Page 6 - 2023 02 Summer

President’s

Message by Cathy Clapp

Summer is here and that means you are reading the Annual Awards
Issue. This issue highlights those who have worked for and made
accomplishments with their Chow Chows in both Conformation and Performance
venues. The Top Ten recognizes Chows that have defeated the most Chows by winning
Best of Breed or Best of Opposite Sex, thereby earning breed points. The Top Ten All-
Breed Chow Chow ranking distinguishes those that defeated the most dogs of other
breeds by placing in the Non-Sporting Group, winning Reserve Best in Show or Best
in Show, or having won BOB or BOS at Chow Specialty Shows. The Top Five Bitches
recognizes those Bitches that have defeated the most Chows by winning Best of Breed
or Best of Opposite Sex. We also recognize the Top Ten Owner-Handled Chows which
is totally voluntary and we rely on the Owner/Handler to submit their breed points at
the end of the year to be considered.

Not interested in Conformation? That’s not all that’s recognized at the National Awards
Banquet and in the Summer Issue of Chow Life. We recognize the Top Ten Chows in
Obedience, Rally and Agility. It doesn’t matter if you are just starting out and earning
your first performance title, or competing at the highest levels – we celebrate them all.
In this issue you will find the Awards Section from the CCCI Rules & Procedures,
which lays out exactly how every possible ranking is calculated. You will also find the
section from the R & P that covers our Register of Merit and Circle of Honor. These
are CCCI titles awarded to dogs and bitches based on their progeny rather than the
Chows themselves. They are a testament to quality in a breeding program. In fact,
Breeders, Stud Dogs and Brood Bitches can earn Circle of Honor levels based on the
number of ROM Chows they have produced. Stud Dogs and Brood Bitches can earn
levels of the Register of Merit based not just Champion get, but also progeny that have
contributed in many other ways, be it health testing, performance, or
accomplishments in the show ring. All of the possibilities are
listed in the ROM/COH section of the R & P which you will
find in this issue.
So how about it? Look through this issue. What do you want
to do? What do you think you can do? The only way to be
among the Awards Pages is to get out there and work for
it, whether it be showing your dog in Conformation or
training for a performance venue. Not everyone can be
#1, and not everyone will make the top ten. But no matter
where you end up on your journey, you will become a better
partner and closer to your Chow. So, take that first step and
remember, you aren’t alone. You have your Chow by your
side. They won’t care where you end up as long as you’re there
together.
4