What are all those letters about?
Below is a list of the titles our dogs have earned and what they mean.
Conformation Titles
CH - Champion
Dogs must acquire 15 points, including 2 majors won under different judges and at least one point under a third different judge.
GCH - Grand Champion
Completion of the title requires all of the following:
Twenty five Grand Championship points
Three majors won under three different judges
At least one or more points won under a fourth judge
Must have defeated at least one other AKC Champion of Record at three shows
GCHB - Bronze Grand Champion
Any Grand Champion which shall have won 100 Grand Championship points shall become a Grand Champion Bronze.
GCHS - Grand Champion Silver
Any Grand Champion which shall have won 200 Grand Championship points shall become a Grand Champion Silver.
Additional Conformation Acronyms
OHBIS - Owner Handled Best in Show
The highest honor in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS), where dogs exhibited by their owners—not professional handlers—compete. The top-ranked dog among owner-handled group winners is awarded this title, highlighting quality dogs shown by dedicated amateurs.
RBIS - Reserve Best in Show
The runner-up award given to the second-best dog in the final lineup at an all-breed dog show. Selected from the seven group winners immediately before the final Best in Show (BIS) announcement, this title recognizes the top, high-quality contender that was not awarded the top prize.
MRBIS - Multiple Reserve Best in Show
Indicates that the dog has won more than one Reserve Best in Show award.
Herding Titles
HT - Herding Tested
For a title, a dog must qualify twice under two different judges. Dog may qualify twice in one day at the same event provided he/she is judged by different judges.
IT - Instinct Tested
A non-competitive, pass/fail evaluation for herding-eligible breeds to determine if they possess natural herding abilities (instinct) without prior training. It measures a dog's interest in livestock (sheep, ducks, or cattle) and ability to move them, which, if passed, allows owners to earn a certificate.
PT - Pre-Trial Tested
A non-competitive, pass/fail certification demonstrating a dog's basic ability to control livestock (sheep, ducks, or cattle) in a fenced arena. It is a intermediate step between Herding Tested (HT) and competitive Started (HS) levels, requiring a dog to pass twice under two different judges.
Companion Titles
ATT - AKC Temperament Test
A suffix title awarded to dogs that pass a non-competitive, six-category evaluation assessing reaction to stimuli like, noise, strangers, and strange surfaces. Dogs must pass twice under different evaluators to earn the title.
BCAT - Beginner Fast Coursing Ability Test
The first level of achievement in the AKC Fast CAT sport, earned by accumulating 150 points. It is a 100-yard, timed dash where dogs chase a lure, with points calculated based on speed and a handicap formula.
CGC - Canine Good Citizen
A recognized certification for dogs that demonstrate excellent manners, obedience, and socialization in public and at home. It is a 10-step, non-competitive test—open to all breeds and mixes—that evaluates skills like walking on a loose leash, sitting for petting, and reacting calmly to strangers and distractions.
CGCA- Canine Good Citizen Advanced
The second level of the Canine Good Citizen program that tests dogs in real-world, public settings rather than simulated environments. It requires the dog to demonstrate polite, controlled behavior around distractions like traffic, crowds, and food in places such as busy parks or pet-friendly stores.
FDC - Farm Dog Certified
A non-competitive, pass/fail test for dogs of all breeds (at least 9-months old) that demonstrates their ability to act as a calm, confident working partner in a rural environment. The test consists of 12 exercises—often compared to a farm-themed Canine Good Citizen test—including walking through livestock, navigating rustic, uneven terrain, and jumping on hay bales while on a leash.
FITB - Fit Dog Bronze
The entry-level, foundational fitness certification for dogs, requiring five activity points to promote a healthy, active lifestyle. Designed for dogs at least 6-months old, it rewards consistent physical activity, such as walking, hiking, or swimming, which owners can document to earn the title.
FITS - Fit Dog Silver
An intermediate-level certification recognizing dogs and owners who achieve 10 points through structured, documented fitness activities, designed to enourage and celebrate a healthy lifestlye between dogs and their owners.
TKN - Trick Dog Novice
The beginner-level title in the American Kennel Club trick dog program, requiring a dog to demonstrate 10 fundamental tricks, such as "sit," "shake," "beg," or "crawl."
VHMA - Virtual Home Manners Adult
An official American Kennel Club certification acknowledging a dog's, or puppy's, good behavior in a home setting. Evaluated by video submission, it tests 10 essential skills like basic commands, grooming, and polite walking.
