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Our mentoring lists are collated by breed education co-ordinators (BECs), in consultation with their respective breed clubs and breed councils. If a breed does not have a mentor list published, this is because the breed education co-ordinator is currently collating it. Our lists are regularly updated and added as they are received.

Please note that mentor lists can be added to and amended at any point solely by the breed education co-ordinator.

Breed mentoring can only take place once a list of mentors has been agreed and published. All requests for mentoring must be made through the breed education co-ordinator and not directly with any mentor.

Gundog group

Hound group

Pastoral group

Terrier group

Utility group

Working group

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Judges Education Programme - Mentor lists | Kennel Club

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Our mentoring lists are collated by breed education co-ordinators (BECs), in consultation with their respective breed clubs and breed councils.

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Retriever (Chesapeake Bay) | Breed Standards | Kennel Club

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This Breed Standard for the Retriever (Chesapeake Bay) describes its ideal characteristics, temperament, appearance and colour.

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The Kennel Club provides a number of educational seminars which are run by clubs and societies in order to educate future judges. Below has the contact details for each seminar being run. If you are looking to run a seminar online or need help with organising an event, please email us.

Please refer to our lists of accredited trainers/judges/presenters.

Breed appreciation day

Requirements of a Dog Show Judge

All judges should keep up to date with The Kennel Club's regulations to enable them to judge proficiently. This seminar outlines the requirements of a dog show judge. You can find pre-learning on The Kennel Club Academy.

Conformation and Movement

Our conformation and movement seminar provides all judges with a good understanding of canine conformation and movement. You can find pre-course learning on The Kennel Club Academy.

Points of a Dog

The aim of the points of the dog assessment is to demonstrate that judges are familiar with the points of the dog (anatomy), structure of the dog (structural balance) and conventional measurements of the dog. You can find pre-learning for the points of the dog asessment on The Kennel Club Academy.

Agility (Practical)

All judges should keep up to date with The Kennel Club's regulations to enable them to judge proficiently. This seminar outlines the importance of the role of an agility judge, course design and practice and provides up-to-date information on The Kennel Club's regulations and judging procedures. You can find pre-learning on The Kennel Club Academy.

Obedience (Practical)

All judges should keep up to date with The Kennel Club's regulations to enable them to judge proficiently. This seminar outlines the importance of the role of an obedience judge, test design and practice and provide up-to-date information on The Kennel Club's regulations and judging procedures. You can find pre-learning on The Kennel Club Academy.

Rally (rules and regulations)

All judges should keep up to date with The Kennel Club's regulations to enable them to judge proficiently. This seminar outlines the Rally rules and regulations. You can find pre-learning on The Kennel Club Academy.

Requirements of a Field Trial Judge

All judges should keep up to date with The Kennel Club's regulations to enable them to judge proficiently. This seminar outlines the requirements of a field trial judge. You can find pre-learning on The Kennel Club Academy.

Health Webinars

The Kennel Club's health team host a variety of free health-related webinars, which are open to owners and breeders who would like to find out more about a variety of canine health issues.

You can watch all webinars that have already taken place via our YouTube channel

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Seminar diary | Events and Activities | The Kennel Club

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Browse the Kennel Club’s calendar of upcoming educational seminars for future judges, run by clubs and societies.

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Showing your Chesapeake Here's a list of CC and non-CC championship dog shows with Chesapeake classes, along with the judges, and where to go for schedules and entry forms. Shows with Chesapeake classes CBRC Open Show 6 August 2023 Malvern For the first time, the CBRC will be holding a second Open Show this year, [...]

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Breed Specific Assessment - CODE OF BEST PRACTICE

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Breed Specific Assessment - CODE OF BEST PRACTICE

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Specific to body proportions.

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Yulia Titovets © / The Kennel Club

The Kennel Club is responsible for the approval of championship show judges, of which there are in excess of 7,000 approved in the UK.

The judges' committee (JC) processes around 300 appointments for judges every six weeks to award challenge certificates (CCs) at championship shows. and our

Judges at The Kennel Club's licensed breed shows are expected to maintain and abide by the highest standards, adhering to The Kennel Club's Show F Regulations Judges' Code of Best Practice.

Each judge who is approved can be found on our Find a Judge service.

Becoming a dog showing judge

Before you become a breed show judge you must have sufficient knowledge and experience of your breed. The Kennel Club suggests a minimum of five years' involvement in pedigree dogs before stepping into the centre of the ring and officiating.

First appointments

All judging appointments at dog shows licensed by The Kennel Club must be underpinned by a contract between the society and the judge. Forming a contract requires three stages:

1. The society must invite the judge in writing, including the wording required in the dog showing regulations, and request a written acceptance

2. The judge should return a written acceptance of the judging appointment

3. The society should then confirm the judging appointment, again in writing

Three-part contracts should always be in place, even for emergency replacement judges. In the event of a judge or society being in breach of their contract, and unable to provide a satisfactory explanation of the breach, the board of The Kennel Club may impose sanctions.

