Which class should you choose?
Choosing the right class is an important part of registering for a dog show. Below you’ll find a clear overview of the different classes and guidance to help you find the one that suits your dog. European Dog Show 2026 and Swedish Winner Show use the same class divisions.
Which class should you choose when entering?
Choosing the correct class is a key part of your show entry. Here you’ll find an easy-to-follow overview of the different classes and help in selecting the one that is right for your dog.
New to dog shows?
Below you’ll find a simple overview of the classes and guidance on how to enter your dog in the correct class.
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Why are there different classes and what’s the difference?
At dog shows, dogs are divided into different classes to ensure the fairest possible comparison. The classification is mainly based on age and previous merits, so that dogs with similar qualifications are shown together.
Classes you can enter:
- Puppy Class (6–9 months): For young dogs and is unofficial. This class provides a great opportunity to train and gently introduce your puppy to the world of dog shows. At the European Dog Show, the following titles can be won: FCI European Hope 2026 or European Cup Puppy Winner 2026.
- Junior Class (9–18 months): For young dogs competing at shows, with official results. At the European Dog Show, the following titles can be won: FCI European Junior Winner 2026 (JEUW-26) or European Cup Junior Winner 2026.
- Intermediate Class (15–24 months): For dogs that are no longer juniors but not yet fully adults.
- Working Class (15 months and older): Available only for certain breeds and requires a breed-specific qualification. Please make sure to check the requirements in advance.
- Open Class (15 months and older): For adult dogs that are not champions – a common class for many exhibitors.
- Champion Class (15 months and older): For dogs that have already achieved champion status.
- Veteran Class (8 years and older): For older dogs who can still show us all that seniors enjoy the show ring too. At the European Dog Show, the following titles can be won: FCI European Veteran Winner 2026 (VEUW-26) or European Cup Veteran Winner 2026.
Classes at the shows – how to choose the right one
At European Dog Show 2026, FCI regulations as well as the Swedish Kennel Club’s show and championship rules apply. Here, you can find an overview of the different classes. The same class divisions apply to the Swedish Winner Show.
- Puppy class 6-9 months (valpkl)
- Junior class 9-18 months (junkl)
- Intermediate class 15-24 months (ukl)
- Working class, 15+ months (bkl/jkl)
- Open class, 15+ months (ökl)
- Champion class, 15+ months (chkl)
- Veteran class, 8+ years (vetkl)
A Breeder’s Class will also be held. No separate entry is required for breeder groups (no registration fee for the breeders groups).
- Breeders class (uppfkl) – the group must include 3–5 dogs
Note! No progeny classes will be held at the European Dog Show or the Swedish Winner Show.
Please notice: The entry fee is the same for all classes, except for Swedish breeds, which participate at a discounted rate.
Additional classes held in the show rings
- Best Male class (bhkl) and Best Bitch class (btkl)
- Best of Breed and Best of Opposite Sex (BIR and BIM)
Groups
To ensure that everyone can participate in both shows, the groups are divided across different days so you don’t miss anything.
European Dog Show 2026
- Friday, 4 September: Groups 3, 8 and 10
- Saturday, 5 September: Groups 2, 4, 5 and 6
- Sunday, 6 September: Groups 1, 7 and 9
Swedish Winner Show 2026
- Friday, 4 September: Groups 2, 4, 5 and 6
- Saturday, 5 September: Groups 1, 7 and 9
- Sunday, 6 September: Groups 3, 8 and 10
