PKU Rules and Regulation
GENERAL
- Dog owners must ensure their dogs are kept in a safe and healthy environment, which includes providing a balanced diet, proper shelter, and appropriate veterinary care.
- All dog breeding must strictly follow the PKC Breeding Rules to ensure ethical and responsible practices.
- Exhibitors and handlers must always demonstrate good sportsmanship while participating in dog shows.
- Handlers must not attempt to distract other dogs in the ring in order to gain an unfair advantage.
- Exhibitors are only permitted to share the dog’s age with the judge. No information regarding the dog’s ownership, pedigree, or past awards should be disclosed.
- Breed Club Shows affiliated with the PKC may allow judges to request pedigree details, provided their own rules specifically permit this.
- Exhibitors must not express disagreement with a judge’s decision, whether through words, gestures, or actions, either inside or outside the show ring.
- Participation in any dog show is the personal choice of each dog owner. However, no one is allowed to discourage or influence others from entering a show.
Guidelines for Registering Litters
- Both the sire and dam of the litter must be registered with the PKC.
- The dam (female dog) must be at least 18 months old and not older than 9 years at the time of mating.
- The sire (male dog) must be at least 12 months old and not older than 11 years at the time of mating.
- The owner of the dam must have a registered Kennel Name (Suffix or Affix) with the PKC.
- The stud certificate must be submitted online through the official website within 15 days of the mating date.
- The litter must be registered within three months from the date of birth.
- Pedigree certificates will be dispatched via courier to the breeder's address once full payment has been received by the club.
- If any incorrect information is found or any rules are violated, the registration of the dogs will be revoked.
Regulations for Registering Imported Dogs
- All purebred dogs imported into Pakistan must be registered with the PKC as soon as possible, provided all accompanying documents are valid and legally acceptable.
- An imported dog may only be registered under the name of the individual whose name appears as the owner on the official import pedigree and export documentation. If the dog is later sold, ownership can be transferred using the prescribed PKC transfer form.
- If a pregnant female (dam) is imported and was bred in accordance with the breeding regulations of the exporting country, the litter may be registered—provided a valid Export Pedigree and an official Stud Certificate confirming the mating are submitted.
Registration of Purebred Dogs Without Documented Pedigree
- The dog must be presented to an official PKC Judge, who will evaluate its characteristics. If the Judge confirms the dog as a true representation of its breed, an official Opinion Certificate will be issued.
- The owner must submit the Registration Application form along with the Judge’s Opinion Certificate to the PKC.
- Once approved, the PKC will issue a Single Dog Pedigree, in which the dog's ancestors will be recorded as "Unknown."
- Dogs registered through this process are eligible for breeding and can participate in PKC-approved shows.
Microchipping and Litter Inspections
- Microchipping is mandatory for all dogs registered with the PKC.
- Puppies may be microchipped from six weeks of age onward. Once microchipped, puppies may leave the owner’s premises at any time.
- The Breed Warden is responsible for ensuring litters are inspected promptly after birth.
- PKC staff will facilitate the delivery of pedigree certificates and microchips to the breeders.
Award System at Dog Shows
- No points are awarded during the Shows.
- A Challenge Certificate (CC) may be awarded by the judge to only one male dog and one female dog in each breed. Only the “Winner of Winners” male and “Winner of Winners” female are eligible for the CC, but the award is not automatic. If the judge considers the dog or bitch insufficient in quality, the Challenge Certificate may be withheld.
- A dog that earns three Challenge Certificates from three different judges is granted the title of Champion. The CACIB and CAC awards are considered equivalent to a Challenge Certificate.
- Once a dog attains Champion status, it is no longer eligible to compete for additional Challenge Certificates and competes only in the Champion Class.
- Champion dogs compete exclusively in the Champion Class and are eligible to compete for Best of Breed, Best in Group, and Best in Show titles.
- If a dog has already earned Champion status in a country other than Pakistan, to receive the Pakistan Champion title, it must compete in a non-Champion class and win three Challenge Certificates. However, if the owner chooses not to pursue the Pakistan Champion title, the dog may compete in the Champion Class but will not receive the Pakistan Champion title.
- All dogs will be evaluated and graded as “Excellent,” “Very Good,” “Good,” “Disqualified,” or “Cannot be judged.”
