FAQs: American Guide to Canadian Dog Shows

Q. How do I get information about upcoming Canadian dog shows?
A. If you have access to the Internet visit the Canadian Kennel Club.  If not, phone the Canadian Kennel Club at (416) 675-5511 and ask for Shows and Trials, Event Planning.  The hours are 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday to Friday.  A representative will be able to give you all the pertinent information such as location, dates, club name and the all-important Show Secretary's name and number.

Q. How do I get a Premium List for the shows I'm interested in?
A. Contact the appropriate Show Secretary by mail, fax, or telephone and request one.

Q. What does a Premium List tell me?
A. The Premium List will be similar in appearance and content to the AKC Premium List, including entry form(s), information on judging assignments, closing date, and directions to the show site.  There will normally be information about a telephone, fax, or on-line service for your convenience.  Be aware that mail from the U.S. to Canada may take five to ten days to reach its destination.  As there usually is only a three-week time difference between closing date and show date, an on-line service is well worth a small additional fee.

Q. How many shows are there on a weekend?
A. The majority of All Breed clubs hold three shows over the weekend - Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Each day is a complete and separate show with different judges, but at one location.  Some clubs also have a Monday show and some clubs in nearby locations offer before or after weekday shows.  There could also be concurrent shows at different locations provided there is 250 miles between venues.  The same entry form can be used to enter any or all of the shows held by the same club as the form is designed to allow the exhibitor to choose the day(s) he wishes to enter.

Q. What is a Specialty show?
A. A Specialty show is a separate show for a single breed or a Group held normally in conjunction with an All Breed show utilizing the same venue - an opportunity to earn an additional set of points in one day. There may be additional classes offered such as 12-18 month, Veterans, Stud Dog & Get, Brood Bitch & Progeny, Best Canadian Bred Dog or Puppy, and Sexually Altered classes.  A Breed club usually offers prizes or trophies for specified wins.  All the details will be in the Premium List.

Q. What is a Booster?
A. A Booster is the same as a "supported entry" and means that a Specialty club has designated the normal classes of an All Breed show as a Booster and provides prizes for specified wins.  Sorry, no additional points are available.

Q. What is Sexually Altered?
A. This class is available only at Specialty Shows.  Championship points will be awarded The same rules for awarding points for a regular championship are pertinent to the Altered class.

Q. What are the requirements for a Canadian Championship?
A. In order for a dog to be recognized as a Champion and the owner provided with a Championship Certificate, the dog must:
a) earn at least ten points under at least three different judges;
b) earn at least one 2-point win, either at breed or group level,and
c) be individually registered in the books of the Canadian Kennel Club or have an Event Registration Number.

A maximum of five points can be credited to a dog per show at Breed or Group level.  A dog needs to be awarded at least "Winners" to earn any points.  The complete schedule is explained in the Premium List, but it is worth noting that the Best of Winners award means that a dog is credited with the number of points representing the category for the dogs COMPETING - male AND female, even if a dog was previously excused from the ring by the judge.
For example, if a dog is awarded Winners and then Best of Winners, all the dogs defeated directly or indirectly in the breed shall be included in the total.
e.g. 9 males = 3 points Winners
     7 females = 3 points Winners
     16 dogs = 5 points Best of Winners

In addition, points may be earned by the Best of Breed dog at Group Level, varying with the number of breeds represented.  Please note the change that ONE two point major is required.

Q. What is an Event Registration Number?
A. All dogs that are foreign born and foreign owned and enter Canada for the sole purpose of entering CKC events no longer require a CKC registration number but DO require an Event Registration Number.  The ERN MUST be applied for within 30 days of the first day of entering a CKC event to avoid cancellation of any awards or scores.  The fee is $53.50 Cdn. per dog payable to the Canadian Kennel Club by Visa, Mastercard or certified cheque.

To obtain an ERN simply send a written request to the CKC with the following information:
1. the name of the dog
2. the breed of dog
3. the name of the owner
4. the current mailing address and telephone number of the owner
5. a photocopy of the dog's registration certificate reflecting current ownership
6. the fee (discounted cheques in U.S. dollars will not be accepted)
Faxed requests are accepted as long as credit card information is provided (legible Visa or Mastercard number, expiration date, cardholder name, and signature).
An assigned ERN may be used indefinitely.

Forward your request to:
The Canadian Kennel Club
100 - 89 Skyway Avenue
Toronto, Ont. Canada
M9W 6R4
Phone (416) 675-5511
Fax (416) 675-6506

It is not necessary to have an ERN before entering a Canadian show but the All Breed or Specialty club will require a "listing" fee with your entry.

It is important to note that the CKC will only accept a photocopy of a regular, full registration not an AKC Limited or an ILP registration.  These will be rejected.

Q. If I want to enter an Obedience trial how do I know what class (A or B) to enter?
A. Novice "A" and Open "A": One dog only may be entered in these classes by any one exhibitor, and every dog must be exhibited by the owner, or a member of his immediate family.  No licensed handler, no trainer, nor any person who previously exhibited a dog through it's U.D. title anywhere, shall be allowed to compete in the "A" class.

A dog that has won a comparable degree in any foreign country is not eligible for entry in the "A" class but may enter the "B" class.

Novice "B" and Open "B": If an exhibitor enters more than one dog, each dog must have a separate handler for the sit and down exercise.

Q. What currency (U.S. or Cdn.) do I use for entries?
A. Fees are due and payable in Canadian dollars.  Due to fluctuating currency rates and bank charges, discounted cheques in U.S. funds will not be accepted.  Personal cheques in U.S. funds will be accepted, but they must be made out for the full amount of the entry, and no exchange will be refunded to the exhibitor.  Please do not mark cheques "Payable in Canadian funds" or "At Par" as the banks will not clear them.  You are urged to take advantage of the exchange rate and purchase bank drafts or money orders payable in Canadian funds.

Q. What is needed to get my dog(s) across the border into Canada?
A. Three things are required:
1. a valid Rabies vaccination certificate. To be valid ensure there is an expiration date some time in the future on the certificate.
2. registration papers or other proof of ownership.
3. confirmation of entry at a Canadian dog show.

Last Updated: 02/09/2004, 6:07 pm