Certificate types

The Junior Warrant is an award which a dog can achieve through winning certain awards at open and championship shows, when the dog is between 6 and 18 months of age. A Junior Warrant enables your dog to gain a stud book number. Once achieved, you may enter your dog with the title JW after the name of the dog on show entries.

Complete the Junior Warrant online form.

Eligibility criteria

• A dog must gain 25 points whilst between the ages of 6 and 18 months
• An application for a Junior Warrant should be made by the dog’s registered owner at the time of qualification
• An application will be considered up to six months after the date of qualification
• A minimum of 3 points must be won at championship shows where Challenge Certificates are on offer for the breed
• A minimum of 7 points must be won at open shows or championship shows where Challenge Certificates are not on offer for the breed
• Only 1 point may be claimed from any one open show or a championship show where Challenge Certificates are not on offer for the breed
• Junior Warrant holders will be awarded a Kennel Club Stud Book Number
• The title ‘JW’ may be used after the name of the dog on show entries

Championship Shows – Breeds scheduled with Challenge Certificates

Junior Warrant points may be claimed from classes or for awards where Challenge Certificates are on offer for the breed, provided three or more dogs are present in the same class, the dog must have beaten 2 others of same classification to be awarded best of sex puppy.

Available points:

• 3 points for each 1st prize awarded in a breed class where Challenge Certificates are on offer
• 3 points awarded for Best of Breed (only valid if no Junior Warrant points are gained by the dog by winning Best of Sex or a breed class/es at the show)
• 3 points for Best Puppy in Breed (only valid if no Junior Warrant points are gained by the dog by winning a breed class/es or Best Puppy of Sex at the show and provided the puppy has beaten two other puppies of either sex)
• 3 points awarded for Best of Sex or Best Puppy of Sex (only valid if no Junior Warrant points are gained by the dog for winning a breed class/es at the show and there were at least two others of the sex present) 

Championship Shows – Breeds (including Any Variety Not Separately Classified) scheduled where Challenge Certificates are not on offer at a championship show.  

Junior Warrant points may be claimed from classes or for awards provided two or more dogs of the breed were present. Only one Junior Warrant point may be claimed per show.  

Available points: 

• 1 point for a first prize awarded in a breed class  
• 1 point awarded for Best of Breed (only valid if no Junior Warrant point was gained by the dog for winning a breed class/es at the show)  
• 1 point for Best Puppy in Breed (only valid if no Junior Warrant point was gained by the dog for winning a breed class/es or Best Puppy of Sex at the show and provided the puppy has beaten one other puppy of either sex)  
• 1 point awarded for Best of Sex or Best Puppy of Sex (only valid if no Junior Warrant point was gained by the dog for winning a breed class/es at the show and there was at least one other of the sex present)  

Open Shows  

Junior Warrant points may be claimed from classes or for awards at open shows scheduling the breed (including Any Variety Not Separately Classified) providing two or more dogs of the breed were present. Only one Junior Warrant point may be claimed per show.  

Available points: 

• 1 point for a first prize awarded in a breed class  
• 1 point awarded for Best of Breed (only valid if no Junior Warrant point was gained by the dog winning a breed class/es at the show)  
• 1 point for Best Puppy in Breed (only valid if no Junior Warrant point was gained by the dog for winning a breed class/es or Best Puppy of Sex at the show and provided the puppy has beaten one other puppy of either sex)   
• 1 point awarded for Best of Sex or Best Puppy of Sex where declared (only valid if no Junior Warrant point was gained by the dog for winning a breed class/es at the show and there was at least one other of the sex present)   
• 1 point for a first prize awarded in an Any Variety class provided the dog has beaten one other   
• 1 point for any group placing, puppy group placing, Best in Show, Reserve Best in Show, Best Puppy in Show or Reserve Best Puppy in Show if the dog has beaten at least one other. (Only valid if no other Junior Warrant points have been claimed for this dog at the show)   

Notes: 

Exhibitors may count a dog as having been present in a class provided it was entered in that class and was present in its first class for the breed (including Any Variety Not Separately Classified) or Any Variety at the show. 

