Points

In this section I will try to explain in the simplest terms possible, how the AKC divides the USA into divisions for their schedule of points and how points are counted. First of all, HERE is the link to the AKC for the point schedules for all 12 of the divisions in the USA. And HERE is the link to the AKC explanation of how to count points. It is recommended that you read both of these informational links.

Briefly, the AKC has divided the USA into 12 divisions. Within those 12 divisions each has a separate point schedule for every breed shown. NOTE! - When determining points, it is important to remember that the points are based on the STATE where the show is held, not where you live nor where the Kennel Club sponsoring the show is located. Example - The Greater St. Louis Boxer Club based in St. Louis Missouri hold it's Specialty show in conjunction with the Belle City Kennel Club show in Belleville, Illinois. Illinois is in Division 5 and Missouri is in Division 6. Points are awarded based on the schedule for Illinois in Division 5.

The division schedules are based on the number of dogs of a particular breed shown over a set number of years, and averaged.

Points are awarded at a show based on the number of dogs actually shown, not the number of dogs entered. Dogs that are excused from the ring, for example a dog that is lame, or a dog that is aggressive are NOT counted in the total count for points awarded.

NOTE! - THERE MUST BE COMPETITION TO GAIN POINTS - Single dog entries do not receive points. The order of judging is as follows: Class dogs ranging from puppy to open - Winners Dog - Class bitches ranging from puppy to open - Winners Bitch - Best of Breed/Best of Winners and Best of Opposite competition. A dog needs 15 points under three different judges to be awarded a Championship. Of those 15 points there must be two MAJORS under different judges (majors are 3, 4 or 5 points awarded at one time, determined by the number of dogs defeated)

Using the Dog classes as an example, the first place dog in each class returns to the ring to determine the Winners Dog. The Winners Dog is the only DOG to receive points. If the Winner's Dog is from the Open class as an example, the second place dog along with the first place winners from the other classes that are still in the ring are used in determining Reserve Winners Dog. Reserve may seem like the bridesmaid and not the bride! but, it is awarded for a reason. Similar to the Miss America Pageant, if, for any reason the new Miss America cannot fulfill her duties, the first runner-up (Reserve) will take her place! It has happened! If an entry is disallowed for any reason, entered in a wrong class, FOREIGN registration 30 day period expired, the Reserve will be awarded the points!

The same process is followed in Bitches. NOW, on to Best of Breed Competition!

In the ring for Best of Breed judging we have the Champions, both dogs and bitches (sometimes called Specials) the Winners Dog and the Winners Bitch. From the dogs present in the ring the judge will select a Best of Breed winner, a Best of Opposite Sex winner and a Best of Winners. Best of Breed is the dog/bitch selected as overall BEST example of the breed on that day. Best of Opposite is exactly what it says! If the Best of Breed winner is a dog, the Best of Opposite is a bitch and vice versa. Best of Breed and Best of Opposite does not necessarily go to the Champions. It can be awarded to the class animal. Best of Winners is the best of the two entries, Winners Dog or Winners Bitch. Let's start with Best of Winners. If the entry for dogs equals two points, but the entry for bitches is a 4 point major and the Winners Dog is awarded Best of Winners, he gets the 4 point major. NOT in addition to his 2 points, but in place of. It can work just the same for bitches. Now, let's complicate things! If the dog that is awarded Winners Dog goes on to defeat 4 dog Champions and 3 bitch Champions and wins Best of Breed, the total of 7 dogs are added to the number of class dogs present and this total can actually up the points from 1 or 2 to 3, 4 or 5! Same also for bitches. Another twist to the plot! If the Best of Breed goes to a bitch Champion and the Winners Dog is awarded Best of Opposite, the number of dog Champions that were defeated by the Winners Dog is added to the number of class dogs defeated and again, can up the points!

Class dogs that are awarded Best of Breed are eligible to compete in Group level competition. If the class dog that is awarded Winners Dog -> Best of Winners -> Best of Breed goes on to win the Group, the highest number of points awarded to any breed in that particular group is awarded to the Winners Dog! Similar for Best in Show! These are RARE wins and quite an honor!

Again, it is important that you read the explanation on the AKC site.

Feel free to contact us with questions, if we can't answer it we will direct you to someone who can!