bitches aged between 4 months and not more than 12 months on the first day of the show.
The winners:
The winners of the Puppy, Junior, Open and Veteran Bitch will then compete for the Best Bitch Breed. Same applies for dogs (males). The winners of Best Bitch and Best Dog will compete for the Best Of Breed. Each Best Of Breed winner represents its breed in the relevant Group for Best In Group, the winner of which competes at the end of the show for the coveted Best In Show title.
The winner of the Puppy bitch class competes with the winner of puppy dog class for Best Puppy in Breed, who then represents the breed in the relevant Puppy Group for the Best Puppy In Group, which, at the end of the show, competes with the other 5 puppy group winners for Best Puppy In Show.
Same goes for the Juniors, the winner of the Junior Bitch class meets the winner of the Junior Dog class for Best Junior in Breed, which then competes for the Best Junior in it's Group with the eventual winner competing with the other 5 Junior group winners for Best Junior in Show.
The winners of the Veteran Classes competes with other veterans in the same group for Best Veteran in Group and eventually for Best Veteran in Show.
So it is important to remember, if your dog has won Best Puppy in Breed, or Best Junior in Breed or Best of Breed, do not leave the show! It is not over yet. Your dog will be required to compete at a later stage for the relevant Group, which takes place once all the breeds judging are finished. Also, if your dog has won Best Puppy in Group, Best Junior in Group or Best In Group, stay at the show! The dog will be required to compete with the other winners for Best Puppy in Show, Best Junior in Show or Best in Show, depending on which level it is competing. Always refer to the show schedule to check the sequence of the event.
Since in the past few years, the majority of the dogs competing in our shows are imported, we decided to include a class for locally bred dogs, to encourage and motivate owners who owns dogs that were bred in Malta. There are 3 Any Variety Locally Bred classes in our shows, each class hosting breeds from two groups which are being judged on the day.
So what is required from a dog in a dog show?
Many thinks that a dog must know how to sit, stay etc for a dog show. IT IS NOT THE CASE! All is required is that the dog lets the judge evaluate it, either on the table or on the ground (according to the breed's requirements). It is then expected to move on the lead at the required pace according to the breed's standard, and this is normally done in an up and down and triangle pattern so that the judge can see the dog's movement from the side, front and rear end. It is then required to be stacked, showing the breed's pose, either stacked or baited.
How are the dogs judged?
Each breed has a breed standard, which defines how the breed should look in terms of structure, size, coat, colour, movement etc. The judge assesses each dog individually, going over each dog to feel the structure, check the teeth, the texture of the coat and also seeing the dog on the move to asses it's movement. The judge then compares the dog with the other exhibits in the class, maybe also seeing them go round the ring together to compare movement. The judge will then choose what is in his or her opinion the dog which resembles the breed standard the most. There is no perfect dog in the World, judging is based on the opinion of the judge, and what would be the best dog under one judge won't be necessary the best one under another judge's opinion, although most winners are easily picked up by the judges constantly.
What are the essentials to take with you to a dog show?
Only basic essentials are required. To name a few, a water bowl and some water for the dog, grooming equipment, such as a brush, comb etc, some doggy poop bags, a suitable lead according to the breed being shown. Most exhibitors nowadays bring along a grooming table so that can easily groom their dog in a comfortable manner. A collapsible dog cage is highly recommended to be taken along as this will ensure that the dog is kept safe whilst it is not being shown in the ring.
The Champion title:
A dog will gain it's Champion title after it has gained 12 points. Maximum number of points that can be gained in one show is 4 points, and this depends on the number of dogs of the same sex in the breed. The winners of the Best Dog and Best Bitch in each breed gets the points, according to how many dogs of the same sex in that breed were present at the show. So for example, if there was 1 puppy bitch, 1 in Junior Class and one in Open, the Best Bitch will get 3 points. if there were a total of 2 bitches, the Best Bitch will get 2 points, etc. Maximum number of points that can be obtained in one shoe is 4 points. Same goes for the Best Dog. Now lets say that there were a total of 2 bitches and 4 dogs, so the Best Bitch gets 2 points whilst the Best Dog gets 3 points, and when it comes for the Best of Breed, this goes to the Bitch, then the Bitch will get the same amount as the Best Dog, since the latter won more points because of the numbers present at the show. If the Best of Breed winner got 1, 2 or 3 points, and wins Best In Group or Reserve Best In Group, winning over other dogs in the same group who won more points in the same show because there was a bigger number of dogs in that breed, than the Group Winner or Reserve will get the same points as the one with the most points in that group which was beaten by the Best or Reserve winner. Example, if there was one Border Collie in a show, that won 1 point, and this dog wins Best In Group or Reserve, beating a German Shepherd dog that won 4 points, then the Border Collie will get 4 points in that show. In all cases, the maximum number of points that can be obtained in one show is 4. Winnings in the Puppy and Junior Groups does not count for the points inheritance system described above.