Only one point may be claimed from any one open show or championship show where CCs are not on offer for the breed. 

Where points have been claimed for class wins, no further points for wins in further competition/AV (where points are available) can be claimed. 

1. Only my dog and one other were present in a class at an open show. Can I claim a point for my dog’s 1st place?

Yes, there must be at least two dogs present in an open show class or classes including your own dog. i.e. you must have beaten one dog.

2. My dog won Best of Sex, are points on offer for this?  

Yes, points for Best of Sex can be claimed for shows from 1 July 2021 providing no other points have been claimed from the show. If the show had CCs for your breed you may claim 3 points, if the show did not have CCs for your breed, you may claim 1 point.  

Best puppy of sex at championship shows and group placings at open shows can be claimed from 1 July 2022.These can only be claimed if no points have been claimed from class wins

3. My dog won Best Puppy of Sex, are points on offer for this?

Yes, points for Best Puppy of Sex can be claimed for shows from 1 July 2022 providing no other points have been claimed from the show. If the show had CCs for your breed you may claim 3 points, if the show did not have CCs for your breed, you may claim 1 point. 

4. If my dog wins two classes at an open show and there were at least two dogs in each class can I claim two points for the show?

No, only 1 point can be claimed per show without CCs for your breed.

5. If my dog won its class with more than two dogs present and also goes on to win Best Puppy in Breed at an open show, can I claim 2 points?

No, only 1 point can be claimed per show without CCs for your breed.

6. Can I claim points for Best Puppy in Breed?

Yes, you can claim for best puppy if your puppy has beaten the required number of other puppies of the breed regardless of the sex.

7. What classes can I claim points for?

You can only claim points if you are placed 1st in a breed class, such as minor puppy, puppy, junior, post-graduate etc. Any variety not separately classified classes such as puppy, junior etc. or an any variety class at an open show.

8. Can I claim a point for winning 1st place in a brace class?

Unfortunately, the brace class would not gain any points towards a Junior Warrant.

9. Can I claim points for winning a Reserve Challenge certificate.

Unfortunately, you can not claim points from a Reserve Challenge certificate for a Junior Warrant.

10. I want to apply for the Junior Warrant but I have not kept a record of my show wins. Can you help me?

Unfortunately, we only hold stud book qualifying awards i.e. limit and open classes (depending on breed) at championship shows where CCs are on offer. You must keep your own record of your dog’s wins. If you do happen to lose your records you can always contact the show secretaries, who may be able to assist you by checking their catalogues.

11. How long will it take to receive my Junior Warrant Certificate?

It can take up to six weeks from the date the office receives the application for your application to be processed. This is seasonal. It will take longer during the summer months than in the winter months.

12. Should I keep a record of my wins? Are Junior Warrant points checked by The Kennel Club?

Yes, the results are checked. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that all information given on the application form is correct. We may at times request evidence to support your claim either as part of random spot checks or as instructed by the Board. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you keep marked-up copies of catalogues, should you ever need to refer to them to support your application.

13. Can I claim a point for a group placing or Best in Show at an open show?

Yes, a point is on offer for any group placing, puppy group placing, Best in Show, Reserve Best in Show, Best Puppy in Show or Reserve Best Puppy in Show if the dog has beaten at least one other and no other points have been claimed from a show from 1 July 2022.

14. How can I speed up my application?

When entering information onto the award application form, please ensure you are entering shows in date order.

Any amendments to an application must be made by the registered owner.

We recommend keeping a record/copy of all points gained.

A useful tip would be to also keep a record of points gained after submitting your Junior Warrant application in case you are asked to resubmit.

Please make sure the full name and date of the show is added to the application form, including the class name and placing awarded.

Be sure to check your address and dogs’ details on your Kennel Club account to make sure they are up to date. Failure to do this could delay your application.

The Show Certificate of Excellence is an award which can be gained once your dog reaches the age of 18 months. It requires you gaining a number of points from open shows in order to receive the title. Once achieved, the title ShCEx can be used at the end of the dog's name. 

