What are the grades at a dog show? - briefly
At a dog show, judges evaluate dogs based on how closely they conform to the breed standard. The highest grade is "Excellent," followed by "Very Good," "Good," and "Sufficient."
What are the grades at a dog show? - in detail
At a dog show, the grading system is used to evaluate and rank dogs based on their conformity to the breed standard. The grades awarded by judges reflect the overall quality of each dog in comparison to others within its breed.
The highest grade awarded at a dog show is 'Excellent' (EXC). This designation indicates that the dog closely adheres to the breed standard and demonstrates exceptional qualities such as balance, proportion, movement, and temperament. To achieve an Excellent rating, a dog must exhibit few or no faults and excel in all judged categories.
Below Excellent is the 'Very Good' (VG) grade. Dogs receiving this designation meet most of the breed standard criteria but may have minor faults that prevent them from achieving an Excellent rating. These dogs are still considered high-quality representatives of their breed.
The next grade is 'Good' (G). Dogs awarded a Good rating generally conform to the breed standard but may have more noticeable faults or lack some desired qualities compared to those graded Very Good or Excellent.
Below Good is the 'Sufficient' (SG) grade, which indicates that while the dog meets the essential characteristics of its breed, it falls short in several areas and does not fully meet the breed standard. Dogs receiving this grade may have significant faults or lack desired qualities.
The lowest passing grade at a dog show is 'Not Qualified' (NQ). This designation means that the dog does not meet the minimum requirements of the breed standard and is disqualified from further competition. In some cases, dogs may also receive a 'Disqualified' (DQ) status if they have serious defects or do not conform to the fundamental characteristics of their breed.
In addition to these primary grades, judges may also award special designations such as 'Best in Show' (BIS), which is given to the dog deemed the best representative of its breed across all classes and groups. The 'Reserve Best in Show' (RBIS) goes to the runner-up for this prestigious title.
Understanding these grades is essential for both exhibitors and spectators at dog shows, as they provide a clear indication of each dog's quality and conformity to breed standards.