For a breeder, a show championship is recognition of a dog’s achievements in assessments against the breed standard. For a prospective puppy owner, the parents’ titles can be useful information, but they should be considered alongside health test results, temperament, living conditions and the breeder’s approach to raising puppies. A championship alone does not guarantee the health or temperament of either the parents or their puppies.

At Byakko Kitsune FCI, we value championship titles as recognition of our dogs’ show achievements and their conformity to the Japanese Spitz breed standard. They are one part of our breeding approach, alongside health testing, attention to temperament and careful puppy raising.

Polish Puppy Champion

The Polish Puppy Champion title recognises show achievements in the minor puppy and puppy classes. For young dogs, these early shows can also be an opportunity to become familiar with the ring, practise being examined by a judge and build confidence with their handler. At this age, the priority should be a positive experience suited to the puppy’s stage of development.

Requirements:

• Three Best Minor Puppy and/or Best Puppy awards,
• awarded by three different judges,
• with at least one award obtained at a speciality, club or international show,
• with no minimum time interval required between the awards.

Eligible classes:

• Minor Puppy class: from 4 to under 6 months of age,
• Puppy class: from 6 to under 9 months of age.

This title recognises a puppy’s promising show results at an early stage of development. It does not guarantee future show success, as the dog’s appearance and behaviour will continue to develop as it matures.

Polish Junior Champion

The Polish Junior Champion title is awarded to dogs competing in the Junior class, from 9 to under 18 months of age, that meet the championship requirements. At this stage, young dogs are still developing, and show preparation can help them gain confidence, cooperate with their handler and become comfortable with standing and moving for assessment.

Requirements:

• Three Junior Winner awards,
• awarded by three different judges,
• with at least one award obtained at a speciality, club or international show,
• with no minimum time interval required between the awards.

For a breeder, this title provides useful feedback on a young dog’s conformity to the breed standard during adolescence. It recognises achievements in the Junior class and can inform future breeding plans, alongside health test results, temperament and an assessment of the dog as it matures.

Polish Champion

The Polish Champion title recognises a dog’s show achievements after it has met the requirements set by the Polish Kennel Club (ZKwP). It is earned through CWC certificates, the Polish equivalent of CAC, awarded by different judges, with a minimum interval between the first and last qualifying awards.

Requirements:

• Three CWC certificates (the Polish equivalent of CAC),
• awarded by three different judges,
• with at least one CWC obtained at a speciality, club or international show,
• with at least six months between the first and last CWC.

CWC certificates may be awarded in the Intermediate, Open, Working and Champion classes to dogs aged at least 15 months that receive an Excellent grading and first place in their class. The award is at the judge’s discretion, regardless of the number of dogs entered in the class.

The title recognises repeated show achievements based on assessments against the breed standard. For prospective puppy owners, it provides useful information about a parent’s show record and should be considered alongside health test results, temperament and the breeder’s approach to raising puppies.

Polish Grand Champion

The Polish Grand Champion title is available to dogs whose Polish Champion title has already been confirmed. To qualify, they must then earn further CWC certificates in the Champion class at eligible shows in Poland. It recognises continued show achievements after completing the Polish Champion title.

Requirements:

• Three CWC certificates earned in the Champion class after confirmation of the Polish Champion title,
• awarded by three different judges,
• at International Shows, Champion of Champions Shows or the World Dog Show for Polish Breeds, held in Poland,
• with no minimum time interval required between the awards.

Working Champion

Dogs can also earn titles through achievements in working trials and competitions. A Working Champion title recognises performance in a particular discipline. Eligibility and requirements depend on the specific title and the applicable regulations, including any restrictions concerning breeds.

Check the regulations for the specific title:

• Which working trials or competitions qualify, and what results are required;
• Which certificates are required, how many must be earned and whether conditions concerning judges or time intervals apply;
• Whether a show grading is also required and, if so, the minimum grading and any conditions concerning age or show type.

The Japanese Spitz is classified by the FCI as a companion dog and is not subject to a working trial under its breed standard. This does not mean that Japanese Spitz cannot take part in training or canine sports: eligibility for a particular competition or title depends on its own regulations. Working titles are mentioned here to distinguish achievements in working disciplines from show championships.

Why are championships also important for future owners?

At Byakko Kitsune FCI, we value championship titles as recognition of our dogs’ show achievements. We consider them alongside health testing, temperament and careful breeding decisions as we work to preserve the characteristic qualities of the Japanese Spitz.

How do I apply for a championship title?
Once the requirements for a Polish show championship title have been met, the owner submits an application through the e-ZKwP system. ZKwP verifies the application before issuing the championship diploma.

Do you have any questions? Are you planning to enter dog shows or looking for a puppy with show potential? Get in touch — we’d be happy to advise you!