Hosting CNOHS Events

This guide is designed to support CKC clubs that are considering offering the Canadian National Owner‑Handled Series (CNOHS) as part of an existing CKC Conformation event.

Launching in 2027, the CNOHS adds an additional competitive opportunity that fits naturally within how clubs already run Conformation shows. It is designed to be straightforward to offer and familiar in structure, while adding meaningful value to exhibitors.

Why Offer the CNOHS?

While the CNOHS does not have a separate entry fee, its value comes from how exhibitors plan their show calendars and make entry decisions over time.

For many owner‑handlers, the CNOHS introduces a clear, season‑long goal working towards National Rankings and qualification for the National CNOHS Final. When exhibitors are working toward rankings or qualification, they often become more intentional about where they enter and how frequently they attend events.

Clubs that offer the CNOHS may notice:

• Owner‑handlers considering CNOHS availability when choosing between shows
• Exhibitors adding days, clusters, or weekends to support ranking goals
• Continued participation as progress builds over the season
• Newer exhibitors remaining engaged beyond obtaining a Championship title

The CNOHS is designed to influence ongoing entry decisions rather than replace entry revenue. It adds a reason to attend, not an additional cost to participate. Over time, goal‑driven participation may translate into entries that might not otherwise have been made.

Comparable owner‑handled programs elsewhere have followed a similar, gradual growth path, building entries as awareness and familiarity increase. The CNOHS is intended to develop in the same way.

Step 1: Getting Started: Choosing to Offer the CNOHS

Offering the CNOHS is an optional choice for clubs and can be done at any CKC Conformation event.

There is no separate event application, and no requirement to submit a judging panel. The CNOHS is offered as an unofficial class and is conducted in accordance with CKC Conformation rules governing unofficial classes.

For clubs, this step is primarily about deciding whether to include the CNOHS, rather than changing how the show is run. Once a club chooses to offer the CNOHS, the focus shifts to making sure exhibitors are aware that the opportunity is available.

Step 2: Premium List Requirements

Once a club decides to offer the CNOHS, the next step is simply letting exhibitors know the opportunity is available.

This is done by including a short statement in the premium list, you may also link to the CKC CNOHS web section where details are published. The goal is to make sure exhibitors know what is being offered, without adding extra work for clubs.

For CNOHS Group and Show level competition, the premium list must identify the judges officiating at those levels. Clubs are responsible for ensuring those judges meet the eligibility and approval requirements set out in CNOHS policy.

The premium list should note:

That the CNOHS is offered at the event

That eligible exhibitors must declare participation at the time of entry

The judges officiating for CNOHS Group and Show level competition

Suggested premium list wording:

The Canadian National Owner‑Handled Series (CNOHS) will be offered at this event as an unofficial class. Eligible exhibitors must declare participation at the time of entry. CNOHS judging will be held after regular Breed/Group judging, Best in Show, and any non‑regular class judging.

Judges officiating for CNOHS Group and Show level competition are identified in this premium list with the list of judges.


Download the CNOHS Logo

Step 3: Entry Forms and Eligibility Declaration

Exhibitors who wish to participate declare eligibility at the time of entry by selecting the designated checkbox on the entry form. This declaration confirms that:

• The dog is entered in a regular CKC Conformation class
• The dog will be handled by an eligible owner‑handler throughout competition

This process allows show secretaries, stewards, and judges to clearly identify eligible dogs without extra steps for the club or checks on the day. Once entries close, eligibility cannot be added retroactively.

Step 4: Integrating CNOHS into the Judging Schedule

The CNOHS is integrated into the show day following regular CKC Conformation judging.

Judging follows a familiar order:

• Regular Breed judging is completed first, followed immediately by CNOHS Breed judging
• Regular Group judging is completed first, followed by CNOHS Group judging
• Regular Best in Show is completed first, followed by CNOHS Best in Show

Clubs retain flexibility in managing ring assignments and scheduling. All CNOHS judging must be clearly reflected in the judging schedule, using the same approach already applied to other unofficial competitions.

Step 5: Results and Reporting

CNOHS results are captured through the regular CKC Conformation results process.

There is no separate reporting stream for clubs. Once results are processed, CNOHS points are recorded and maintained by Canuck Dogs as part of the national owner‑handled rankings. These rankings are used to determine eligibility to enter the National CNOHS Final.

Guidelines for show secretaries will be provided to outline expectations clearly and confirm that CNOHS results must be received within the same timeframes as regular CKC Conformation results.

Sponsorship Opportunities

While not required, clubs may choose to support the CNOHS through sponsorship.

Many clubs already secure sponsorship for optional awards such as Veterans, Bred‑By, or special recognitions. The CNOHS can be supported in a similar way, allowing clubs to offer ribbons or prizes without increasing exhibitor costs.

Because the CNOHS is goal‑driven rather than prize‑driven, clubs may decide what level of recognition best fits their event and resources.

Hosting the National CNOHS Final

The National CNOHS Final is an event in its own right.

The location of the National CNOHS Final is determined by the CNOHS Standing Committee.

Any club that has hosted CNOHS events may apply to host the National CNOHS Final in a future year. Applications must be submitted to the CNOHS Standing Committee through CKC Events at [email protected] no later than October 1 of the year preceding the Final, in accordance with CKC policy.

The National CNOHS Final may be held at any time during the year following the eligibility period.

Hosting the Final provides an opportunity to welcome top owner‑handled exhibitors from across the country.

Questions or Support

Clubs with questions about offering the CNOHS are encouraged to contact CKC Events staff for guidance. Support is available to help clubs integrate the CNOHS smoothly into their event.