WHERE THE BEST DARE TO BE GREAT
BKC Official Show Rules & Regulations
I. General Show Guidelines
1. Eligibility to Enter
o Dogs must be registered with The BKC.
o Dogs must be at least 6 months old on the day of show.
o All entries must be submitted by the published deadline with applicable fees.
2. Types of Shows
o Conformation Shows (primary structure & breed standard).
o Performance Events (weight pull, obedience, protection, etc.).
o Junior Handler Events (ages 8–17).
o Specialty Shows (single breed or themed).
3. Classes
o Puppy (6–12 months)
o Junior (12–18 months)
o Adult (18+ months)
o Champion Class
o Grand Champion Class
o Veteran (7 years and older)
o Altered Dog Class (spayed/neutered)
4. Conduct Requirements
o Dogs must be in good health and under control at all times.
o Handlers must show courtesy to judges, officials, and fellow exhibitors.
o Harassment or poor sportsmanship will result in disqualification.
II. Judging Standards
1. Judging Criteria
o Judges will score based on official BKC breed standards, evaluating structure, movement, temperament, and overall type.
2. Disqualification Grounds
o Aggression toward another dog or person.
o Lameness, deformity, or signs of illness.
o Unsportsmanlike behavior from the handler.
3. Best in Show
o Winners of each Group compete for Best in Show.
o Judged on presence, adherence to breed standard, and ring performance.
III. Ring Procedures
1. Check-In
Exhibitors must check in at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled ring time.
2. Order of Judging
Judging order will be announced in the official event program and/or posted ringside.
3. Handler Responsibility
Handlers must have leads, collars, and presentation in good condition. No harsh or restrictive tools allowed.
4. Time Limit
Handlers must be ringside and ready when called. Failure to appear may result in forfeiture.
IV. Titles & Points System
1. Champion Title (CH)
o Requires 3 Major Wins under 2 different judges.
o Must accumulate 100 points.
2. Grand Champion (GRCH)
o Must already hold CH title.
o Requires 3 Grand Champion Class Wins under 2 judges.
o Must accumulate 150 additional points.
3. Points Breakdown
o Based on number of dogs defeated.
o Group placement bonuses awarded (e.g., 1st in Group = +15 pts).
4. Youth Handler Recognition
o Participants accumulate merit points toward Junior Handler certificates.
V. Protests & Challenges
· Any formal protest must be filed in writing within 1 hour of the disputed event.
· A fee of $50 (refundable if protest is upheld) must be submitted.
· A Protest Review Panel will evaluate and render a decision within 48 hours.
VI. Event Sanctioning & Hosting
1. Sanctioning Requirements
o Clubs must apply for show sanctioning at least 60 days in advance.
o Event hosts must submit proposed location, judges, and ring layout.
2. Judge Approval
o All show judges must be certified through the BKC Judges Certification Program.
3. Show Reports
o Event results must be submitted to BKC within 7 days of event conclusion for titles to be processed.