The Reading Room • Conformation Guides
Your dog finished its championship. Now the real climb begins: 25 points to Grand Champion, then Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum — 800 points at the top of the mountain. Here’s the ladder, how the points work, and how to track every step.
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What it takes to become a Grand Champion
The Grand Championship is a second championship, earned only in Best of Breed competition, against finished champions. Your dog needs:
- 25 Grand Champion points total
- At least three majors (wins worth 3–5 points) under three different judges
- Remaining points under at least a fourth judge
- A Champion of Record defeated at three of the shows where points were earned
Where the points come from
After Best of Breed judging, the judge may award up to four placements that earn GCH points: Best of Breed, Best of Opposite Sex, Select Dog, and Select Bitch. Awards of Merit earn no points. For the full counting mechanics — Select Dog/Bitch math, worked examples — see our companion piece How Grand Champion Points Work.
The ladder: Bronze to Platinum
Here’s the beautiful part: every GCH point is cumulative. The 25 that earned the GCH count toward Bronze, and everything keeps stacking:
Grand Champion achievement levels
Each level changes the prefix: GCHB, GCHS, GCHG, GCHP. The AKC sends a medallion and certificate at every level.
How to think about the climb
GCH (25) is a campaign — majors under four judges, planned weekends, targeted entries. Bronze (100) is a season of consistent winning. Silver (200) and beyond are a lifestyle: a specials dog campaigned seriously, year after year.
Most dogs never get past GCH. That’s fine — it’s still a championship most exhibitors never touch. But if your dog keeps winning, the ladder is there.
Glossary
- GCH — Grand Champion: 25 GCH points with the major/judge requirements met.
- GCHB / GCHS / GCHG / GCHP — Bronze (100), Silver (200), Gold (400), Platinum (800) cumulative points.
- Select Dog / Select Bitch — Best champion dog/bitch after BOB and BOS. Earns GCH points.
- Champion of Record — A dog whose championship the AKC has officially recorded.
Sources: AKC Grand Championship, AKC: Counting Grand Champion Points. Verify current rules with the official rulebook.
Frequently asked questions
What does it take to become a Grand Champion?
25 Grand Champion points, at least three majors under three different judges, remaining points under a fourth judge, and a Champion of Record defeated at three of the shows where points were earned.
Who can earn Grand Champion points?
Only Champions of Record — dogs who have finished their AKC championship — and only in Best of Breed competition. Class dogs earn zero GCH points.
What are the Grand Champion levels after GCH?
Bronze at 100 cumulative points (GCHB), Silver at 200 (GCHS), Gold at 400 (GCHG), and Platinum at 800 (GCHP).
Do the 25 points for GCH count toward Bronze?
Yes. Every GCH point is cumulative — the 25 that earned the title count toward the 100 needed for Bronze.
Can a class dog earn GCH points with a big win?
No. Only Champions of Record earn GCH points, and only in Best of Breed competition. A class dog’s wins earn regular championship points, not GCH points.
What’s the difference between this guide and your GCH points article?
This guide is the ladder and the climb — requirements, levels, and tracking. Our companion article How Grand Champion Points Work covers the counting mechanics: Select Dog/Bitch math and worked examples.
Track your progress on ThePetAdvisor
Log every GCH point, watch the climb from GCH to Platinum, and plan your specials weekends.