Dog Show Competition Categories
- Puppy Class: For dogs aged 6 to 9 months. Challenge Certificates (CC) are not awarded in this class.
- Junior Class: For dogs aged 9 to 18 months. Dogs in this class are eligible to receive Challenge Certificates.
- Intermediate Class: For dogs aged between 15 and 24 months, with eligibility for Challenge Certificates.
- Open Class: For dogs aged 15 months and older. Dogs competing here can be awarded Challenge Certificates.
- Champion Class: Reserved exclusively for dogs who have already attained Champion status. Challenge Certificates are not awarded in this class.
- Veteran Class: For dogs aged 8 years and above, eligible to compete for Challenge Certificates.
Understanding the Evaluation Ratings
EXCELLENT
This rating is reserved for dogs that closely match the ideal breed standard and are shown in outstanding condition. Such dogs exhibit a balanced and harmonious temperament, demonstrate superior quality, and maintain an excellent stance. They meet international standards of excellence. While minor flaws may be overlooked, the dog must clearly display the distinctive traits typical of its gender.
VERY GOOD
This rating is reserved for dogs that closely match the ideal breed standard and are shown in outstanding condition. Such dogs exhibit a balanced and harmonious temperament, demonstrate superior quality, and maintain an excellent stance. They meet international standards of excellence. While minor flaws may be overlooked, the dog must clearly display the distinctive traits typical of its gender.
DISQUALIFIED
This rating must be given to a dog that significantly deviates from the breed standard, exhibits behavior inconsistent with the breed’s temperament, or displays aggression. It applies to dogs with testicular abnormalities, dental defects, jaw malformations, coat or color faults, or obvious signs of albinism. Additionally, it should be assigned to dogs whose traits so poorly match the breed that their health may be compromised, as well as to those exhibiting serious disqualifying faults according to the breed standard.
CANNOT BE JUDGED
This evaluation is assigned to dogs that are uncooperative during the show, such as those that refuse to move, repeatedly jump on their handler, attempt to escape the ring, or otherwise prevent proper assessment of their gait and movement. It also applies to dogs that consistently resist examination by the judge, making it impossible to inspect key features like teeth, body structure, tail, or testicles. Additionally, this rating should be given if there is visible evidence of surgical alterations or treatments suggesting the exhibitor may have attempted to mislead the judge.
CANNOT BE JUDGED
This evaluation is assigned to dogs that are uncooperative during the show, such as those that refuse to move, repeatedly jump on their handler, attempt to escape the ring, or otherwise prevent proper assessment of their gait and movement. It also applies to dogs that consistently resist examination by the judge, making it impossible to inspect key features like teeth, body structure, tail, or testicles. Additionally, this rating should be given if there is visible evidence of surgical alterations or treatments suggesting the exhibitor may have attempted to mislead the judge.
Evaluation Process
Class Judging
Male and female dogs will be evaluated separately within their respective classes, beginning with the Baby Puppy category. The judge will assess each dog individually and assign grades, but will only rank the top three entries. The dog or bitch that earns first place in its class, regardless of the assigned grade, will be designated as the “Class Winner.”
Winner of Winners Bitch
After all classes have been judged, the steward will call forward all the class-winning bitches, excluding those from the Baby and Puppy classes. At this point, the judge may award a Challenge Certificate (CC) to a bitch other than the Champion class winner. However, the CC is not guaranteed; if the judge believes no bitch meets the standard worthy of becoming a champion, they may choose not to award it. Following this, the judge will select the Winner of Winners bitch, which will be either the Champion class winner or the bitch that received the CC. This dog will be recognized as the Best Bitch of the Breed.
Winner of Winners Dog
The same process will be followed to determine the Winner of Winners dog, also known as the Best Dog of the breed.
Note: To assist the judge in ensuring that a Champion dog does not receive a Challenge Certificate, the Champion class winner will be placed first in the judging order, regardless of its catalogue number, followed by the winners of the Open, Intermediate, and Junior classes.
Best of Breed
Once the Best Dog and Best Bitch of the Breed have been chosen individually, the judge will then select the overall Best of Breed as well as the Runner-Up Best of Breed.
Best in Group
Once the Best of Breed winners from all breeds within a specific Group have been determined, the steward will gather and arrange them for the judge to choose the Best in Group and the Reserve Best in Group.
