Each dog is given a written critique of approximately 20-59 words, which the judge dictates to the ring steward in his/her own language. The critique should include the judges overall assessment of the dog and its quality, and it should cover the main merits and faults of the dog. The critique for non-first prize winner should, preferably, indicate the reason for the grading. A copy of the critique is given to each exhibitor at the conclusion of the breed judging. 

In every class, each dog is first judged individually against the breed standard of the Fèdèration Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and graded according to its quality. The grades range from the first prize to the third. There is also provision for excusing and disqualifying exhibits. Very Highly Commended is a first prize which is awarded as dogs are placed in order of merit. It is in effect, a statement that, in the judge's opinion, a dog receiving this prize is worth of the champion title. It is also a prerequisite for later participation in the Best Dog/Best Bitch Class. 

Champions/specials have no class of their own but compete with non-champions. However, only non-champions are eligible to receive the certificate (CAC) in the Best Dog/Best Bitch Class. Therefore the Best Dog/Best Bitch does not necessarily receive the CAC because it is awarded to non-champions only. 

No Reserve CAC or Reserve Winner titles is awarded. 
The judge cannot withhold a CAC once he/she has awarded VHC, which already denotes champion quality, to a dog. 

The Kennel Union of Estonia defines the various grades as follows: 

First prize (red ribbon) - in general appearance, a very good dog whose merits in conformation are so great and faults so minor that it can be graded as a very good specimen of the breed. 

Second prize (blue ribbon) - in general appearance, a very good dog whose faults in structure and conformation are not so obvious that it cannot be graded as a good specimen of the breed. 

Third prize (yellow ribbon) - in general appearance, an adequate dog whose faults in structure and conformation do not make it an inferior representative of the breed. 

0-prize (gray ribbon) - disqualifying fault under the breed standard in type, conformation and temperament. The prize constitutes disqualification for the duration of the show only, it does not prevent the dog from being exhibited at later shows.

EVH cannot be judged/excused (brown ribbon) - means that the judge cannot decide the dog`s grading on the day because dog cannot be properly judged (lacking ring training, lame etc). 

VHC/SK Very Highly Commended/Certificate Qualification (pink ribbon or rosette) - on the day an excellent dog in general appearance with so few structural faults that it can be regarded worthy of the title of the champion. 

EAH Prize of Honour (lilac ribbon or rosette) - on the day excellent dog of Junior Class or Veteran Class in general appearance with so few structural faults that it can be regarded worthy more than first grade, but not a VHC. The judge can also award a EAH to the best male and best female puppy in the Puppy Class. 
 
 



The judging proceeds as follows: 

Males are judged first, followed by bitches. 

Puppy class (unofficial class) - for puppies from 6 months to 9 months. The judge gives a critique on each exhibit and places them in order of merit. There is not grading in this class. The judge can award a EAH to the best male and best female puppy in the Puppy Class, if he/she wants to. If both receive EAH, the judge selects the Best Puppy in Breed who will later participate in the Best Puppy in Show competition. 

Junior Class - for dogs from 9 months to 15 months. Each dog is first graded individually against the breed standard and awarded a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 0 or EVH depending on how the judge assesses the dogs` quality. Each dog receives a written critique. Then all 1st prize winners are placed in order of merit from one to five (I-V place). In order to follow the judging more easily, the ring steward gives the exhibitor a ribbon. The colour of ribbon shows, which place the dog has received. The ribbon must immediately be tied to the dog´s leash and kept there during the whole show.
Places: 
1- red  2-blue 3-yellow  4-dark green  5-light green
After placing judge awards as many VHCs among the placed dogs as he/she sees fit (or none at all).

Intermediate Class - for dogs from 15 months to 24 months. The procedure is the same as in the Junior Class. 

Open Class - for dogs from 24 months. The procedure is the same as in the Junior Class.

Working Class/Field Trial - for dogs over 15 months old who have won a prize at a field or working trial which is typical for the breed in question. The procedure is the same as in the Junior Class.

Veteran Class - for dogs over 7 years old. The procedure is the same as in the Junior Class. The Best Veteran of the Breed will be selected from the winners of this class provided that they have received a VHC when the class was placed in order of merit. The Best Veteran of the Breed will participate in the Best Veteran in Show competition. 

Best Dog/Best Bitch - for the dogs or bitches who have received a VHC in previous classes. In this class, the judge places five dogs in order of merit and awards certificate (CAC) to the first eligible dog. The dog is not eligible to receive the CAC (a blue-black-white rosette), if: 
- he/she is a Estonian champion 
- he/she has already got CAC from the same judge in Estonia
- he/she has already got two CACs in Estonia and he/she is not yet 24 months
If all five placed dogs cannot receive the CAC, the CAC will not be awarded. Up to 25 dogs or 25 bitches can compete in this class, or into the other extreme, none at all, depending on how many VHCs the judge has awarded in previous classes. If none have been awarded, no CAC can be awarded either, and there will be no Best Dog or Best Bitch.

CACIBs at International Shows - the FCI international certificates CACIBs (a white rosette and reserve-CACIBs (a orange rosette) will be awarded at the conclusion of the Best Dog/Best Bitch Class to dogs who are over 15 months old and are not International Champions. 

Best of Breed - is selected among the Best Dog and the Best Bitch. The Best of Breed receives a red-yellow rosette while the Best of Opposite Sex receives a green-white rosette.

Breeders Class - for a group of four dogs bred by the same breeder out of at least two different litters. All four is required to participate in regular classes and have to receive a first prize in the grading. The judge dictates a written critique on the group and awards a first prize. If the group in judge`s option is even and and high quality, the judge can award a EAH. If there are several breeder`s groups in the class, the judge places them in order of merit, and can award all groups EAHs. If the winning group has received a EAH, it will compete for the Best Breeder`s Group in Show. 

Progeny Class - for a group of four dogs sired by the same dog or whelped by the same bitch from at least two different litters. The stud dog or the brood bitch will be presented. The procedure is the same as in the Breeders Class. 

Group Competitions/Best in Show - in the finals, judge places five dogs in order of merit in every FCI Group. Winners of the groups will compete in hte Best in Show. 

 

Champion titles


 
To become an Estonian Champion (EST CH), a dog needs three certificates (CAC) from different judges at dog shows taken place in Estonia. At least the last CAC have to be received in the Open Class which means that dog have to be over 24 months old for accepting the last CAC. 

If a dog is already champion of any member country of FCI, he/she needs only one CAC in Estonia for becoming EST CH. 

To become an International Champion (INT CH), a dog needs four international certificates (CACIB) from different judges at international dog shows taken place in three different countries.