It is against The Kennel Club rules for judges to ask for an appointment.

Progressing as a breed show judge

After you have judged your first breed, you may wish to judge other breeds. You can do so by applying for the breed club's judging lists and working your way through each criteria.

Becoming a first-time CC breed show judge

First-time Challenge Certificate judges

The Kennel Club requires the following mandatory requirements to have been achieved prior to a person being nominated to award with Challenge Certificates for the very first time. These aspiring judges are required to:

Breed clubs, societies and councils will also have their own criteria that judges are expected to achieve should they wish to be recommended. Please contact them for more information.

Judging tiers and hands-on experience

The minimum requirements for hands-on experience to be considered to award Challenge Certificates for the first time under the traditional approval system (not Judges Education Programme) are as follows. These Judging Tiers come into effect for CC nominations received by The Kennel Club from 1 January 2022, and approval via the Judge Education Programme (JEP) route still requires 50 per cent of the numbers listed under the traditional route.

The minimum requirements for hands-on experience for variety breeds are shown in the following table:

The Board has previously clarified that the following types of event may be used to claim hands-on experience numbers under both the JEP and traditional approval system:

Breed classes at Championship Shows without CCs

Breed classes at Open Shows

Breed classes at Limited Shows

Mock/training classes at breed club shows (practical judging days) - only one occasion can be claimed and a maximum of 5 dogs

Dogs judged at KC approved assessments, maximum of 5 dogs - only one occasion and a maximum of 5 dogs. Cannot be used in addition to mock classes.

Dogs judged at inter or intra-club single-breed matches

Special Award Classes at breed club shows

Supported entry shows

Dogs judged at single breed dog of the year competitions

Overseas appointments

Dogs judged at the following types of event may not be included in a judge's hands-on experience:

AVNSC and Variety classes

At fun days

Conjointly with other judges at events where the candidate judge is not required to give independent judgment on the dogs

Any JEP mentoring sessions.

A2 judges' list approval procedure

The Kennel Club believes that greater use of the A2 approval system will both improve procedures and be of long-term benefit in ensuring that new championship show judges have previously been deemed capable of undertaking an appointment to award Challenge Certificates. Equally importantly, it will enable judges to go through an approval procedure without first having to receive an invitation to award CCs, an aspect of the previous system that has frequently been criticised.

Writing a critique

A critique is a written report completed by the judge, where he/she will outline the relative virtues and weaknesses of the dogs they have judged at a show, and explain why they have chosen one dog above another. Exhibitors really want to see critiques as they want to know what a judge thought about their dog. They are published in Our Dogs and on The Kennel Club judges' critiques website.

Further training on how to write a critique can be found on The Kennel Club Academy.

Breed Watch

We believe that providing information on breed-specific visible health concerns allows judges, breeders and exhibitors to discourage the breeding of dogs with exaggerated conformational issues that are detrimental to health and welfare. Breed Watch provides an opportunity for all involved to monitor and protect the future of pedigree dogs.

Vet checks

Veterinary health checks confirm best of breed awards at dog shows, by assessing dogs to ensure that no visible health conditions, which may cause pain or discomfort, are rewarded. Read more information about these vet checks.

Category 3 breeds

This section provides answers to common questions about category 3 breeds, including which breeds are identified as category 3 on Breed Watch, why they have been added, and what is being done to address the issues.

Judges resident outside the UK

The suitability of overseas judges to officiate at events licensed by The Kennel Club will be assessed in the same way as for a British National. Overseas judges who have judged a particular breed at championship show level in their own country, or are endorsed by the relevant kennel club in their country, will normally be approved to judge that breed with Challenge Certificates in the UK.

All judges officiating at UK events licensed by The Kennel Club must judge to The Kennel Club breed standards and rules and regulations and not those of any kennel club other than our own. The judge's duties in this country cannot be delegated, and they should be aware that double handling, commentaries and grading are not permitted.

Those overseas judges who have previously been approved by The Kennel Club to award Challenge Certificates in the UK can be found using Find a Judge.

FCI judges' agreement

The Kennel Club and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) have reached an agreement on the mutual recognition of judges.

Please see the terms of the agreement, a revised code of practice for the selection of overseas judges, as well as a contract that must be completed by all FCI judges who are resident in an FCI country and meet the agreed criteria. This only applies to those nominated to award Challenge Certificates, judge groups and best in show for the first time. Those judges who do not meet the criteria set out under the FCI agreement should complete an overseas judges' questionnaire.

Seminar diary

The Kennel Club seminars are held by accredited trainers throughout the year. Learn more about the upcoming seminars.

Current system judges - frequently asked questions

We hope these frequently asked questions will help to resolve some of the common queries that are asked by judges about dog showing.

