Judging System – Country Competition of the Dutch Bull Terrier Club (NBTC)

Please note: This information is available in English only, due to the international nature of the Country Competition and its participants from around the world.

Event Overview

Since its successful debut during the NBTC anniversary show, the Country Competition has grown into a cherished international tradition. Starting in 2006, it has been held annually on the Sunday following the NBTC Championship Show on Saturday. While originally focused on European countries, the competition now proudly welcomes participants from other continents as well, making it a truly global celebration of the Bull Terrier breed.

Team Eligibility Reminder

Dogs competing as part of a national team must be born in the country they represent. While they may reside elsewhere, their eligibility is strictly tied to their country of birth. This ensures fair representation and consistency across all teams.

Class Arrangement

Competing Bull Terriers will be divided into four (4) classes:

• ​Dogs up to 24 months of age.  
• ​Dogs older than 24 months      
• ​Bitches up to 24 months of age
• ​Bitches older than 24 months.  

Country Delegations

Each participating country may delegate two Bull Terriers per class, resulting in a maximum of 8 Bull Terriers per country for the entire show. Additionally, each country is allowed to register one reserve Bull Terrier per class, who may replace a delegated dog in case of unforeseen circumstances or withdrawal prior to the start of the show.

Ring Numbers

Each Bull Terrier will receive a unique ring number. To maintain objectivity, these numbers will NOT be linked to the country of origin. The names of the Bull Terriers, their countries, and their ring numbers will remain undisclosed to the judges.

Judging System

As this is a country-based competition rather than a traditional dog show, the usual Dutch ratings (Excellent, Very Good, Good, Mediocre) will not be used. Instead, a point-based system will be applied, one that has been successfully used for years at the NBTC’s annual puppy show.

Three judges will independently evaluate each Bull Terrier in the ring. There will be no consultation between judges during the judging process. Once all dogs in the class have been individually assessed by each judge, but before the point allocation begins, the movement of each Bull Terrier will be evaluated by all three judges together. This gait assessment is conducted without any discussion or consultation between the judges, ensuring that each judge maintains an independent opinion throughout the process.

After this, each judge will assign points to the 11 best Bull Terriers in the class as follows:

First place:​ 12 points.     
Runner-up: ​10 points     
Third place:​  9 points.    
Fourth place:​  8 points   
Fifth place:​  7 points      
Sixth place:​  6 points.    
Seventh place:​  5 points 
Eighth place:​  4 points.   
Nineth place:​  3 points.   
Tenth place:​  2 points.     
Eleventh place:​  1 point.  

Competitors not ranked in the top 11 will receive no points.

After judging, each judge will submit their score sheet to the jury table. Judges are only responsible for assigning points in the ring. A special committee will then verify and tally the scores after each class to ensure accuracy and transparency.

Class Winners

The committee will calculate the total score for each Bull Terrier and then combine the scores of the two competitors from each country per class. The country with the highest combined score will win that class and receive a trophy. The runner-up country will also be awarded.

In case of a tie, the country with the most 12-point rankings in that class will be declared the winner. If still tied, the number of 10-point rankings will be considered, and so on, until a winner is determined.

After each class, the individual scores of all Bull Terriers are written on a scoreboard, allowing spectators to follow the progress of the competition. However, the results of the final class will not be displayed until the overall winner and runner-up have been officially announced via microphone. Once this announcement has been made, the individual scores of the final class will also be added to the scoreboard.

Overall Show Winner

All points awarded throughout the four classes will count toward the country’s total score. The country with the highest overall score will win the NBTC Country Competition and receive a special, unique trophy.

If a tie occurs, the same tie-breaking method will apply: the country with the most 12-point rankings will win; if still tied, the number of 10-point rankings will be considered, and so on.

Every point matters, even a single point could determine the final outcome. This system ensures excitement and suspense until the very last class.

The Board of the NBTC