Description of Specialty Conformation
and Sweepstakes Classes Offered in 2009

Specialty Regular CONFORMATION CLASSES:

Junior Puppy: for Bernese Mountain Dogs 6 months of age and under 9 months of age on the day of the show.

Senior Puppy: for Bernese Mountain Dogs 9 months of age and under 12 months of age on the day of the show.

12 - 15 Month: (Specialty Shows only) is for Bernese Mountain Dogs 12 months of age and under 15 months of age on the day of the show.

15 - 18 Month: (Specialty Shows only) is for Bernese Mountain Dogs 15 months of age and under 18 months of age on the day of the show.

Canadian Bred: for Bernese Mountain Dogs born in Canada.  Champions of any country are excluded.

Bred-By-Exhibitor: for Bernese Mountain Dogs owned and handled in the ring by the breeder.  The handler must be the owner/co-owner and breeder/co-breeder of the dog. The owner/breeder must handle the dog in this class, but need not handle the dog for further awards.

Open Class: for all Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Veterans (Specialty Shows Only): for Bernese Mountain Dogs 7 years of age and over on the day of the show. Dogs entered in this class may be spayed or neutered.

Specials Only: for Bernese Mountain Dogs which have a recorded CKC registration or Event Registration Number (ERN) and have attained the required ten (10) points for championship status.

Specialty Non-Regular CONFORMATION CLASSES:

Award of Merit: made after the Best of Breed judging; one Award of Merit may be offered for every 10 dogs competing for Best of Breed.

Exhibition-Only: Dogs entered in this category may not compete in any regular classes, but may enter non-regular classes.

Brace Class: for 2 Bernese Mountain Dogs (not necessarily the same sex). A Brace should be judged as an identical pair – same colour, size, gait, and same stride. When viewed from the side they should appear as one dog and its shadow. A brace must be handled by 1 person on 1 lead. Dogs entered in brace must be entered in a Regular class or in Exhibition-Only. A spayed/neutered dog may be entered in the Brace class, but must also be entered in an Altered Class or in Exhibition Only.
(Note: New rules for Brace Class. Dogs do not need to be owned or bred by the exhibitor.)

Stud Dog and Get Class: This class is comprised of the stud dog and 2 or more of his get. Ownership in this class need not be identical. The Stud Dog must be entered in a Regular class or in Exhibition-Only.  Get must be entered in a Regular Class. Dogs entered in the Stud Dog and Get class may be spayed/neutered, and must be entered in a Regular class or for Exhibition Only.

Brood Bitch and Progeny Class: This class shall have the same requirements as the Stud Dog and Get class. Dogs entered in the Brood Bitch and Progeny class may be spayed/neutered, and must be entered in a Regular class or for Exhibition Only.

Parade of Veterans: Dogs must be 7 years of age and older. Dogs entered in Parade must be entered in a Regular class or for Exhibition Only. Spayed and neutered dogs may be entered in the Parade.

Sexually Altered Classes

These classes shall be for any sexually altered dogs over 6 months of age.  Classes are divided by sex.
Awards in this class include:
- Winners Altered Male & Female Class
- Reserve Winners Altered Male & Female (for second place male/female)
- Best Altered in Breed
- Best of Opposite Sex Altered.
Points are awarded towards a Sexually Altered Championship in the same manner as for the regular CKC Championship.

Sweepstakes

Sweepstakes: for Bernese Mountain Dogs 6 months of age and under 18 months of age on the day of the show. Classes offered 6-9 mos, 9-12 mos, 12-15 mos, 15-18 mos, (separate classes for dogs and bitches).
Dogs entered in this Sweepstakes must also be entered in one of the Specialty Regular Classes.

Veteran Sweepstakes: Bernese Mountain Dogs must be 7 years of age and older. Classes offered 7-9 years, 9-11 years, 11 years and older  (separate classes for dogs and bitches). Spayed/Neutered Dog may enter this Sweepstakes.  Dogs entered in this Sweepstakes must also be entered in one of the Specialty Regular Classes or in the Specialty for Exhibition-Only.

Breeder Sweeps: each dog must be handled by its breeder, but does not have to be owned by its breeder. Classes: puppy (6-12 mos), open (12 mos and over), veteran (7 years and over)  (separate classes for dogs and bitches)  Minimum age to enter is 6 months, no maximum age. Finished Champions (ie. Specials dogs) may be entered in this Sweepstakes in any of the three classes. Dogs entered in this Sweepstakes must also be entered in one of the Specialty Regular Classes.

Note: Spayed or Neutered Dogs may enter the Regular Veterans Class and the following Non-Regular classes: Brace, Stud Dog, Brood Bitch, Parade of Veterans, & Veteran Sweeps.