1. I had an appointment which stated no judging in a 70-mile radius. I unknowingly accepted another appointment within 67 miles. The club withdrew the contract and replaced me without asking if I would withdraw from the other appointment. Is this correct?

The club was within its rights to withdraw you from the appointment; however it should have informed you in writing of its intention to do so.

2. My breed was stud book band E but has now moved to D. I accepted a judging appointment for the breed prior to this announcement. Can I still judge them even though I am not on the relevant list to do more than three classes?

Yes, you are still permitted to judge the classes as you were eligible for the appointment at the time of signing the contract.

3. I award CCs to one breed. Is it permissible to judge the group and AVNSC classes at open show?

Provided that you have previously awarded CCs to at least one breed and are currently eligible to do so, then you are eligible to judge the above classes.

4. I am due to judge Boxers in the morning at a forthcoming show, however I also own Bullmastiffs which are being judged in the afternoon. Can I exhibit my Bullmastiff at the show?

No, it is not permissible to judge and exhibit at the same show, regardless of the breed.

5. Where can I find details of judging seminars?

These are advertised in The Kennel Club Journal, Dog Press and also on our training seminars page. You may also wish to contact a member of the education and training team by calling 01296 318540 (ext: 225). If a judge cannot find anything going on in their area, they can contact the trainer to ask about one-to-one training sessions.

Judges' Education Programme (Breed Shows)

A new system has been developed for the education, approval and listing of every level of judge, from those who aspire to judge, right through to open show judges, plus those who go on to award Challenge Certificates, judge championship show groups and best in show.

The system has been designed taking into account the feedback received from exhibitors, show societies and judges.

The Judges Education Programme introduces a structured and logical approach to the training of judges, incorporating a step-by-step approach.

Kennel Club Regulations implementing the Judges Education Programme came into force on 1 January 2021. Seminars undertaken prior to this date can be accepted for use when progressing via the Judges Education Programme. However, judges are required to complete the criteria at each Judges Education Programme level before moving on to the next.

Stewarding is a requirement for both levels 1 and 3 and therefore a more fluid approach can be taken here.

Level 1

Requirements to meet this level:

Minimum of five years proven interest in pedigree dogs

Attend a requirements of a dog show judge seminar (but not mandatory to take and pass examination)

Attend a conformation and movement seminar

Complete a minimum of two full-day stewarding appointments

Eligibility to judge

Up to three classes (four if one is a puppy class) for any breed at limited or open shows.

Level 2

Requirements to meet this level

First breed:

Take and pass requirements of a dog show judge examination. Judges attending an online requirements of a dog show judge seminar may take the exam via The Kennel Club Academy

Pass points of a dog assessment

Attend a breed appreciation day (BAD) and pass a multiple-choice examination (MCE) for the respective breed

View ring stewarding seminar and take online quiz

Complete critique writing seminar and take online quiz

Subsequent breeds

Attend a breed appreciation day (BAD) and pass a multiple-choice examination (MCE) for each breed. Note: Not mandatory for group judge for breeds in the group that they are not approved at level 4, but attendance strongly recommended

Eligibility to judge

Unlimited number of classes for the respective breed at limited, open or championship shows (no CCs)

Any variety classes, groups and best in show at limited shows

Level 3

Requirements to meet this level

Undergo minimum of three mentoring sessions with a minimum of 12 months between first and third session

Be observed judging a breed club show, breed supported entry show or championship show without CCs once mentoring sessions have been undertaken

Complete remaining 10 full-day stewarding appointments (onetime qualification)

Have owned/bred a minimum of three dogs when they obtained their first entry in The Kennel Club Stud Book - save for exceptional circumstances (one-time qualification for first breed in which a judge awards CCs)

Attended the appropriate sub-group field trial/open gundog working test for first gundog breed or ring procedure at licensed shows (German Shepherd Dog education programme) online exam (one-time qualification)

Have achieved the relevant hands-on experience in line with the stated requirements for the relevant breed:

All non-CC breeds are to be classed as tier 2 breeds with the exception of the Catalan Sheepdog, Greenland Dog, Estrela Mountain Dog, Hovawart, German Longhaired Pointer and Pyrenean Sheepdog (Long Haired), which are tier 1 breeds at the request of the breed clubs.
For those breeds with varieties:

Dachshund: 125 Dachshunds of any combination of the six varieties

Poodle: 75 Poodles of any combination of Poodle (Miniature), Poodle (Standard) and Poodle (Toy), which must include a minimum of 15 of each variety

German Spitz: 35 German Spitz of any combination of German Spitz (Klein) and German Spitz (Mittel)

Fox Terrier: 35 Fox Terriers of any combination of Fox Terrier (Smooth) and Fox Terrier (Wire)