In our Country, with limited number of dogs in our shows, having also some breeds represented by one dog, the point system gives the Champion Title more prestige, then having the C.C system in which a dog can become a Champion in 3 shows without ever beating another dog.
The Prizes:
Prize Cards and occasionally, Rosettes, are awarded to each winner of 1st, 2nd & 3rd place of each class, the Best Bitch and Best Dog, Best Puppy In Breed and Best Junior in Breed. Beautiful Rosettes are also awarded to the winners of the Best in Groups, Reserve Best in Groups, Best Puppy In Group and Reserve Best Puppy In Group, Best Junior in Group and Reserve Best Junior in Group.
Handling Classes:
We also have a Junior Handling class which is open for young handlers between the age of 10 to 17 years. The class is judged on the ability of the Junior's handling skills, rather than the dog being handled.
To encourage our children to take the hobby of dog showing from an early age, we also have a Children's Class, which is open for Children between the age of 4 to 10 years.
A word of advice to the new exhibitor: Dog Shows should be fun. They are an excellent occasion to spend time with friends and fellow exhibitors, and make new friends. The judging at dog shows are based on an opinion of the judge, and opinions do vary. You might win at one show, and lose at the other. A different judge might have a different opinion. Be courteous, always congratulate the winners at the end of the class, and thank the judge for his time. One very important thing to remember - No matter what, win or loose, you always take the best dog home with you........
Contact us should you require more information.
Anyone who becomes a member of the Society can participate as long as they own a breed which is recognized by the Kennel Club (U.K). Participating dogs must be registered with the Maltese National Canine Federation. Special arrangements are made for overseas exhibitors in this regard. All our shows are judged by British judges who are purposely invited for every show.
New to the Sport?
Dog showing or exhibiting is an exciting competitive activity where dogs compete against each other for prizes or awards. It is a competition where a dog’s attributes and conformation are compared against a breed standard for its breed. Whilst it can often be taken very seriously, it can be a fun pursuit that people and their dogs thoroughly enjoy.
Some essential things to know:
- Ensure your dog is registered with Maltese National Canine Federation. Only pedigree dogs are eligible to compete at dog shows.
- In order to compete, your dog will need to be at least 4 months of age or over on the first day of the show. However training can take place before it reaches 4 months of age
- Locate a local ringcraft class to learn the basics of how to show your dog in the ring. Ask around at our shows, there are some trainers who offer ringcraft classes at various locations.
- All breeds are shown differently, so you will therefore need to understand how you can show your dog in a breed-specific way. Try to go to an open show or championship show and watch how your breed is shown
- Speak to exhibitors who are around the ring side. No question is a silly question - we were all new once, so ask away! Just remember not to disturb or distract someone who is just about to go into the ring
- Health is of paramount importance, so before taking part in dog showing, make sure your dog is fit for function, fit for life
- Familiarize yourself with our show regulations.
The breeds are separated in six groups, as described above. There are also 6 groups for the Puppies and Juniors.
The classes:
Every Breed is separated into different classes, according to age and sex. These are:
PUPPY CLASS: The puppy class is for dogs of 4 months and not exceeding 12 calendar months of age on the first day of the show. (Dogs that are 12 months on the first day of the show are eligible for the puppy class).
JUNIOR CLASS: Open for dogs which are more than 12 months and not older than 18 months on the first day of the show.
OPEN CLASS: Open for dogs which are more than 18 months of age on the first day of the show.
VETERAN CLASS: For dogs which are more than 7 years old on the first day of the show.
Every exhibit competes in the relevant class in it's breed. For instance, a dog aged 14 months will compete in the Junior Dog class in the breed, in which other dogs aged between 12 months and not more than 18 months on the first day of the show. A 7 month old puppy bitch will compete in the Puppy Bitch class where she will be competing with other puppy bitches aged between 4 months and not more than 12 months on the first day of the show.
The winners:
The winners of the Puppy, Junior, Open and Veteran Bitch will then compete for the Best Bitch Breed. Same applies for dogs (males). The winners of Best Bitch and Best Dog will compete for the Best Of Breed. Each Best Of Breed winner represents its breed in the relevant Group for Best In Group, the winner of which competes at the end of the show for the coveted Best In Show title.
The winner of the Puppy bitch class competes with the winner of puppy dog class for Best Puppy in Breed, who then represents the breed in the relevant Puppy Group for the Best Puppy In Group, which, at the end of the show, competes with the other 5 puppy group winners for Best Puppy In Show.
Same goes for the Juniors, the winner of the Junior Bitch class meets the winner of the Junior Dog class for Best Junior in Breed, which then competes for the Best Junior in it's Group with the eventual winner competing with the other 5 Junior group winners for Best Junior in Show.
The winners of the Veteran Classes competes with other veterans in the same group for Best Veteran in Group and eventually for Best Veteran in Show.
So it is important to remember, if your dog has won Best Puppy in Breed, or Best Junior in Breed or Best of Breed, do not leave the show! It is not over yet. Your dog will be required to compete at a later stage for the relevant Group, which takes place once all the breeds judging are finished. Also, if your dog has won Best Puppy in Group, Best Junior in Group or Best In Group, stay at the show! The dog will be required to compete with the other winners for Best Puppy in Show, Best Junior in Show or Best in Show, depending on which level it is competing. Always refer to the show schedule to check the sequence of the event.
