Classes for this competition are simplified to permit judges to take the time necessary to make new exhibitors and their puppies comfortable with a new experience. of this special competition is completely separate from the regular class judging.
One combined class, not divided by sex, will be offered for breeds and varieties of dogs that are at least four months and under six months of age on the day of the competition and divided into groups. All of the puppies of the same breed or variety are exhibited in the same class and the only placements are Best of Breed/Variety (BOB) and Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed/Variety (BOS). Each of the BOB winners advances to the Group Competition and nine group winners (FSS and Miscellaneous Class breeds comprise the two additional groups) advance to Best 4 to 6 Month Beginner Puppy in Show.
Judges of the 4 to 6 Month Beginner Puppy competition may exhibit on the same day(s) that they judge.
Experience judging a breed in the 4 to 6 Month Beginner Puppy Competition may be included as an educational experience when applying to the AKC for approval to judge that breed. Domestic judges who have an AKC Judge number and have been approved to judge any Conformation breeds are eligible to judge this special competition. A judge does not have to be approved for a specific breed or group to judge that breed or group in the 4 to 6 Month Beginner Puppy Competition.