Bull Terrier: 40 Bull Terriers of any combination of Bull Terrier and Bull Terrier (Miniature)

Belgian Shepherd Dog: 35 Belgian Shepherd Dogs, any combination of Groenendael, Tervueren, Malinois and Laekenois

Chihuahua: 100 Chihuahuas, any combination of Long Coat or Smooth Coat

The following types of event may be used to claim hands-on experience numbers:

Breed classes at championship shows without CCs

Breed classes at open shows

Breed classes at limited shows

Mock/training classes at breed club shows (practical judging days) - only one occasion can be claimed and a maximum of five dogs

Dogs judged at Kennel Club approved assessments, maximum of five dogs - only one occasion and a maximum of five dogs. Cannot be used in addition to mock classes

Dogs judged at inter or intra-club single-breed matches

Special award classes at breed club shows

Supported entry shows

Dogs judged at single breed dog of the year competitions

Overseas appointments

Dogs judged at the following types of event may not be included in a judge's hands-on experience:

AVNSC and variety classes

At fun days

Conjointly with other judges at events where the candidate judge is not required to give independent judgment on the dogs

Any JEP mentoring sessions

Eligibility to judge

Unlimited number of classes for the respective breed at limited, open or championship shows (no CCs)

Any variety classes groups and best in show at limited shows

Level 4 CC judge

Requirements to meet this level

Attend and passed a breed-specific assessment for the specific breed run by The Kennel Club

Eligibility to judge

Award Challenge Certificates in the respective breed

Any variety classes, groups and best in show at open and limited shows

Breed education co-ordinators

The Kennel Club breed education co-ordinators (known as the BEC) are administrative roles which co-ordinate all points of breed-specific education and support for judges. These co-ordinating roles are held on behalf of the breed clubs in order to support the breed club obligations under the Judges' Education Programme (Breed Shows) for the education and training of judges.

Read more about being a breed education co-ordinator.

Breed appreciation days

The aim of the Judges' Education Programme (Breed Shows) breed appreciation day (and subsequent multiple-choice breed standard examination) is to educate individuals interested in the breed, whether they are exhibitors, aspiring judges or breeders, and provide them with the information to make informed decisions to preserve and safeguard the breed.

Read the full list of breed appreciation days.

Details on how to run one of these days can be found below.

Mentoring

Mentoring forms an important part of a judge's learning to be competent to judge a breed.

Observation

Observation forms an important part in the learning and development experience of a judge. The observation takes place when a judge is observed while in the act of judging. The observer is there to ensure the judge is able to demonstrate sufficient ability in terms of knowledge of the breed being judged and also ring manner.

Breed Specific Assessment

Judges are required to take and pass the Breed Specific Assessment before being approved to award Challenge Certificates to a breed.

Code Of Best Practice For Breed Specific Assessment

Eye for a dog assessment

This assessment can only be undertaken by judges who have awarded at least one set of Challenge Certificates. Judges progressing to award Challenge Certificates in a second or subsequent breed under the Judges' Education Programme (Breed Shows) are required to have passed this assessment. A review of this assessment is due to take place during 2021.

The following judges have passed The Kennel Club's eye for a dog assessment under the Judges' Education Programme (Breed Shows) since April 2018.

Judges resident outside Great Britain

Several different types of scenario have been identified below to assist judges currently or previously resident outside Great Britain and inviting societies in understanding how they will transition into the Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows).

Societies and judges are reminded that the current CC approval system will remain in place for five years.

Overseas judges will need to have a Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows) online account to allow their appointments to be displayed on Find a Judge.

Previous championship show appointments will transfer over to the judge's online account

Treated as level 4/5/6* judge as applicable with all the relevant judging privileges at each level

Judging privileges
Relevant breed(s) with CCs
*Level 4
(a) Unlimited number of classes of those breeds previously judged in UK with CCs at open, limited and championship shows.

(b) All groups and best in show and AV classes at open and limited shows.

(c) Up to three classes (four if one is a puppy) of any other breed at any show - register as JEP level 1.
*Level 5 - as above plus
(a) Relevant group at championship shows.

(b) Unlimited number of classes of any breed in that approved group at open and limited shows and non-CC classes at championship shows.
*Level 6 - as above plus
(a) Approved to judge best in show at championship shows

Overseas judges who have been approved to judge three unconnected breeds with CACIBs in their own country may judge variety classes at championship shows.

When online system is available judge invited to activate account.

Society to ensure judge is listed on appropriate JEP level before appointment is confirmed.

Full briefing regarding judging procedure required by inviting society.

a.

CACIB International judge using FCI agreement - nominations to award CCs to additional breeds or groups or BIS will be approved under the terms of the FCI agreement and judge listed on FAJ when approved by The Kennel Club.
Judging privileges
Once approved will be treated as a level 4/5/6* judge as applicable and with all the relevant judging privileges at these levels listed above.