The Show Certificate of Excellence will replace the existing Show Certificate of Merit, subject to a transition period as outlined below.

The points system will be based on that applying to the current Show Certificate of Merit, but subject to the following significant changes:

• A Show Certificate of Excellence will be issued to a dog achieving 50 points at general and group open shows. (Note: number of points required for existing Show Certificate of Merit is 25)

• Points to be gained by a dog aged 18 months and over

The age stipulation is to provide for a range of awards for which a dog may qualify over the course of its life i.e. Junior Warrant, Show Certificate of Excellence, and Veteran Warrant.

(Note: the existing Show Certificate of Merit is not time sensitive and no minimum age is stipulated).

Scale of points will be as follows:

A minimum of 5 points must be won in group competition at show(s) judged on the group system.

• 5 points for Best in Show at a general open show or group open show judged on the group system
• 3 points for Reserve Best in Show at a general open show or group open show judged on the group system
• 9 points for Best in Show at a general open show not judged on the group system
• 7 points for Reserve Best in Show at a general open show not judged on the group system
• 5 points for Best in Show at a group open show not judged on the group system
• 4 points for Reserve Best in Show at a group open show not judged on the group system
• Group placings will obtain the following points (multi-group shows only):
  • 1st – 4 points
  • 2nd – 3 points
  • 3rd – 2 points
  • 4th – 1 point
• 1 point for Best Any Variety Not Separately Classified (AVNSC hound, gundog etc. winner of overall dest AVNSC)
• 1 point for Best AV Imported Breed Register
• 1 point for Best of Breed
• Only points won after 1 January 2018 may be counted towards this award

The Title “ShCEx” may be used after the name of the dog on show entries and in catalogues.

Proposed transition period

In order to accommodate exhibitors who have already accumulated points towards a Show Certificate of Merit and who wish to proceed with a claim for that award, the following arrangements apply:

Claims for Show Certificate of Merit will be accepted up to 31 December 2018. Claims received after that date will not be processed.

Points towards Show Certificate of Excellence may be counted from awards received at shows held on or after 1 January 2018.

Points may not be counted twice, i.e. if used to claim a Show Certificate of Merit, such points may not be used in any subsequent claim for a Show Certificate of Excellence. If an exhibitor is found to have claimed for both the Show Certificate of Merit and the Show Certificate of Excellence using the same points, awards may be removed.

1. My dog is under 18 months old. Can I claim points for the ShCEx?

No, unlike the Show Certificate of Merit, points for the new excellence award can only be gained once the dog is 18 months old.

2. My dog already has its Show Certificate of Merit. Can I count those points towards the ShCEx?

No, you will need to gain 50 new points for your ShCEx.

3. My dog has a ShCM. If I get enough points for the ShCEx, will they get both titles after their name?

Yes, your dog would have ShCM ShCEx after its name.

4. How can I speed up my application?

• When entering information onto the award application form, please ensure you are entering in chronological order
• Any amendments to an application must be made by the registered owner
• We recommend keeping a record/copy of all points gained
• A useful tip would be to also keep a record of points gained after submitting your Show Certificate of Excellence application in case you are asked to resubmit

The Veteran Warrant is for dogs aged 7 years and over, with points only available at open shows from any variety veteran classes. This exciting new award will form part of a range of awards available to a dog throughout its showing career. Points may only be claimed for dogs aged 7 years or over on the first day of the show.

Scale of points

A total of 25 points, in line with the requirements of the Junior Warrant award, will be required to claim a Veteran Warrant. 

Points may be claimed from general open and group open shows only, from AV veteran, or veteran stakes classes. Points may not be claimed from breed-specific veteran classes or from AVNSC veteran classes.

Points will be available as follows:

• 1^st place  – 4 points
• 2^nd place – 3 points
• 3^rd place  – 2 points
• 4^th place  – 1 point

Points may only be claimed for dogs aged seven years or over on the first day of the show. No maximum age has been specified. The Kennel Club is of the view that the exhibition of older dogs should be left to the discretion of exhibitors, noting that there are significant differences across breeds.

