Confused about titles? If you have looked at pedigrees for Labrador Retrievers or other dogs you will notice they contain several abbreviations along the dogs heritage. What do all of these mean and how does it affect your Labrador Retriever? Read on for an explanation of common pedigree titles.

BIS - Best in Show. Thyis is awarded to dogs that has won a Best In Show award in Confirmation competition.

BISS - Best in Specialty Show. Simular to Best in Show, this is awarded to a dog judged as the top dog at a speciality show. A specilaity show is a show that only one breed is shown.

CD - Companion Dog. A title awarded by the American Kennel Club (AKC) for a dog that successfully passes three Novice Obedience items. A passing score is 170 out of 200 possible points.

CDX - Companion Dog Excellent. This is an advanced obedience title awarded to a dog who successfully qualifies in Open Obedience Class three times. Awarded at AKC licensed dog shows.

OTCH - Obedience Trial Champion. Advanced Obeidiance Title earned by receiving a minimum of 100 points at AKC licensed shows. Resrictions include the dog must win at least one first place in Open B and Utility and an additional first in either. The first places must e awarded by different judges.

CGC - Canine Good Citizen. This AKC Title shows a dog has passed a that evaluates temperament, manners and behavior.

CH - Champion. A title awarded by the AKC to a dog that has acquired at least 15 points. Requirements include at least 6 different points need to come from two separate Major wins and wins must come from at least three separate judges. The title is often preceded by the country the title was won (i.e. Amer CH= American Champion).

CQN - Certificate of Natural Qualities. This title is awarded by the International Canine Federation for completion of Breed Working Test that is required for conformation.

HCT - Herding Capability Tested. Offered by The American Herding Breed Association that certifies the dog has a presence of natural instinct to herd.

HIC - Herding Instinct Certified . A title offered by The American Herding Breed Association that certifies the dog has a presence of natural instinct to herd.

NAFC - National Amateur Field Champion. Awarded by the AKC for dogs that win first place in the National Amateur Championship stake.

NCH - Nite Champion. A title where the dog must earn 100 points and have one first place finish in a licensed AKC Nite Hunt.

NFC - National Field Champion. Title offered by the AKC where the dog must win first place in a National Open Championship stake.

NOC - National Obedience Champion. Title awarded to the Annual National Obedience Invitational winner. Award is given once each year.

NGDC - National Gun Dog Champion. Title offered by the AKC where the dog must win first place in a National Open Gun Dog Championship stake.

NOGDC - National Open Gun Dog Champion: AKC title where the dog must win first place in a National Open Gun Dog Championship stake.

OFA - Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. This certifies that an animal has dysplasia-free hips. The test is conducted after the age of two by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and is recommended for any large breed.

TT - Temperament Tested. Awarded by American Temperament Test Society to dogs that successfully pass the a test that evaluates temperament balance.

TDI - Therapy Dog. A title given by Therapy Dog International for dogs doing therapy work. Requires the dog to pass a temperament test and work in situations that therapy is provided to humans.

TD - Tracking Dog. A title offered by the AKC for dogs who pass a tracking test.

TDX - Tracking Dog Excellent. A title offered by the AKC to dogs who pass advanced tracking tests and requirements.

UD - Utility Dog. This is a title offered by the AKC to dogs who meet the requirements of points winning in the Utility Obedience classes. Can be combined with the TD or the TDX and would show as UDT or UDTX.


Additional Resources

Learn more about Puppies

Find several Dog Breeders of different breeds.

Find Dog Adoption resources for different breeds.

Find Black Lab, Chocolate Lab and Yellow Lab gifts for your home.

More pedigree information offered at:
AKC
Therapy Dog International
American Temperament Test Society
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
The American Herding Breed Association