Overseas judges who have been approved to judge three unconnected breeds with CACIBs in their own country may judge variety classes at championship shows.

When approved activated by The Kennel Club.

.

Full briefing regarding judging procedure required by inviting society.

b.

Judges not covered by the FCI agreement - judges will continue to be required to complete the standard overseas judge's questionnaire (JD14).
Judging privileges
Once approved will be treated as a level 4/5/6* judge as applicable with all the relevant judging privileges at these levels listed above.

When approved activated by The Kennel Club.

Following the review of the FCI agreement, the agreement with the Scandinavian countries will also need to be reviewed.Consideration will also need to be given to non-UK judges not covered by the FCI's jurisdiction, e.g. AKC.

Full briefing regarding judging procedure required by inviting society.

Can register at level 2 for the breed(s) where they have been approved to award CCs or the equivalent in their country of residence by a kennel club recognised by The Kennel Club UK and listed on the respective Kennel Club judges directory or the FCI judges directory

Can judge any variety, group and best in show at open/limited shows

Can register at level 1 for any other breeds

Yes - level 2, to be activated by the judge.

It is the show society's responsibility to ensure that the judge meets the required criteria.

Full briefing regarding judging procedure required by inviting society.

Level 1 criteria - must prove to the inviting show society that the introductory judges training in their country of residence has been undertaken, by making available the pass certificate or having written confirmation from their kennel club or have attended the mandatory UK Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows) seminars, along with having a proven interest of a minimum of five years in one or more aspects of the breeding and exhibiting of pedigree dogs, and have two days' stewarding experience (in their own country is accepted).
Judging privileges a. Up to three classes (four if one is a Puppy) of any breed at any show - judge to register at JEP level 1.
Level 2 criteria - have attended a UK breed seminar and passed the multiple choice exam and/or hands-on assessment plus above requirements. Attended the remaining Kennel Club mandatory Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows) seminars and passed relevant exam where required.
Judging privileges a. Unlimited number of classes of breeds registered at level 2 at open, limited and championship shows with no CCs.
b. Up to three classes (four if one is a Puppy) of any breed at any show.
Level 3 criteria - must follow Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows) - will accept three champions owned/bred instead of three dogs listed in The Kennel Club Stud Book and stewarding in home country.

Judging privileges - as level 2

Level 4 criteria - must follow Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows)
Judging privileges
(a) Unlimited number of classes of level 4 breeds UK with CCs and also at open and limited shows.

(b) All groups and best in show and AV classes at open and limited shows.

(c) Up to three classes (four if one is a Puppy) of any other breed at any show - already registered as JEP level 1.

Yes - level 2, to be activated by the judge.

Level 1 to be activated by The Kennel Club upon application of the inviting society.

It is the show society's responsibility to ensure that the judge meets the required criteria.

Full briefing regarding judging procedure required by inviting society.

This category is likely to be used for a small number of judges, examples might be: judges of numerically small breeds overseas, those where there is a restriction on a handler's eligibility to judge, those countries where the training programme might not be considered robust. Home kennel club to be informed by the judge.

May continue in the Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows) with relevant levels and judging privileges or be treated as an overseas judge after which the overseas judge criteria applies.

Judge needs to decide if they wish to be treated as a UK judge living abroad or as an overseas judge. The chosen route must be retained for future nominations.

The Kennel Club will continue to recognise previous approvals prior to moving to the UK to award UK CCs, group and best in show with relevant judging privileges. For all subsequent appointments to judge in the UK, the judge will be following the Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows).
Judging privileges
Will relate to the relevant level achieved.

If the judge has awarded equivalent of CCs in their home country prior to moving to the UK but not judged that breed in UK with CCs, they may register for level 3 for the breed(s).

They will need to have passed the RDSJ exam (once)

Must have judged the relevant number of dogs (under any recognised jurisdiction)

Non-CC judges resident in Northern Ireland can follow the Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows) levels 1-3 until such time as they wish to be approved to award CCs, at which point they need to decide to opt for The Kennel Club or IKC jurisdiction

The Kennel Club jurisdiction following Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows)

IKC licensed judges (living either side of the border) treated as an overseas judge

Non-CC appointments - yes.

CC appointment - when approved, activated by The Kennel Club.

These judges are not covered by the current FCI agreement as they are not resident in a FCI member country. Such judges must choose the jurisdiction under which they wish to be considered (The Kennel Club/IKC). Judges cannot 'flip flop' between being approved to award CCs under the Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows)/existing UK system and the IKC system.

'Grandfathering' applications

From 1 January 2021 eligible judges may submit an application form for consideration to be pre-approved to award Challenge Certificates.

Candidates can self-nominate provided they are included on at least one breed club/council A3 list and/or have a pre-existing JDP credit pass for the relevant breed. Each judge must also meet all The Kennel Club's mandatory requirements for approval to award CCs.

