How the CNOHS Works

The CNOHS brings a new and exciting opportunity to CKC Conformation events for exhibitors who proudly show their own dogs.

The CNOHS offers eligible owner‑handled dogs the chance to compete in a dedicated series designed specifically for owner‑handlers, earn national recognition, and celebrate their achievements in new ways. It is an inviting entry point for newer exhibitors, while also offering meaningful competition for experienced owner‑handlers.

Step 1: Clubs Choose to Offer the CNOHS

The CNOHS is an optional, non‑titling competition that clubs may choose to offer at their CKC Conformation events.

When a club offers the CNOHS, the details are clearly outlined in the premium list so exhibitors know the opportunity is available. There is no additional entry fee to participate.

Step 2: Exhibitors Declare Eligibility at Entry

Exhibitors who wish to participate simply declare their dog as CNOHS-eligible at the time of entry by selecting the checkbox on the entry form.

The dog must be handled by an owner or co‑owner of record in CKC records on the date of the show.

Professional handlers, their household members, and current assistants are not eligible to compete in the CNOHS.

This declaration allows clubs, judges, and stewards to identify eligible dogs clearly, please make sure this step is completed as once entries are closed, you will no longer be able to declare your dog eligible.

Step 3: Order of Judging

The CNOHS is offered as an unofficial competition and is integrated into the show day following regular CKC Conformation judging. CNOHS must be judged in accordance with CKC Conformation rules governing unofficial classes. A club may choose not to hold group or show level judging directly after regular group judging, make sure to check the judging schedule carefully.

12.9 Unofficial Classes

12.9.1 A club may hold an unofficial class, the details of which must be published in the premium list. This class must be held after the Breed/Group, Best in Show and any non-regular class judging.

The order of Non-regular classes is; Baby Puppy, Veterans, Altered, Brace, Team

Judging order and ring assignments are managed by the host club and reflected in the judging schedule.

Step 4: Recording and Tracking CNOHS Points

After the event, CNOHS results are quickly captured through the regular CKC Conformation results process and recorded, they are available through Canuck Dogs.

For exhibitors who are new to the sport, the CNOHS points system is designed to create a level playing field for breeds with low entries and owner-handled dogs competing against campaigned dogs. This series is in addition to regular competition, you will often find owner handlers are successful in both rings :

• CNOHS uses a set number of points for each placement, rather than a formula based on entries.
• Points are awarded based on the dog’s placement at the Breed, Group, and Best Owner‑Handled levels.
• Every eligible owner‑handled dog earning a qualifying placement receives the same points for that level.

Once results are processed:

• CNOHS points are reflected on Canuck Dogs as part of the national owner‑handled rankings.
• Exhibitors can follow their dog’s progress throughout the year and see how they compare nationally.

These rankings also determine eligibility for the National CNOHS Final. At the end of the qualification period, the top 25 percent of point‑earning dogs in each breed are eligible to compete. If five or fewer dogs qualify within a breed, the top five point holders will be eligible to enter.

How the top 25 percent is calculated: take the total number of dogs earning CNOHS points in the breed during the qualification period (January 1 – December 31 of the previous year) and divide by four.

The number of eligible dogs is rounded up to the next whole number to ensure at least 25 percent qualifies. For example, if 17 dogs earned points, 25 percent is 4.25, so the top 5 dogs are eligible.

Qualification for the National Final is not issued by formal invitation. It is the responsibility of exhibitors to review their dog’s standing on Canuck Dogs and determine whether they meet the eligibility requirements.

Eligibility is based on CNOHS rankings maintained on Canuck Dogs and reflects points earned during the annual qualification period.

Step 5: National CNOHS Finals

CNOHS rankings are used to qualify dogs for the National CNOHS Final. Rankings determine which dogs are eligible to enter the event, but do not determine the National winner.

The National CNOHS Final is an event in its own right. Qualified dogs compete head‑to‑head at a single national event, where the National winner is determined based solely on performance on the day. The Finals are about competition, achievement, and bragging rights, bringing together the best owner‑handled dogs from across the country to be crowned National winner for that year.

The National CNOHS Competition is hosted by a CKC club selected through an application process. Any club that has offered CNOHS events may apply to host the National Final in a future year, in accordance with CKC policy.

Regional CNOHS Competitions (Beginning in 2028)

Beginning in 2028, Regional CNOHS competitions will be introduced to provide exhibitors with an additional pathway to qualify for the National Final.

The primary purpose of Regional competitions is to offer qualified owner‑handled dogs the opportunity to earn double the standard CNOHS point values. These enhanced points are intended to help exhibitors strengthen their rankings and secure qualification to enter the National CNOHS Final.

Regional competitions are designed to support accessibility across Canada while rewarding competitive success and providing every exhibitor the same pathway toward eligibility to enter the National CNOHS Finals.