Only one claim may be made from each show.

The title “VW” may be used after the name of the dog on show entries and in catalogues.

1. How old does my dog have to be to claim points for its Veteran Warrant?

Your dog must be 7 years or over on the first day of the show.

2. Is there a maximum age for my dog to be eligible to earn points?

No, as long as your dog is fit and healthy and in good condition it can be entered for shows and earn points.

3. Is there a time limit for my dog to gain its Veteran Warrant?

No, there is no time limit, except that your dog must be at least 7 years to gain its first point.

4. Can points be claimed from any variety (AV) classes, e.g. AV gundog veteran, AV hound veteran?

Yes, points can be claimed from AV veteran classes.

5. Can points be claimed from veteran breed classes?

No, points cannot be claimed from breed classes only from AV veteran classes. 

6. Does my dog gain a stud book number for achieving its Veteran Warrant?

No, a stud book number is not available for a Veteran Warrant holders.

7. Will my dog get any titles for achieving a Veteran Warrant?

Yes, VW will be added at the end of your dog’s name on its registration record with The Kennel Club.

8. If my dog gained a 4th place in both the veteran stakes and the AV veteran class, how many points can I claim?

You can only make one claim per show. Therefore you would only be able to claim 1 point for one of the 4th.

9. Can Veteran Warrant points be claimed from sub-group show?

No, points cannot be claimed from a sub-group show.

10. How can I speed up my application?

• When entering information onto the award application form, please ensure you are entering in chronological order
• Any amendments to an application must be made by the registered owner
• We recommend keeping a record/copy of all points gained
• A useful tip would be to also keep a record of points gained after submitting your Veteran Warrant application in case you are asked to resubmit

The Open Show Winner title (OSW) will be awarded to dogs which have gained the revised JW and the Show Certificate of Excellence (ShCEx).

1. How can I claim an Open Show Winner title?

An OSW title will automatically be awarded to any dog that has gained its Junior Warrant (under the new points system) and is also awarded its Show Certificate of Excellence.

2. Is there a time limit to gaining the OSW title?

A. A dog cannot gain any points towards its Show Certificate of Excellence award until it is at least 18 months of age and therefore no dog under 18 months old would be able to gain the OSW title.

3. How will the open show winner title be shown on my dog’s record?

The dog will have OSW at the end of its name.

4. My dog already has its Junior Warrant. Can it still attain its OSW title once its won the Show Certificate of Excellence award?

No, the Open Show Winner title is only available to dogs which have gained a Junior Warrant under the new points system and the Show Certificate of Excellence.

Dogs can achieve the title of champion by gaining three Challenge Certificates (CC) under three different judges. If your dog achieves three CCs or more before 1 year of age, you will need to wait until it is more than 1 year old to gain a further CC to gain its Champion title. 

Being a Champion is the highest award a dog can gain and each Challenge Certificate is awarded based on the dog being as close to the breed standard as possible.

1. How is a dog made into a Champion?

A dog is awarded the title Champion if it has won three Challenge Certificates at championship shows where CCs were on offer, under three different judges and one of the Challenge Certificates was awarded when the dog was more than 12 months of age. You will automatically be sent a Champion Certificate, and this can take between two to six weeks from the date of the show.

2. Do I have to send anything to The Kennel Club to prove my dog is a Champion to get my certificate?

Once a dog has been made into a Champion you do not need to do anything. The certificate will be sent to you automatically between two to six weeks after the date of the show.

3. Can I use the title of Champion when applying for shows before I receive my certificate from The Kennel Club?

Yes, providing you are 100% sure that the dog has definitely obtained Champion status.

Border Collies that achieve Show Champion status in the breed ring need to succeed in the herding test before being made up to a full Champion title. If you own a Border Collie, you can apply online.

Dogs that achieve a stud book number are qualified for Crufts for life. There are other ways in which you can qualify for Crufts. You will need to check your stud book band or alternatively, take a look on the Crufts website.