Judges of breeds that do not yet have CC status are advised that they too have grandfather rights which may make it possible to achieve level 4 status in such breeds. In those cases it is recognised that breed specialists will not have the three stud book numbers (as required for CC judges), but the judges committee will take into account dogs owned and/or bred and any significant wins.

It should be noted that all applications made using the grandfathering system are still subject to approval by the judges committee and The Kennel Club Board. Judges are only able to make one submission per breed, group or Best in Show and there will be no appeal process available. Therefore judges should ensure they meet the required criteria before making an application.

Those judges wishing to complete a hard copy of the form or to grandfather for groups and Best in Show are asked to complete the relevant questionnaire and submit via our online form.

'Grandfathering' criteria

Please note the following policies which have been clarified by The Kennel Club Board at its meeting on 12 May 2022:

Judges must have met the below listed mandatory criteria and should not submit applications if this criteria has not been met.

Judges who have previously been rejected via the traditional questionnaire/A2 routes may not apply to be approved via grandfathering until a period of at least five years has elapsed from the date of such rejection. Judges so affected will remain eligible to be nominated for approval via the traditional routes or to progress via the Judges Education Programme.

This route is only available to UK resident judges. Those Judges resident in Northern Ireland who have already nominated the Irish Kennel Club as their Kennel Club of reference are ineligible to be approved by the grandfathering route.

A3 list judge (breeds with CC status)

To appear on at least one breed club/council A3 judging list at the time of submission to The Kennel Club

To have met all The Kennel Club mandatory criteria regarding seminars, stewarding, Stud Book numbers (established CC judges exempt)

To have judged the required number of dogs set by The Kennel Club according to the relevant tier¹

To have passed a breed specific hands-on assessment held in accordance with The Kennel Club Code of Best Practice²

A3 list judge (non-CC breeds)

To appear on at least one breed club/council A3 judging list at the time of submission to The Kennel Club

To have met all The Kennel Club mandatory criteria regarding seminars, stewarding, listing dogs owned and/or bred with significant wins (established CC judges exempt)

To have judged the required number of dogs set by The Kennel Club according to the relevant tier¹

To have passed a breed specific hands-on assessment held in accordance with The Kennel Club Code of Best Practice²

Judge with JDP credit

To have a JDP credit for the relevant breed

To have met 50% or more of The Kennel Club required number of dogs judged for the breed

Aspiring group and Best in Show judge

Group submission - to have awarded CCs in the required number of breeds to be approved to judge the relevant group and be able to demonstrate a broad experience of judging across all breeds within the group

Best in Show submission - to meet the requirements for a Best in Show appointment, and be able to demonstrate a broad experience of judging across all groups

¹ Tier 1 - 30 dogs; Tier 2 (including non-CC breeds) - 40 dogs; Tier 3 - 70 dogs; Tier 4 - 120 dogs; Tier 5 - 180 dogs; Tier 6 - 250 dogs.

Breeds with varieties require the following criteria (automatic approval is given for a further variety or varieties once approved for a CC appointment in an initial variety): Bull Terriers - 80 dogs of any variety; Chihuahua (Long Coat & Smooth Coat) - 200 dogs of any variety; Belgian Shepherd Dogs (Groenendael, Tervueren, Laekenois & Malinois) - 70 dogs of any variety; Fox Terrier - 70 dogs of any variety; German Spitz (Mittel & Klein) - 70 dogs of any variety; Poodle (Toy, Miniature & Standard) - 150 dogs including at least 30 of each variety; Dachshund (all varieties) - 250 dogs any variety.

² Mandatory for approval to award CCs in first three breeds and desirable for subsequent breeds.

³ Current criteria - First time group judges must have carried out CC appointments to a minimum of four breeds (three in the working group) in the relevant group. For second and subsequent groups, three breeds are required. The Judges Committee will take into account the diversity and judging tiers of the previously approved breeds together with the number of dogs judged in the breeds for which the judge is not yet approved and any JDP Credits obtained.

⁴ Current criteria - Judges must be approved to judge one group and to award Challenge Certificates to at least one breed from two other groups. Judges will be expected to have experience in judging across all groups and all relevant experience will be taken into account.

Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows) levels - frequently asked questions

Questions for breed clubs/councils

1. Will our breed club need to continue holding breed-specific assessments during the transition period?

Breed clubs should consider those that have nearly fulfilled the A3 criteria and those who wish to progress to CC status during the transition period. Breed clubs should hold hands-on assessments for those judges progressing down the 'grandfathering' or A2 routes to meet the demand within their breed. Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows) assessments will all be run by The Kennel Club, to ensure that there is a standard approach.

2. We understand that breed clubs will be obliged to offer 'supported entry' classes at open shows. Please could you advise how this will be arranged? What made The Kennel Club decide to reintroduce this?

