France
Complete FCI championship guide — all SCC title tracks and conditions verified from official regulations.
France's championship system is administered by the Société Centrale Canine (SCC), the sole FCI-recognized national kennel club for France. The French system is widely considered one of the most rigorous and complex in the world. It requires not only specific show wins (CACS) from highly designated events (like the National Breeding Show or SCC Championship Show), but also mandatory DNA profiling, breed-specific health clearances (e.g., ECVO eye exams, patella luxation), and a behavioral test (T.A.N.). Always confirm current conditions directly with centrale-canine.fr before applying.
Standard Championship Track
The core titles — Junior, Adult, and Veteran
| Certificate | 1× Excellent 1 in Junior Class |
| Show Type | Must be won at the National Breeding Show (Nationale d'Elevage) OR at the French Championship of the SCC. |
| Age | 9–18 months (Junior class) |
| Mandatory Tests | DNA identification, Breed-specific Health Tests, and T.A.N. (Natural Aptitude Test). |
| Time Limit | None. Health/behavior results can be obtained after the dog ages out of the Junior class. |
| Champion Class | Does not allow entry in Champion class. |
| Certificate | 3× CACS |
| Show Quota |
1. 1× CACS from the SCC Championship Show OR the National Breeding Show (NE). (Or 2× RCACS from these shows within 2 years). 2. 1× CACS from an International (CACIB) show. 3. 1× CACS from a "Specialty" Breed Show. |
| Judges | Minimum 3 different judges (at least 1 must be of French nationality). |
| Time Limit | The last two CACS must be obtained within a maximum period of 2 years after obtaining the SCC Championship CACS or the NE CACS. |
| Mandatory Tests | DNA identification, Breed-specific Health Tests (e.g., ECVO, Patella), and T.A.N. (Natural Aptitude Test). |
📌 Foreign Exhibitors: The examination of kneecaps and ocular defects must be carried out in France or by a European veterinarian (“ECVO” will be accepted with certified translation in English or French).
| Certificate | 1× Excellent 1 in Veteran Class |
| Show Type | Must be won at the National Breeding Show (Nationale d'Elevage) OR at the French Championship of the SCC. |
| Age | Minimum 8 years (96 months) |
| Mandatory Tests | DNA identification and T.A.N. (Natural Aptitude Test). Health tests are NOT mandatory. |
| Time Limit | None |
| Champion Class | Does not allow entry in Champion class. |
Advanced Championship Track
Champion of National Exhibitions
| Certificate | 6× CACS in national exhibitions |
| Show Quota | At least 1× CACS must be obtained at a "Specialty" dog show. (Obtaining 2x RCACS at "Breed Special" shows is equivalent to 1x "Specialty" CACS). |
| Additional Result | An "Excellent" classification at the National show (1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th in Young, Intermediate, Open, or Champion class). |
| Judges | Minimum 3 different judges |
| Time Limit | All awards and exams must be earned within 24 months. |
| Mandatory Tests | DNA identification, Breed-specific Health Tests, and T.A.N. (Natural Aptitude Test). Full 3-generation pedigree required. |
| Champion Class | This title allows engagements in Champion class in all National and International exhibitions in France or abroad. |
Find Shows in France
Use the DOGMASH Dog Show Map to find online entry portals for International and National shows in France. Never miss a registration deadline.
French Canine Organizations & Schools
Direct access to verified French authorities and education
French Club Directory
View all recognized breed and regional clubs for France.
French Education
Find veterinary universities and cynology academies in France.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CACS are needed for the French Standard Conformation Champion title? +
3 CACS certificates are required for the French Champion title. However, they must be won at specific shows: 1x CACS from the SCC Championship Show OR National Breeding Show (NE), 1x CACS from an International (CACIB) show, and 1x CACS from a Breed Specialty show. They must be awarded by 3 different judges, including at least one French judge.
What are the health and DNA requirements for a French Championship? +
France has very strict requirements. Before applying for a championship, the dog must have its DNA profile registered with the SCC. Additionally, the dog must pass breed-specific health exams (e.g., patella luxation, eye exams by an approved ECVO veterinarian) and pass the T.A.N. (Natural Aptitude Test) for behavior.
What is the Champion of National Exhibitions title in France? +
This title requires 6 CACS won at national exhibitions under 3 different judges. One of the CACS must be obtained at a 'Specialty' dog show. The dog must also pass the same DNA, health, and T.A.N. requirements as the standard champion, and all awards must be earned within 24 months.
What are the requirements for the French Youth Champion? +
To become a French Youth Champion, a dog needs 1x Excellent 1 in the Junior Class at the National Breeding Show OR at the French Championship of the SCC. The dog must also complete DNA identification, health tests, and the T.A.N. behavior test.
Where can I find upcoming shows in France? +
The DOGMASH Dog Show Map provides a global directory of online entry portals. Shows in France are primarily managed through SCC Expo and Cedia.
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