Under the Irish Kennel Club qualifications for champions, each point is equivalent to a Challenge Certificate when calculating eligibility for classes at events licensed by The Kennel Club. A 5-point green star awarded under the previous Irish Kennel Club system is equivalent to a Challenge Certificate, e.g. if a dog has been awarded a 5-point green star under the old system and been awarded 1 point under the new system, the dog has the equivalent of two Challenge Certificates.

It should also be noted that when calculating eligibility for classes at shows licensed by The Kennel Club, a CAC or a CACIB is also the equivalent to a Challenge Certificate.

For further details on the Irish Kennel Club Champion qualifications please visit the Irish Kennel Club website.

1. How long will it take for my Challenge Certificate to arrive?

It can take anything from between two to six weeks from the date of the show, depending on the time of year and the volume of catalogues and awards we are processing.

2. Do I receive a certificate if my dog wins a Reserve Challenge Certificate?

Unfortunately not, we only issue Challenge Certificates, stud book numbers, Champion Certificates and Breeders' Diplomas.

3. Can I have a list of my dog's awards sent to me?

Yes. However, at the moment we only computerise the stud book qualifying awards so therefore we can only send you a list of awards providing your dog has a stud book number. If you would like a list of your dog's awards, please send a cheque for £5 (as of January 2010) to the awards department giving your dog's Kennel Club registered name and registration number.

4. My dog has won a Challenge Certificate and is in joint ownership. Can both owners get copies of the certificates?

Yes. If you contact the awards department they will be able to send a duplicate certificate. This also applies for Stud Book Number Certificates.

5. Can I order a duplicate copy of my dog's Challenge Certificate?

Duplicate copies of Challenge Certificates are available upon request. Please send a cheque for £5 to the awards department giving your dog's Kennel Club registered name and registration number and the details of the show. This also applies to Stud Book Number Certificates.

6. Can I obtain a list of CC winners and RCC winners in a particular breed?

Yes you can. Please email the awards department and we will send it out free of charge.

Hound group: Basset Fauve de Bretagne, Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand), Bloodhound, Finnish Spitz, Greyhound, Ibizan Hound, Norwegian Elkhound, Otterhound, Pharoah Hound.

Gundog group: Brittany, German Wirehaired Pointer, Retriever (Chesapeake Bay), Retriever (Curly Coated), Spaniel (Clumber), Spaniel (Irish Water).

Terrier group: Australian Terrier, Cesky Terrier, Fox Terrier (Wire), Glen of Imaal Terrier, Irish Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, Lakeland Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Sealyham Terrier, Skye Terrier, Welsh Terrier.

Utility group: Shar Pei.

Pastoral group: Australian Cattle Dog, Belgian Shepherd Dog (Gronendael), Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois), Collie (Smooth), Hungarian Puli, Norwegian Buhund, Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Swedish Vallhund.

Working group: Bouvier des Flandres, Mastiff.

Toy group: Lowchen (Little Lion Dog), Maltese.

Hound group: Basenji (from A), Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit) (from A).

Gundog group: Bracco Italiano (from A), Irish Red & White Setter (from A), Large Munsterlander (from A), Spaniel (American Cocker), Spaniel (Field) (from A), Spaniel (Sussex) (from A), Spanish Water Dog (from A).

Terrier group: Airedale Terrier (from A), Bedlington Terrier (from A), Dandie Dinmont Terrier (from A), Fox Terrier (Smooth) (from A), Scottish Terrier (from A).

Utility group: Akita (from A), German Spitz (Klein) (from A), German Spitz Mittel (from A), Poodle (Toy) (from A), Schipperke (from A), Schnauzer (from A).

Pastoral group: Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervueren) (from A), Briard, Lancashire Heeler (from A), Pyrenean Mountain Dog (from A).

Working group: Giant Schnauzer (from A), Portuguese Water Dog (from A), Tibetan Mastiff (from A).

Toy group: Pekingese (from A).

Hound group: Basset Hound (from B), Borzoi (from B), Dachshund (Long Haired) (from B), Dachshund (Miniature Wire Haired) (from B), Dachshund (Smooth Haired) (from A), Deerhound (from B), Irish Wolfhound (from B), Saluki (from B).

