RKC Announcement
The Board has considered the recommendation that from 2029 to 2032 Birmingham Dog Show Society, Scottish Kennel Club and Welsh Kennel Club be allocated Challenge Certificates for all eligible breeds and be recognised as the three National Shows, alongside Crufts retaining its separate and distinctive position as the Royal Kennel Club’s flagship dog show. The Board agreed to approve the recommendation.
As part of this decision, the existing designations of All-Breed Championship Shows and Representative Shows will be replaced with the new designation of National Shows, with the relevant supporting documentation and Regulations amended accordingly.
The Royal Kennel Club (RKC) is taking forward the Judges Education Programme (JEP) Review recommendation to extend judging appointment intervals.
Following further consideration and listening to feedback, the changes will be introduced in two stages:
From 1 January 2029: Championship-level Group and Best in Show judging intervals will increase from 9 to 12 months.
From 1 January 2030: Level 4 Challenge Certificate (CC) judging intervals will increase from 18 to 24 months.
This phased approach will give judges and show organisers time to adjust and plan ahead.
Show organisers are asked to take these changes into account when planning future judging appointments.