Since in the past few years, the majority of the dogs competing in our shows are imported, we decided to include a class for locally bred dogs, to encourage and motivate owners who owns dogs that were bred in Malta. There are 3 Any Variety Locally Bred classes in our shows, each class hosting breeds from two groups which are being judged on the day.
So what is required from a dog in a dog show?
Many thinks that a dog must know how to sit, stay etc for a dog show. IT IS NOT THE CASE! All is required is that the dog lets the judge evaluate it, either on the table or on the ground (according to the breed's requirements). It is then expected to move on the lead at the required pace according to the breed's standard, and this is normally done in an up and down and triangle pattern so that the judge can see the dog's movement from the side, front and rear end. It is then required to be stacked, showing the breed's pose, either stacked or baited.
How are the dogs judged?
Each breed has a breed standard, which defines how the breed should look in terms of structure, size, coat, colour, movement etc. The judge assesses each dog individually, going over each dog to feel the structure, check the teeth, the texture of the coat and also seeing the dog on the move to asses it's movement. The judge then compares the dog with the other exhibits in the class, maybe also seeing them go round the ring together to compare movement. The judge will then choose what is in his or her opinion the dog which resembles the breed standard the most. There is no perfect dog in the World, judging is based on the opinion of the judge, and what would be the best dog under one judge won't be necessary the best one under another judge's opinion, although most winners are easily picked up by the judges constantly.
What are the essentials to take with you to a dog show?
Only basic essentials are required. To name a few, a water bowl and some water for the dog, grooming equipment, such as a brush, comb etc, some doggy poop bags, a suitable lead according to the breed being shown. Most exhibitors nowadays bring along a grooming table so that can easily groom their dog in a comfortable manner. A collapsible dog cage is highly recommended to be taken along as this will ensure that the dog is kept safe whilst it is not being shown in the ring.
The Champion title:
A dog will gain it's Champion title after it has gained 12 points. Maximum number of points that can be gained in one show is 4 points, and this depends on the number of dogs of the same sex in the breed. The winners of the Best Dog and Best Bitch in each breed gets the points, according to how many dogs of the same sex in that breed were present at the show. So for example, if there was 1 puppy bitch, 1 in Junior Class and one in Open, the Best Bitch will get 3 points. if there were a total of 2 bitches, the Best Bitch will get 2 points, etc. Maximum number of points that can be obtained in one shoe is 4 points. Same goes for the Best Dog. Now lets say that there were a total of 2 bitches and 4 dogs, so the Best Bitch gets 2 points whilst the Best Dog gets 3 points, and when it comes for the Best of Breed, this goes to the Bitch, then the Bitch will get the same amount as the Best Dog, since the latter won more points because of the numbers present at the show. If the Best of Breed winner got 1, 2 or 3 points, and wins Best In Group or Reserve Best In Group, winning over other dogs in the same group who won more points in the same show because there was a bigger number of dogs in that breed, than the Group Winner or Reserve will get the same points as the one with the most points in that group which was beaten by the Best or Reserve winner. Example, if there was one Border Collie in a show, that won 1 point, and this dog wins Best In Group or Reserve, beating a German Shepherd dog that won 4 points, then the Border Collie will get 4 points in that show. In all cases, the maximum number of points that can be obtained in one show is 4. Winnings in the Puppy and Junior Groups does not count for the points inheritance system described above.
In our Country, with limited number of dogs in our shows, having also some breeds represented by one dog, the point system gives the Champion Title more prestige, then having the C.C system in which a dog can become a Champion in 3 shows without ever beating another dog.
The Prizes:
Prize Cards and occasionally, Rosettes, are awarded to each winner of 1st, 2nd & 3rd place of each class, the Best Bitch and Best Dog, Best Puppy In Breed and Best Junior in Breed. Beautiful Rosettes are also awarded to the winners of the Best in Groups, Reserve Best in Groups, Best Puppy In Group and Reserve Best Puppy In Group, Best Junior in Group and Reserve Best Junior in Group.
Handling Classes:
We also have a Junior Handling class which is open for young handlers between the age of 10 to 17 years. The class is judged on the ability of the Junior's handling skills, rather than the dog being handled.
To encourage our children to take the hobby of dog showing from an early age, we also have a Children's Class, which is open for Children between the age of 4 to 10 years.
A word of advice to the new exhibitor: Dog Shows should be fun. They are an excellent occasion to spend time with friends and fellow exhibitors, and make new friends. The judging at dog shows are based on an opinion of the judge, and opinions do vary. You might win at one show, and lose at the other. A different judge might have a different opinion. Be courteous, always congratulate the winners at the end of the class, and thank the judge for his time. One very important thing to remember - No matter what, win or loose, you always take the best dog home with you........
Contact us should you require more information.