Best in Show
Once all ten Best in Group winners have been chosen, the steward will assemble and line up these group champions for the judge, who will then select the Best in Show, as well as the Second and Third Best in Show.
Pakistan Kennel Union - Breeding Regulations & Procedures
- Litter Inspection and Registration
- All litters undergo inspection before registration and pedigree issuance.
- The National Breed Warden appoints Group Breed Wardens to assist members with expert advice.
- Requirements for Breeding
- Males must be at least 12 months old at the time of mating.
- Females (bitches) must be at least 20 months old when bred.
- Breeders must notify their respective Group Breed Warden within 7 days of whelping.
- Stud dog owners are required to upload the stud certificate on the PKU portal within 14 days following mating.
- Litter Inspection Details
- Litter inspections are conducted at 8 weeks of age, including the following checks:
- Verification of parent pedigrees against the litter registration application.
- Confirmation of the parents’ ages at mating.
- Verification of parents’ microchip numbers.
- Assessment of the dam’s health and litter spacing.
- Review of vaccination records for the puppies.
- Health Evaluation During Inspection
- Physical examination of the dam and puppies, noting:
- The health status and condition of the mother.
- The overall health and condition of each puppy.
- Identification of any significant faults in the puppies.
- Documentation of bite issues such as overshot or undershot jaws.
- Checking for testicular absence or abnormalities.
- Observation of any broken tails.
- Litter inspections can be requested online via the PKU portal starting one week after whelping.
- Upon inspection approval, litter registration may be applied for.
- Submitting Pedigree Applications
- To obtain pedigrees, breeders must submit the following documents to the PKU office or Group Breed Warden:
- Completed litter registration form.
- Registered kennel prefix certificate.
- Valid stud certificate.
- Pedigree certificates of both sire and dam.
- Payment receipts for litter registration and pedigree fees.
- The owner or Group Breed Warden will forward all documentation for pedigree processing.
- Breeding Age Limits
- The maximum breeding age for females is 9 years.
- The maximum breeding age for males is 11 years.
- Fees and Forms
- All fees and application forms are available on the PKU portal’s Fee Structure section.
- Litter registration fee: 3000/-
- Pedigree fee per puppy: 1500/-
- Microchip fee: 1500/-
- For information on club membership, visit the “Become a Member” page.
- Show Entry Procedures
- Entries for all PKU shows must be submitted before the published deadline.
- Entries can be submitted online or through authorized club representatives.
- After the closing date, the PKU portal will finalize the catalogue and no further entries will be accepted.
- All entries require full payment at the time of submission.
- Registration, stud certificates, and ownership transfers are handled electronically through the PKU portal.
Guidelines for Registering Litters
- Both the sire and dam of the litter must be registered with the PKC.
- The dam (female dog) must be at least 18 months old and not older than 9 years at the time of mating.
- The sire (male dog) must be at least 12 months old and not older than 11 years at the time of mating.
- The owner of the dam must have a registered Kennel Name (Suffix or Affix) with the PKC.
- The stud certificate must be submitted online through the official website within 15 days of the mating date.
- The litter must be registered within three months from the date of birth.
- Pedigree certificates will be dispatched via courier to the breeder's address once full payment has been received by the club.
- If any incorrect information is found or any rules are violated, the registration of the dogs will be revoked.
Regulations for Registering Imported Dogs
- All purebred dogs imported into Pakistan must be registered with the PKC as soon as possible, provided all accompanying documents are valid and legally acceptable.
- An imported dog may only be registered under the name of the individual whose name appears as the owner on the official import pedigree and export documentation. If the dog is later sold, ownership can be transferred using the prescribed PKC transfer form.
- If a pregnant female (dam) is imported and was bred in accordance with the breeding regulations of the exporting country, the litter may be registered—provided a valid Export Pedigree and an official Stud Certificate confirming the mating are submitted.
Registration of Purebred Dogs Without Documented Pedigree
- The dog must be presented to an official PKC Judge, who will evaluate its characteristics. If the Judge confirms the dog as a true representation of its breed, an official Opinion Certificate will be issued.
- The owner must submit the Registration Application form along with the Judge’s Opinion Certificate to the PKC.
- Once approved, the PKC will issue a Single Dog Pedigree, in which the dog's ancestors will be recorded as "Unknown."