This is a move designed to enhance the open show scene and assist breed specialists especially to gain judging experience. Each breed club will be required to support classes for its breed at a minimum of two general or group open shows per year from 1 January 2021. It is hoped that the quality and quantity of exhibits at open shows will increase, especially as the breed club will have suggested the judges and promoted the classes to their membership. It is important that clubs do all they can to promote these shows and encourage members to enter. Breed clubs will have more influence over who judges their breed at general open shows through this. Breed clubs should be aware that sponsoring classes is not the same as having a supported entry show.

3. Judges who give CCs in three or more breeds may have only attended a breed seminar (no exam or hands-on under current requirements). Is the attendance certificate given still acceptable?

The Kennel Club's current policy for the approval of CC judges is that they need to attend a breed seminar and pass an assessment for their first three CC breeds only. The Kennel Club will take this into account when considering nominations to award CCs at a show. All certificates previously awarded are valid. Breed clubs will make their own decisions regarding their lists.

Level 5 judges can register at level 2 for all breeds in that group, however they will then need to meet the level 3 requirements for each individual breed. All other judges will need to attend a breed appreciation day and pass a multiple-choice breed standard exam if they have not previously passed an exam/assessment.

4. Can two different breed appreciation days take place on the same day at the same venue, with a morning and afternoon session, at which candidates could attend both?

If clubs wish to share a venue they can do so, however the events need to be separate and the timetable must allow sufficient time to cover both breeds fully and in-depth and provide for the multiple-choice breed standard exam. It is recommended that breed clubs consider including a group mentoring session as part of the event, which might impact upon the practicality of combined events.

5. Going forward, what will the purpose of a breed club's judges sub-committee be once Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows) is fully implemented?

Breed clubs should continue to have a judges sub-committee through the transition period as they will still need to produce judging lists etc. It may be that breeds feel they need a sub-committee to assist with the organisation of the breed appreciation day or assist the breed education co-ordinator with the pairing up of mentors and observers under Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows).

Questions for breed education co-ordinators

1. How many breed education co-ordinators (BECs) will each breed have?

One. This person will be chosen by the breed club/council or, in the case of breeds with more than one club, through a consensus of breed clubs. They will remain in the post until the breed club(s) appoints someone else. If a breed cannot agree, The Kennel Club may become involved in the selection.

'Assistants' may be appointed if required.

2. What does a BEC role cover?

Read full details about the role of breed education co-ordinator.

3. Will the BEC be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses?

It is reasonable for BECs to have their expenses paid. This is the responsibility of the breed club(s). We suggest breed clubs/councils put in place a system where all clubs contribute towards expenses/honorarium.

Questions for judges

1. What will it cost me to be a listed judge under the new system?

Access to the online system to be free of charge for all judges of all levels for the first three years. Judges will not be 'licensed', as previously announced.

2. I award CCs in a breed and understand that once the Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows) system is live, I will be registered as a level 4 judge. I also understand that when this happens I will be able to be registered as a level 1 Judge for all breeds if I wish. However I have never completed any of the requirements for judges at level 1, as these were put into place after I was approved to award CCs. If I want to progress for another breed at level 2 onwards, do I have to complete all of the other level 1/level 2 requirements to do so?

As an existing CC judge, once registered at level 4 for the relevant breed(s) you will be able to register at level 1 for all other breeds you are interested in judging. You are not required to undertake any of the more generic level 1/level 2 requirements, existing CC judges are exempt from these, however you will need to meet the breed-specific requirements (attend a breed appreciation day and take a multiple-choice breed standard exam).

3. Is it possible to be listed on the Find a Judge website as a judge at different levels all at the same time?

Yes. It is quite possible that you will be a CC judge (level 4), say, in Afghan Hounds while at the same time you are a championship show gundog group judge (level 5) and open show judge of Papillons (level 2 or 3). Your account will show your status for each breed and this information will be reflected on Find a Judge.

4. I am a CC judge but also on the B list for another breed, which level should I be on for each breed?

Level 4 for the CC breed and you may be able to register as level 2 for the other breed, provided you meet the new requirements. You will be able to judge the B list breed during the transition stage, although it is advisable to register as a level 2 as soon as the online facility is available, as this information will be available to show secretaries.

5. I attended a judging seminar a few years ago but cannot find my certificate to prove that I took the exam and passed. What should I do?

It is absolutely essential that proof of seminar attendance and exams undertaken is provided as these will need to be uploaded into the new system, and would be worth contacting the host club. If you cannot provide this, you will need to go to another seminar and take the relevant exam again.

6. Regarding the requirement for aspiring judges to undertake stewarding, how does that work?

As long as you have stewarded for 2 full days at shows, you will be meeting the level 1 requirement. It is not enough to steward for part of a day - you must steward for the full day and provide proof that you have done this. A full day is from the start to the conclusion of all judging in that ring.

