What a Junior Warrant Is
Dogs can normally enter competitive breed classes at Royal Kennel Club licensed shows from six months of age, provided they meet the registration and entry requirements. A full title is a distant prospect for most young dogs, and a Junior Warrant offers an alternative early showing goal.
The Junior Warrant is awarded by The Royal Kennel Club to dogs that gain enough qualifying points from breed class wins between six and eighteen months of age. Once the claim is approved, the dog can carry the letters JW after its registered name. The award records qualifying success during a limited period of the dog's youth. It is a showing achievement. It says nothing about health, temperament or suitability for breeding, and it does not mean the dog will become a champion.
A Junior Warrant also brings a Stud Book number. This gives the dog a lifetime qualification for Crufts, subject to the eligibility and entry rules in force for each show. You still have to enter in the usual way and pay the entry fee.
Titles take longer. Under the standard route, a dog needs three Challenge Certificates (CCs) from three different judges, with at least one awarded after the dog is twelve months old. In breeds with a working qualification, three CCs lead to Show Champion, and the full Champion title needs that further qualification. Some breeds have no CCs at all.
How Points Are Earned
A dog needs 25 points in total. Points come from first places in breed classes:
- A qualifying first place at a championship show where CCs are on offer for your breed earns three points.
- A qualifying first place at an open show, or at a championship show without CCs for your breed, earns one point.
The regulations set a minimum number of points that must come from championship shows with CCs for the breed, and a minimum from the other qualifying shows. These figures have changed over time, and older exhibitor guides may quote a split that no longer applies. Take the current minimums from the official regulations.
Winning a class is not enough on its own. The class must have the minimum number of dogs actually present, and the number entered in the catalogue may be higher than the number who turned up. The regulations state the minimum for each type of show and whether your own dog counts towards it.
The rules also restrict how wins at one show can be counted. Two first places on the same day do not automatically produce two sets of points. Check the current limits before you add up your total, or you may overestimate how close you are.
Ordinary variety class wins, where several breeds compete together, are excluded. The regulations list any other awards that qualify, along with their conditions and whether they can be combined with class points. If an award is not on that list, it does not count.
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Planning Your Show Year
Points must be gained within a twelve month window, so plan ahead. Only qualifying wins at championship shows with CCs for your breed attract three points, and not every championship show offers CCs for every breed. The Royal Kennel Club allocates CCs annually, and schedules show which breeds have them, so read each schedule before entering.
Entry sizes and the strength of competition vary by breed, show and judge. Open shows are generally cheaper to enter. Compare entry fees, travel and the classification offered for your breed when choosing where to go.
Some practical steps:
- Check that the dog's registration and ownership details meet the show's entry requirements, and complete any necessary transfer.
- For every win, record the show, date, class, judge, whether CCs were on offer and how many dogs were present.
- Note entry closing dates, as championship shows often close several weeks ahead.
- Consider how your dog is maturing. Some breeds develop slowly.
Ringcraft classes, run by many local canine societies, help dogs and handlers get used to the ring. If your dog seems uncomfortable, unwell or unhappy at shows, take a break or withdraw. Its welfare matters more than any points total.
Claiming the Award
A Junior Warrant is not awarded automatically. You must submit a claim to The Royal Kennel Club, listing each qualifying win. Check the current claim form for any charge, and note whether a certificate is included or offered separately.
The Royal Kennel Club checks the claim against official results. Only use JW after the dog's name once the award has been confirmed.
Before submitting, compare your records with the published results and confirm the number of dogs present in each class. The official regulations and claim form are on The Royal Kennel Club website, and its customer services team, your breed club and your local canine society can help with any questions.
It has been very enjoyable showing her and meeting all the other exhibitors I have made many friends along the way
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