The CNOHS is a Canadian Kennel Club program that provides owner‑handlers with the opportunity to compete for CNOHS rankings and national recognition at participating CKC Conformation events.
The CNOHS is a non‑titling competition. Participation does not earn CKC championship points or titles. An annual winner of the National CNOHS Final is named; this recognition does not confer a CKC title. Results are used to calculate CNOHS rankings that are recognized as part of Canuck Dogs.
There is no additional entry fee to participate in the CNOHS.
Participation is optional for clubs. Exhibitors should confirm whether the CNOHS is offered at a particular event before entering.
CNOHS breed‑level judging takes place after regular breed judging is completed. CNOHS Group and Best in Show judging take place after regular Group judging is completed.
To be eligible, a dog must be exhibited by an owner or co‑owner who meets the CKC definition of an owner‑handler, is not considered a professional handler, and is not a Conformation judge.
A professional handler is any person who accepts payment for handling dogs, advertises or promotes handling services, is registered with or has been a member of a professional handler association, or otherwise represents themselves as handling dogs for compensation. Individuals who are professional handlers, or members of the same household as a professional handler, are not eligible to compete in the CNOHS.
Current assistants to professional handlers are not eligible to compete in the CNOHS. An assistant is anyone employed by, or assisting, a professional handler during the show or show weekend. An exception applies to assistants who are actively competing in CKC Junior Handling; this exception applies only for the current year.
Yes, in limited circumstances. Handlers who have retired from professional handling may be eligible to compete in the CNOHS after a minimum of five consecutive years without professional handling activity. During this five‑year period, the individual must not accept remuneration for handling dogs and must not be registered with, or act as a member of, a professional handler association.
Provided the reimbursement was limited to reasonable travel‑related expenses only. Reimbursement for expenses such as fuel, meals, or accommodation does not, on its own, make a person a professional handler. Any form of payment or remuneration for the act of handling a dog in the Conformation ring, or holding membership in a professional handler association, would be considered professional handling and would render the individual ineligible for the CNOHS.
Individuals who hold an approved CKC licence or permit to judge Conformation are not eligible to compete in the CNOHS. This includes all CKC Conformation judges, judges on permit, holders of the CKC Iconic Breeder licence, and Conformation judges licensed or approved by other kennel clubs or governing bodies outside of Canada.
To remain eligible, the dog must be handled by an eligible owner‑handler throughout breed level competition on that day.
CNOHS rankings are calculated using results earned at participating CKC Conformation events and form the basis for eligibility to enter the National CNOHS Final and are used for National Owner Handled Ranking recognition.
Rankings do not determine the winner of the National CNOHS Final. They are used as a qualification benchmark and as an important measure of achievement throughout the year.
The National CNOHS Final is an event that brings together the top owner‑handled dogs in Canada and represents the highest level of competition within the CNOHS program.
Eligibility to enter the National CNOHS Final is based on CNOHS rankings. The top 25% of dogs within each breed are eligible. This is calculated by dividing the total number of ranked dogs in the breed by four. Where five or fewer dogs are ranked in a breed, the top five dogs are eligible to enter. Only dogs that meet these thresholds are eligible.
Qualification does not constitute an official invitation. It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to track their ranking and determine eligibility to enter the National CNOHS Final.
The CNOHS offers two important forms of recognition: the National Owner Handled Ranking, and qualification for the National CNOHS Final.
If you qualify for the National CNOHS Final but are unable to attend, your participation in the CNOHS is not lost. Your National Owner-Handled rankings continue to count toward recognizing your dog’s achievements throughout the year. Qualification for the National Final remains an important milestone in its own right, even if you are unable to compete at the Final itself.
CNOHS Regional competitions provide exhibitors with an additional opportunity to compete at a higher level and to earn an increased number of CNOHS ranking points toward National Final qualification.
The CNOHS is designed to recognize consistent participation and achievement over time. Every eligible entry contributes to rankings, experience, and engagement within the owner‑handled community, regardless of whether a dog wins at a particular event. Each time you enter the ring is also an opportunity to gain experience, refine presentation, and build confidence for both dog and handler.
Exhibitors may participate at as many or as few CNOHS‑offered events as they choose, depending on their individual goals. For some, participation may be focused on gaining experience and contributing to rankings over time. For others whose goal is to be eligible to enter the National CNOHS Final, more frequent participation may be required. Each breed is different, as the number of dogs competing can affect how rankings develop.
Offering ribbons for the CNOHS is optional and at the discretion of the host club. Participation in the CNOHS is about recognition, achievement, and eligibility to enter the National CNOHS Final, rather than the receipt of ribbons alone.
At this time, certificates will only be available to download and print directly from Canuck Dogs.
You can support the CNOHS by participating in the program, encouraging and supporting other owner‑handlers to get involved, and supporting clubs that offer CNOHS classes. Getting involved with a local all‑breed or specialty club helps ensure continued opportunities, including clubs applying to host CNOHS events and the National CNOHS Final.