To meet level 3 requirements you will need to have stewarded for 12 days. There is a film on stewarding available on The Kennel Club Academy and stewards are required to view this.

7. Can I take the multiple-choice exam at a breed appreciation day if I have not yet attended The Kennel Club basic seminars or stewarded?

You must have completed all the level 1 requirements before being able to attempt a multiple-choice breed standard exam held with a breed appreciation day.

8. As my breed does not have CC status, what is the highest level I can be registered at for Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows)?

Level 4. You need to ensure you follow the same requirements as CC breeds for each stage of Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows) . There will be no distinction.

9. Will variety breeds (i.e. Dachshunds and Poodles) count as one breed when counting the breeds required to judge the group?

Yes, they will.

10. What evidence will be acceptable for proof of five years' involvement before judging is permitted?

Evidence can include, but is not restricted to: catalogues, club membership receipts, receipt of dogs purchased, club minutes, stewarding records.

11. I am a judge who is registered at level 4 for a non-CC breed. Can I judge not separately classified, AV classes, groups and best in show at open shows?

Once Kennel Club Regulations are updated, yes you can, it may also allow you to judge that breed abroad, subject to the rules of the local kennel club.

12. I am currently on a breed club A3 judging list. When can I make use of the Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows) 'grandfather' rights?

Judges will only be able to self-submit a questionnaire after 1 January 2021.

13. Will there be any change in criteria for judging BIS, Groups or AV classes at open shows?

No, the requirement stays the same. Under Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows) judges must be level 4 for at least one breed.

Questions for show organisers

1. The Kennel Club F regulations for the two systems will eventually be run alongside each other. Does this mean judges can be invited on either system?

Yes, the two systems will run alongside each other and judges can decide which system to judge under. Shows can invite using either.

2. What wording does The Kennel Club require to be included in judging contracts for shows?

Kennel Club Regulations require the following to be used: 'In accepting this invitation you agree to be bound by Kennel Club Rules and Regulations and The Kennel Club Code of Best Practice for Judges. In doing so you also recognise that you are obliged to notify us in writing of any change in your personal circumstances or additional information which may affect your ability and standing to fulfil this judging appointment.'

'You should also note that we reserve the right to cancel this contract before the date of the show if there is a change in your circumstances, which in our reasonable opinion would adversely affect your ability to
fulfil the appointment.'

Clubs are also strongly advised to include the following wording within judging contracts: "In accepting this appointment I confirm that I comply with the requirements of Kennel Club Regulation F(1)20b or the Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows)".

3. Do we need to consult the breed clubs about judges appointed for 'supported entry classes' at our show or is it solely up to the general society?

The Kennel Club very much wishes to encourage general societies and breed clubs to work together. It will be to your mutual benefit to encourage a larger entry for the judge to go over, thus contributing to their education while at the same time increasing competition which will enhance the overall experience for the exhibitor. The supporting breed club will submit two names as possible judges, if neither is available you will need to go back to the breed club for two more names.

4. Who can judge classes of a breed prior to the Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows) online system being available?

From 1 January 2021, no one can judge unless they meet the new level 1 requirements.

The exception to this is where a valid contract is in place prior to 24 February 2020, when this announcement was made, providing the appointment complies with The Kennel Club Regulation F(1)20.b

To be able to judge more than three classes of a breed (four if one is a puppy) at any show or any number of classes at a championship show without CCs, a judge must be listed on a breed club/council B list or above.

Judging contracts signed before 21 May 2019 (the date Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows) was placed on hold) stating that a judge has met level 2 requirements will be honoured. For contracts signed after this date, judges must be listed on the relevant breed club/council B list or above.

It is strongly recommended that breed clubs/councils list those judges who have met level 2 criteria on their B list.

A full list of judge eligibility can be found above.

Additional resources

There are a number of resources which you can download or purchase to assist you with your judging.

Free breed show judges' resources

Items to purchase for breed show judging

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A new system has been developed for the education, approval and listing of every level of judge.

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Useful guidance for mentors and mentees alike.

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Useful guidance of mentors and mentees alike.

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Judges Education Programme – Observers | Kennel Club

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Our observation lists are collated by breed education co-ordinators (BECs), in consultation with their respective breed clubs and breed councils.

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Useful guidance for mentors and mentees alike.

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Copy of the JEP Mentoring Form - Candidates should bring a copy to their sessions to be completed.

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A help sheet that contains suggested points of discussion to provide structure to mentoring sessions. Useful for Mentors & Mentees alike.

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Copy of the JEP Observation Form - Candidates should bring a copy to their sessions to be completed.

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ILLUSTRATED STANDARD - AMERICAN CHESAPEAKE CLUB

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ILLUSTRATED STANDARD - AMERICAN CHESAPEAKE CLUB