AKC Rules Of Engagement: NOHS

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290 – July, 2025

By Caroline Coile

How well do you know your AKC rules? Most people don’t bother to really study them until they unwittingly violate one and their dog loses its win–or worse. I’d advise everyone to sit down with the ‘AKC Rules Applying to Dog Shows’ before even entering their first show. I know I did. Even so, it seems every new reading reveals something I didn’t know before—and yes, I’ve lost wins because I thought I knew the rules when it turned out I didn’t. So this is the first of a series of common questions and misunderstandings when it comes to AKC rules, starting with one of the most misunderstood areas, NOHS. By the way, feel free to send any rules questions and I’ll try to research them and include them in future installments.

NOHS

1. You entered the Amateur-Owner-Handler class, but did not check the NOHS-eligible box. Your dog goes WD. Are you eligible for NOHS BOB? Yes. “Entries into the Amateur-Owner-Handler class are automatically entered into the NOHS.”

2. You take your friend’s dog to some shows, and your friend helps out with expenses in exchange. Can you show in NOHS? Yes. “A professional handler is defined as any person who belongs or has belonged to a professional handlers’ organization, distributed rate cards, or otherwise advertised or represented themselves as handling dogs for pay within the last five years.” Generally accepting expense money is considered fine for purposes of NOHS eligibility.

Click here to read the complete article
290 – July, 2025

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