An Overview Of Dog Shows

Puppy classes are for Shih Tzu nine months of age and over but
under twelve months. The Shih Tzu must be whelped in the U.S.A.

The Novice class is for Shih Tzu six months of age and over. The
Shih Tzu must be whelped in the U.S.A. or Canada and havenot
prior to the closing entries won three first prizes in the
Novice Class, a first prize in Bred-by-Exhibitor, American-Bred
or Open Class, nor one or more points toward a championship
title.

The Bred-By-Exhibitor Class is for Shih Tzu whleped in the
U.S.A. which are six months of age and over, not champions and
who ar owned wholly or in part by the person or the spouse of
the person who was the breeder or one of the breeders of record.
Shih Tzu entered into this class musdt be handled by an owner or
by a member of the immediate family of an owner.

The American-Bred class is for all Shih Tzu except champions six
months of age or over, whelped in the U.S.A. by reason of a
mating that took place in the U.S.A.

The Open class is for any Shih Tzu six months of age or over,
except in a member specialty club show held for only
American-Bred Shih Tzu in which case the class is for
American-Bred Shih Tzu only.

Winners Dog and Winners Bitch: After the above classes have been
judged, the first place winning Shih Tzu are required to compete
in the ring. The male Shih Tzu judged “Winners Dog” is awared
the points toward his championship title.

Reserve Winners are selected immediately after the Winners dog.
In case of a disqualification of a win by the AKC, the Reserve
Dog (male Shih Tzu) movers up to Winners and receives the
points. After the male Shih Tzu classes are judged, the bitch
Shih Tzu classes are called.

Best of Breed or Best of Variety Competition is limited to
Champions of Record or Shih Tzu dogs (with newly acquired
points, for a 90-day period prior to AKC confirmation) which
have completed championship requirements, and the Winners Dog
Shih Tzu and Winners Bitch Shih Tzu (or the dog award Winners if
only one Winners prize has been awarded), together with any
undefeated dogs which have been shown only in non-regular
classes; all compete for Best of Breed or Best of Variety (if
the bred is divided by size, color, texture or length of coat
hair, etc.).

If your Shih Tzu wins his class, the rule states: You are
required to enter classes for Winners, Best of Breed and Best of
Winners (no additional entry fees).