The Count: How Points Are Determined
The number of championship points earned by Winners Dog depends on the total number of class dogs that were competing at that show for that breed — across all classes, not just the class the winner came from.
For example, if these were the entries:
| Class | Dogs Entered |
|---|---|
| Puppy (9–12) | 2 |
| Bred-by-Exhibitor | 1 |
| Open | 4 |
| **Total** | **7** |
Winners Dog defeated 6 other dogs (7 total minus the winner = 6 defeated, but points are typically looked up by the total competing, which is 7 in this case). The AKC point schedule for the breed and division determines how many points 7 class dogs is worth.
The same calculation happens independently for bitches. If 12 class bitches were entered, Winners Bitch would earn points based on 12 bitches competing — which might be a completely different number of points than Winners Dog received.
Coming up next: Learn about Reserve Winners and what happens to the runner-up.
Key Takeaway
Championship points are based on the total number of class dogs (or bitches) competing — not just the dogs in the winner's class.