Stakes (Breed Showing)

What is Showing (Stakes)?

One of the most popular forms of canine competition in this country is the dog show - for Kennel Club registered pure-bred dogs, such as those seen at Crufts. The dogs are judged against one another and against their own breed standard. The handlers are not judged against one another.

Showing (Stakes) classes are held at the majority of General Championship Shows with one class for each group – Hound, Gundog, Terrier, Utility, Working, Pastoral and Toy.

The Kennel Club produces breed standards for each group and these can be purchased from the publications department on 0844 463 3980 ext 280 or you can download the breed standards online.

Can any dog take part?

All pedigree dogs are eligible to take part provided the dog is registered on the Kennel Club Breed Register.

The dog must be registered; Solely or jointly in the member’s name or In the name of a member of the family and under these circumstances the dog must be resident at the YKC member’s address.

How to get started?

If you decide that Showing is a suitable activity for you and your dog, your next step is to go along to your local ring craft class, for a list of clubs, call 0870 606 6750, ext. 212.

How do I go about competing?

YKC Stakes classes are held for members’ dogs at General and Group Championship Open Shows during the year.  Dogs do not need to enter another class at the Show before being able to enter and take part in a Stakes class.  Members must be aged between 6 to 24 years.  If you win a class or are placed behind a YKC member who has already qualified you will automatically qualify for Crufts 2010.

See Below to Download a list of YKC Stakes Qualifiers, where you will find details of clubs that hold classes which qualify members for the YKC ring at Crufts.

Showing Badge

You can also collect points at shows to apply for a Showing Badge from the YKC office. To do this you need to apply for a Showing Points Book to keep a list of your points. You can collect points at Championship/Open/Limited and Companion Shows. Once you have gained a 150 points in your points book you can then apply for your Showing Badge. To request a FREE Points Book call the YKC office on 020 7518 1030.