- Dogs registered through this process are eligible for breeding and can participate in PKC-approved shows.
Microchipping and Litter Inspections
- Microchipping is mandatory for all dogs registered with the PKC.
- Puppies may be microchipped from six weeks of age onward. Once microchipped, puppies may leave the owner’s premises at any time.
- The Breed Warden is responsible for ensuring litters are inspected promptly after birth.
- PKC staff will facilitate the delivery of pedigree certificates and microchips to the breeders.
Award System at Dog Shows
- No points are awarded during the Shows.
- A Challenge Certificate (CC) may be awarded by the judge to only one male dog and one female dog in each breed. Only the “Winner of Winners” male and “Winner of Winners” female are eligible for the CC, but the award is not automatic. If the judge considers the dog or bitch insufficient in quality, the Challenge Certificate may be withheld.
- A dog that earns three Challenge Certificates from three different judges is granted the title of Champion. The CACIB and CAC awards are considered equivalent to a Challenge Certificate.
- Once a dog attains Champion status, it is no longer eligible to compete for additional Challenge Certificates and competes only in the Champion Class.
- Champion dogs compete exclusively in the Champion Class and are eligible to compete for Best of Breed, Best in Group, and Best in Show titles.
- If a dog has already earned Champion status in a country other than Pakistan, to receive the Pakistan Champion title, it must compete in a non-Champion class and win three Challenge Certificates. However, if the owner chooses not to pursue the Pakistan Champion title, the dog may compete in the Champion Class but will not receive the Pakistan Champion title.
- All dogs will be evaluated and graded as “Excellent,” “Very Good,” “Good,” “Disqualified,” or “Cannot be judged.”
Dog Show Competition Categories
- Puppy Class: For dogs aged 6 to 9 months. Challenge Certificates (CC) are not awarded in this class.
- Junior Class: For dogs aged 9 to 18 months. Dogs in this class are eligible to receive Challenge Certificates.
- Intermediate Class: For dogs aged between 15 and 24 months, with eligibility for Challenge Certificates.
- Open Class: For dogs aged 15 months and older. Dogs competing here can be awarded Challenge Certificates.
- Champion Class: Reserved exclusively for dogs who have already attained Champion status. Challenge Certificates are not awarded in this class.
- Veteran Class: For dogs aged 8 years and above, eligible to compete for Challenge Certificates.
Understanding the Evaluation Ratings
EXCELLENT
This rating is reserved for dogs that closely match the ideal breed standard and are shown in outstanding condition. Such dogs exhibit a balanced and harmonious temperament, demonstrate superior quality, and maintain an excellent stance. They meet international standards of excellence. While minor flaws may be overlooked, the dog must clearly display the distinctive traits typical of its gender.
VERY GOOD
This rating is reserved for dogs that closely match the ideal breed standard and are shown in outstanding condition. Such dogs exhibit a balanced and harmonious temperament, demonstrate superior quality, and maintain an excellent stance. They meet international standards of excellence. While minor flaws may be overlooked, the dog must clearly display the distinctive traits typical of its gender.
DISQUALIFIED
This rating must be given to a dog that significantly deviates from the breed standard, exhibits behavior inconsistent with the breed’s temperament, or displays aggression. It applies to dogs with testicular abnormalities, dental defects, jaw malformations, coat or color faults, or obvious signs of albinism. Additionally, it should be assigned to dogs whose traits so poorly match the breed that their health may be compromised, as well as to those exhibiting serious disqualifying faults according to the breed standard.
CANNOT BE JUDGED
This evaluation is assigned to dogs that are uncooperative during the show, such as those that refuse to move, repeatedly jump on their handler, attempt to escape the ring, or otherwise prevent proper assessment of their gait and movement. It also applies to dogs that consistently resist examination by the judge, making it impossible to inspect key features like teeth, body structure, tail, or testicles. Additionally, this rating should be given if there is visible evidence of surgical alterations or treatments suggesting the exhibitor may have attempted to mislead the judge.
CANNOT BE JUDGED
This evaluation is assigned to dogs that are uncooperative during the show, such as those that refuse to move, repeatedly jump on their handler, attempt to escape the ring, or otherwise prevent proper assessment of their gait and movement. It also applies to dogs that consistently resist examination by the judge, making it impossible to inspect key features like teeth, body structure, tail, or testicles. Additionally, this rating should be given if there is visible evidence of surgical alterations or treatments suggesting the exhibitor may have attempted to mislead the judge.
