In order to earn A.K.C. Championship points a dog must first be entered into an American Kennel Club dog show. Points are awarded to bitches and to dogs separately and must be earned from the "classes".

Dogs may not enter into Best of Breed competition unless they are "winner's dog" or "winner's bitch". Every dog must earn 15 points to be awarded an AKC Championship.These points are awarded according to the number of dogs or bitches entered.  For example, if only two dogs are entered, the winner selected by the judge to become "Winner's dog" will earn ONE POINT. However, if it is a "MAJOR WIN" (this depends on the number of dogs entered, a MAJOR WIN is anything from three to five points) then the Winner's Dog and the Winner's Bitch will receive that number of points respectively. There can never be more than five points awarded, regardless of the number of entries.

The points are determined each year by the American Kennel club according to the geographic numbers. For example, in locations where there are fewer dogs of the breed in question, there will be fewer dogs required to be entered in order to gain a "major" win. A good example might be Newfoundlands. They have a longer heavier coat and in warmer parts of the country, such as the Southeast, there will be fewer dogs required to earn a "major" win than in colder parts of the country.

Furthermore, there may be a difference between the "dogs" and the "bitches" within the same breed. Usually more bitches than dogs will be required to earn points. You can find out the number of points necessary by visiting the AKC web pages. All "major" points must be awarded by at least two different judges.

In dog showing terminology, "making a major" means entering enough dogs in a show to create the amount necessary for a "major" win. There can never be more than five total points, regardless of the number of dogs or bitches entered.

So if it takes 12 dogs in a particular breed to "make a major" of five points, then it wont matter if there are 25 dogs entered, it will still be a five point major and that is all. "breaking a major" means that twelve dogs were entered, for example, to make the major, and only 8 of them actually showed. So when keeping track of your wins, remember to always check the absentee list!

Handler, Dog Show, Dog Show Dog, Dog Handler,
Ellen Perry is an all breed dog handler for AKC dog shows