Gundog group: Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla (from B).

Terrier group: Bull Terrier (from B), Bull Terrier (Miniature) (from A), Cairn Terrier (from B), Norfolk Terrier (from A), Parson Russell Terrier (from A), Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (from B), West Highland White Terrier (from B)

Utility group: Chow Chow (from B), Japanese Shiba Inu (from B), Japanese Spitz (from B), Keeshond (from B), Poodle (Miniature) (from B), Poodle (Standard) (from B).

Pastoral group: Australian Shepherd (from B), Finnish Lapphund (from A), Old English Sheepdog (from B), Welsh Corgi (Cardigan) (from B).

Working group: Leonberger (from B), St Bernard (from A).

Toy group: Affenpinscher (from B), Bichon Frise (from B), English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) (from A), Griffon Bruxellois (from B), Havanese (from B), Italian Greyhound (from B), Miniature Pinscher (from B), Yorkshire Terrier (from B).

Hound group: Dachshund (Miniature Long Haired) (from C), Dachshund (Miniature Smooth Haired) (from C), Dachshund (Wire Haired) (from B), Rhodesian Ridgeback (from C).

Gundog group: English Setter (from C), German Shorthaired Pointer (from C), Gordon Setter (from C), Hungarian Vizsla (from C), Italian Spinone (from C), Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) (from C), Spaniel (English Springer) (from C), Spaniel (Welsh Springer) (from C), Weimaraner (from C.

Terrier group: 

Utility group: Boston Terrier (from C), Lhasa Apso (from C), Miniature Schnauzer (from C), Shih Tzu (from C), Tibetan Spaniel (from C).

Pastoral group: German Shepherd Dog (from C), Samoyed (from B), Welsh Corgi (Pembroke) (from C).

Working group: Alaskan Malamute (from C), Bernese Mountain Dog (from C), Bullmastiff (from B), Dobermann (from C), Dogue de Bordeaux (from C), Great Dane (from C), Newfoundland (from C), Siberian Husky (from C).

Toy group: Chinese Crested (from C), Japanese Chin (from C), King Charles Spaniel (from C), Pomeranian (from C).

Hound group: Afghan Hound (from C), Beagle (from D), Whippet.

Gundog group: Irish Setter (from D), Pointer (from D), Retriever (Flat Coated) (from D), Retriever (Golden), Retriever (Labrador), Spaniel (Cocker) (from D).

Terrier group: Border Terrier (from D), Staffordshire Bull Terrier (from D).

Utility group: Bulldog (from D), Dalmatian (from C), French Bulldog (from D), Tibetan Terrier (from D).

Pastoral group: Bearded Collie (from D), Border Collie (from D), Collie (Rough) (from D), Shetland Sheepdog (from D).

Working group: Boxer (from D), Rottweiler (from C)

Toy group: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua (Long Coat) (from D), Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) (from D), Papillon (from D), Pug.

1. How does my dog get a stud book number?

A stud book number is achieved when either a dog wins a stud book qualifying award at a championship show or a dog obtains a Junior Warrant. This qualifies a dog for Crufts for life.

Stud book numbers can also be achieved at field trials. To find out the qualifying awards you will need to check which stud book band your dog is in.

2. How do I know what stud book band my dog is in?

You can view or download and print the stud book bands, or contact the awards department at Awards (The Kennel Club) or telephone 01296 318540 ext. 1269. Please note the stud book bands may change and therefore it is advisable to enquire if your breed has changed bands in January.

3. Can my dog qualify for a stud book number at a show where CCs are not on offer for my breed?

No. It is important to note that to qualify for a stud book number through a class award, CCs must be on offer for your particular breed at the show.

4. If my dog wins a class that qualifies me for a stud book number, what do I do?

If your dog wins a qualifying class, then a Stud Book Number Certificate is automatically generated after we have put the awards on, so you do not need to do anything but wait for your certificate to arrive in the post.

5. How long will it take for my Stud Book Number Certificate to come through?

It can take anything from between two to six weeks from the date of the show depending on the time of year and the volume of catalogues and awards we are processing.