With over 3000 CKC sanctioned events held across Canada in an average year, there are literally thousands of opportunities for you to enjoy great fun with your canine companion and meet other dog lovers!
If you haven't decided which style of event appeals most to you and your dog, you can start at the Canadian Kennel Club’s
Overview of Events to find out more about each type of event.
Ready to compete? Once you have decided on an event that matches your tastes and dog's abilities, practiced at home or in class, and are ready to enter your first event, the steps below will help you enter the world of CKC dog events. Welcome to the fun!
Step 1: Register Your Dog with CKC
Did you know that all dogs can compete in CKC sanctioned events like Agility, Obedience, Rally Obedience, and Chase Ability? Only Conformation and breed-specific events are reserved for purebred dogs.
To compete in CKC events, your dog will first need a registration number. The Canadian Kennel Club uses these numbers to keep track of event entries, results, standings, and titles. That's right - your best friend could be an official Champion! If your dog is already CKC registered, their registration number can be found on the certificate of registration that the breeder sent you.
- If your dog is not already registered with CKC there are a few different registration types, depending on where your dog was born and if they are purebred or not:
- If your dog is registered with a Kennel Club other than CKC, like the American Kennel Club, first double-check our list of Recognized Studbooks.
- If CKC recognizes the Kennel Club’s studbooks, your dog is eligible for full registration.
- If your dog is registered with a Kennel Club whose stud books CKC does not recognize, your dog can be registered with CKC, but would need to go through a couple extra steps. Start with registering for a Temporary Competition Number (TCN) and then contact us to determine what the next steps of your journey are.
- If your dog is a breed recognized by CKC but was born outside of Canada and the address of the primary owner of the dog listed on the foreign certification of registration is outside of Canada, they can be registered with an Event Registration Number (ERN).
- If your dog is a listed breed, breeds undergoing the processes of full registration, your dog can be registered with a Miscellaneous Certification Number (MCN).
- If your dog is purebred but is not registered (example: a purebred purchased from a rescue organization), your dog can be registered with a Performance Event Number (PEN).
- ·If your dog is a crossbreed, mixed breed, or an unrecognized breed they can be registered with a Canine Companion Number (CCN).
If all of that sounds a little confusing, don't worry. Just
give us a call or send us an email and we can help you figure out which registration type your dog qualifies for.
After you determine which registration type your dog qualifies for, if you haven’t used our online Portal already,
create an account to access all of our online applications. Once logged in you can find all of our applications under “
Applications” in the blue menu bar or under the Quick Links on the right-hand side. Select
Dog Registration (including TCN), and proceed with answering the application questions. If you use the portal during the CKC’s businesses hours (9 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST), the live chat feature will be there and our Membership Services Team can assist you should you have any questions.
Step 2: Find a Local Event
As part of CKC, CanuckDogs.com is the space for all things dog event in Canada. The Canuck Dog’s calendar is easy to use and lets you see all the events happening across the country. Pick which event you would like to compete in, which province, and a time frame, and you will see all of the upcoming events of that type in your area!
Step 3: Becoming an Exhibitor
"Exhibitor" is the dog world name for event competitors. Now that you have selected your first event using the calendar on CanuckDogs.com, you are ready to be an exhibitor!
Once you see an event that interests you, click on the name of the club hosting the event (example: Cranbrook and District Kennel Club). From there you will see the premium list which is where you will find all the relevant information you need to enter your dog including the location, how many shows or trials are taking place throughout the event, specialties and boosters (for Conformation shows), parking information, spectator prices, the judging panel and more.
If all the information presented looks good to you, click "Entry Form" and a pdf entry form with instructions on how to pay and spaces for you to fill out your and your dog's information will appear. Most shows also accept online show entries via third-party entry service companies, such as
The Entry Line. Their quick and easy processes are great for novice event participants, and the user-friendly online entry services will check to make sure you have filled all the forms out correctly, let you know of any issues, and provide confirmation of your entry. If you are thinking of entering multiple events, an entry service company like
The Entry Line is definitely the way to go as they will save you and your dog's information, making entering future events a breeze!
Step 4: Have Fun!
Dog shows and performance events can range from small events for a handful of dogs to multi-day events that bring together thousands of human-canine teams. Arrive early for your first event so you can explore the grounds and get settled. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to people, ask questions during their downtime and let them know it’s your first time out.
If you have any questions or need any assistance, you can always contact us here at the Canadian Kennel Club by clicking LIVE CHAT on the right-hand side of
www.ckc.ca between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET.