THE SHOW CERTIFICATE OF MERIT

The show certificate of Merit [ShCM] was introduced by the Kennel Club as part of its campaign to encourage exhibitors to enter at Open shows.

Various methods had been tried to remedy the falling entries at general open shows, such as changing the junior warrant points system and enabling top winners to qualify for Crufts.

The ShCM is achieved by a dog who obtains 25 points at general and group open shows.
Five points are won by BIS at an All-Breeds open show;
Four points for BIS at a single-group show.

Group placings win points...
First - 4
second - 3
third - 2
fourth - 1

One point is won for best any variety not separately classified [NSC hound, gundog etc or best overall NSC] and one point for best of breed.

At least 5 points must be won in group competition - if a dog wins four points for a group win and then five more for BIS, it must still win at least one more point in group competition at another show.

The minimum number of shows in which a ShCM can be won is therefore three. To claim a certificate, the registered owner at time of qualification should write for an application form to the
Shows,Trials and Awards Department, The Kennel Club, London. W1J 8AB

Successful dogs can use the titale ShCM after their name on show entries and in catalogues.