Evaluation Process
Class Judging
Male and female dogs will be evaluated separately within their respective classes, beginning with the Baby Puppy category. The judge will assess each dog individually and assign grades, but will only rank the top three entries. The dog or bitch that earns first place in its class, regardless of the assigned grade, will be designated as the “Class Winner.”
Winner of Winners Bitch
After all classes have been judged, the steward will call forward all the class-winning bitches, excluding those from the Baby and Puppy classes. At this point, the judge may award a Challenge Certificate (CC) to a bitch other than the Champion class winner. However, the CC is not guaranteed; if the judge believes no bitch meets the standard worthy of becoming a champion, they may choose not to award it. Following this, the judge will select the Winner of Winners bitch, which will be either the Champion class winner or the bitch that received the CC. This dog will be recognized as the Best Bitch of the Breed.
Winner of Winners Dog
The same process will be followed to determine the Winner of Winners dog, also known as the Best Dog of the breed.
Note: To assist the judge in ensuring that a Champion dog does not receive a Challenge Certificate, the Champion class winner will be placed first in the judging order, regardless of its catalogue number, followed by the winners of the Open, Intermediate, and Junior classes.
Best of Breed
Once the Best Dog and Best Bitch of the Breed have been chosen individually, the judge will then select the overall Best of Breed as well as the Runner-Up Best of Breed.
Best in Group
Once the Best of Breed winners from all breeds within a specific Group have been determined, the steward will gather and arrange them for the judge to choose the Best in Group and the Reserve Best in Group.
Best in Show
Once all ten Best in Group winners have been chosen, the steward will assemble and line up these group champions for the judge, who will then select the Best in Show, as well as the Second and Third Best in Show.
Pakistan Kennel Union - Breeding Regulations & Procedures
- Litter Inspection and Registration
- All litters undergo inspection before registration and pedigree issuance.
- The National Breed Warden appoints Group Breed Wardens to assist members with expert advice.
- Requirements for Breeding
- Males must be at least 12 months old at the time of mating.
- Females (bitches) must be at least 20 months old when bred.
- Breeders must notify their respective Group Breed Warden within 7 days of whelping.
- Stud dog owners are required to upload the stud certificate on the PKU portal within 14 days following mating.
- Litter Inspection Details
- Litter inspections are conducted at 8 weeks of age, including the following checks:
- Verification of parent pedigrees against the litter registration application.
- Confirmation of the parents’ ages at mating.
- Verification of parents’ microchip numbers.
- Assessment of the dam’s health and litter spacing.
- Review of vaccination records for the puppies.
- Health Evaluation During Inspection
- Physical examination of the dam and puppies, noting:
- The health status and condition of the mother.
- The overall health and condition of each puppy.
- Identification of any significant faults in the puppies.
- Documentation of bite issues such as overshot or undershot jaws.
- Checking for testicular absence or abnormalities.
- Observation of any broken tails.
- Litter inspections can be requested online via the PKU portal starting one week after whelping.
- Upon inspection approval, litter registration may be applied for.
- Submitting Pedigree Applications
- To obtain pedigrees, breeders must submit the following documents to the PKU office or Group Breed Warden:
- Completed litter registration form.
- Registered kennel prefix certificate.
- Valid stud certificate.
- Pedigree certificates of both sire and dam.
- Payment receipts for litter registration and pedigree fees.
- The owner or Group Breed Warden will forward all documentation for pedigree processing.
- Breeding Age Limits
- The maximum breeding age for females is 9 years.
- The maximum breeding age for males is 11 years.
- Fees and Forms
- All fees and application forms are available on the PKU portal’s Fee Structure section.
- Litter registration fee: 3000/-
- Pedigree fee per puppy: 1500/-
- Microchip fee: 1500/-
- For information on club membership, visit the “Become a Member” page.
- Show Entry Procedures
- Entries for all PKU shows must be submitted before the published deadline.
- Entries can be submitted online or through authorized club representatives.
- After the closing date, the PKU portal will finalize the catalogue and no further entries will be accepted.
- All entries require full payment at the time of submission.
- Registration, stud certificates, and ownership transfers are handled electronically through the PKU portal.
