Show Dogs & Dog Shows
An Evaluation of the Bedlington Terrier According to the Breed Standard
First choose the individuals in your ring with the best breed type, and then reward the soundest of those typey individuals – Anne Rogers Clark
Conformation is the official term for Dog Shows. It is an evaluation of breed type against the Breed Standard. A dog that best conforms to the Breed Standard is awarded points towards its Championship Title. After earning its Championship Title, dogs can go on to achieve the Grand Championship Title with additional levels of bronze to platinum. A dog that is deemed top dog over all others on the day is awarded Best In Show.
Dogs and Bitches that earn their Champion or Grand Champion Titles become our best Sires and Dams in breeding programs. Pedigrees can trace their Champion ancestors for many generations.
Championship
Winners Dog, Winners Bitch, Best of Winners!
An AKC Champion Title (CH) is awarded by the American Kennel Club to a purebred dog that has demonstrated superior quality in conformation dog shows. To earn this title, a dog must accumulate a required number of points by competing with and defeating other dogs at AKC sanctioned events. The awarded points are based on wins in various classes and the number of dogs defeated. An AKC Judge determines the winner. The Bedlington Terrier that meets the breed standard set forth by the AKC, and is considered an excellent representative of the breed, is awarded a Championship Title.
Dogs must be 6 months old to enter Conformation and be eligible for Championship points. It takes 15 points to become an AKC Champion of Record. The maximum number of points awarded at an event is five. A dog must also earn two Majors towards a Championship title. Males and females compete separately within their respective classes.
Grand Championship
Grand Ambition!
Once a Bedlington earns a Champion Title in AKC competition, it can compete for a Grand Champion Title (GCH) points at conformation shows. To earn the Grand Champion Title, a dog must accumulate 25 Grand Champion points with 3 Grand Champion majors, which are awarded based on winning select placements such as Best of Breed, Best of Opposite Sex, Select Dog, or Select Bitch.
Participation in the persute of a Grand Champion title encourages on-going exhibition at dog shows and promotes breeding.
The American Kennel Club offers several advanced levels beyond the basic Grand Champion title to recognize sustained excellence:
· Grand Champion (GCH): The initial level, awarded to dogs who earn the required number of Grand Champion points (25), with three major wins awarded by three different judges and at least one point won after becoming a champion.
· Grand Champion Bronze (GCHB): 100 grand champion points
· Grand Champion Silver (GCHS): 200 grand champion points
· Grand Champion Gold (GCHG): 400 grand champion points
· Grand Champion Platinum (GCHP): 800 grand champion points
Junior Showmanship
Focusing On The Future
AKC Junior Showmanship is a program organized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) to introduce young people, typically between the ages of 9 and 18, to the world of dog shows and purebred dogs. In Junior Showmanship, participants are judged not on the dog itself, but on their abilities to present, handle, and show the dog effectively. The goal is to help young handlers develop good sportsmanship, responsibility, and knowledge in a supportive and educational environment.
For our Junior Showmanship members, the Bedlington Terrier Club of America offers a Top Junior Handler Award and recognition to all Juniors Handler members who show Bedlington Terriers in Junior Showmanship.
4-6 Beginner Puppy Competition
The AKC 4-6 Beginner Puppy Competition is a special event organized by the Amercian Kennel Club to introduce young purebred puppies, ages four to six months old, to the world of dog shows. These events provide a fun, low-pressure environment where puppies and their owners can gain experience in the show ring before entering regular competition after six months of age. Puppies are evaluated by Judges based on their breed standards, but no Championship points are awarded. Instead, it is an educational opportunity focused on socialization, training, and building confidence for both puppies and handlers.