I would like to explain a few of the AKC titles and how dog and handler achieve them. 

Obedience Titles

CD (Companion Dog) this will appear at the end of the dog's registered name. This is an obedience title that is received only after receiving 3 qualifying scores under 2 different judges in the novice class. Novice classes are a combination of on and off leash exercises. I chose to title in Beginner Novice before competing in Novice.

Obedience titles in Open and Utility require all off leash handling and the dog must retrieve dumbbells or gloves.

Rally Titles

Rally is a more interactive obedience competition. Handlers get to talk to and encourage their dogs. After completing 3 qualifying scores in Rally Novice the more advance classes are off leash. The dog still has to show complete control and obey the handler. Classes you are able to title in are Rally Novice, Intermediate, Advance, Excellent, and Masters. 

Handlers in both Obedience and Rally can choose to go forward and compete for their dog's championship in either. If a dog earns this championship that title will appear before the registered name. Both Obedience and Rally concentrate on the dog being well trained and able to perform in different atmospheres. 

Conformation

These titles are Champion (CH) or Grand Champion (GCH) that will appear before the registered name.  This is the competition that the dog must meet breed standard. This is a judged event on how well this dog represents the breed in comparison to others of his/her breed. The dog must have at least 2, three-point major wins and a total of 15 points to achieve the CH title.

BCAT, DCAT, and FCAT AKA "Fastcat"

These titles are based on points. Every dog that competes and crosses the finish line gets points. This is a 100-yard dash release and recall. Each breed is tracked and ranked on speed. Ultimately your dog does not have to be the fastest, he/she still gets points and eventually will receive a title. This is a fun title to get, you will enjoy this sport as much as your dog. Dogs must be at least 1 year of age to run a Fastcat. 

You can research more events and title information at akc.org

 

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