Glossary
Key terms used in AKC conformation dog shows. These definitions focus on regular class judging and championship points.
- Best of Winners (BOW)
- After Winners Dog and Winners Bitch are selected, they compete against each other. The winner receives the higher of the two point values. Awarded a blue-and-white ribbon.
- Championship (CH)
- An AKC title earned by accumulating 15 championship points, including at least two majors won under different judges. Points are earned by winning Winners Dog, Winners Bitch, or Best of Winners.
- Class Dog / Class Bitch
- A dog or bitch that is not yet a champion and is entered in one of the regular classes (Puppy, Novice, Bred-by-Exhibitor, American-Bred, or Open). Dogs and bitches are always judged separately.
- Defeated Dogs
- The total number of class dogs that competed against the winner. This count determines how many championship points are awarded. Sometimes called "dogs competing."
- Division
- The AKC divides the United States (plus DC and Puerto Rico) into 15 geographic divisions. Each division has its own point schedule, so the same number of dogs competing may earn different points in different states.
- Major
- A win worth 3, 4, or 5 championship points. A dog needs at least two majors (under different judges) as part of its 15 points to earn a championship.
- Point Schedule
- A table published annually by the AKC that shows how many dogs of a specific breed must compete in a given division for each point level (1 through 5). Schedules vary by breed, sex, and division.
- Regular Classes
- The classes in which non-champion dogs compete: Puppy (6-9 months), Puppy (9-12 months), 12-18 Months, Novice, Bred-by-Exhibitor, American-Bred, and Open. First-place winners from each class advance to compete for Winners.
- Reserve Winners
- The runner-up to Winners Dog or Winners Bitch. Selected from the second-place dog in the class that produced the Winners. Receives a purple-and-white ribbon. Does not earn points unless the Winners is later disqualified.
- Specials
- Dogs that have already earned their championship and are entered to compete for Best of Breed. Not covered in EduDog's current scope.
- Winners Dog (WD) / Winners Bitch (WB)
- The best class dog (or bitch) selected from all first-place class winners. This is the only regular-class placement that earns championship points. Awarded a purple ribbon.