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The AKC Owner-Handled (NOHS) Ranking, Explained

How the AKC National Owner-Handled Series ranks dogs shown by their owners: the points for each placement, the September-to-September year, and what it takes to make the NOHS Finals.

An owner proudly gaiting their own German Shepherd Dog in a show ring

How NOHS points are earned

The National Owner-Handled Series is a competition inside the regular show for dogs handled by their owners. Its placements earn NOHS points, and a dog earns every point for every placement it wins at a show - they add up.

NOHS points do not count toward championships - they are only for the Series.

The ranking year and the Finals

The NOHS qualifying year runs from September to the following September (AKC posts the exact dates each year). Dogs that finish in the top ten of their breed for the year, plus ties, are invited to compete at the NOHS Finals. AKC's rankings page shows each breed for the current year or the dog's lifetime points.

Add up a show or a whole year with the Owner-Handled Points Calculator; it also shows the Bronze (250), Silver (500), Gold (1,000) and Platinum (2,000) levels. Sources: AKC NOHS point scale and AKC NOHS Q and A.

Common questions

How many NOHS points is an Owner-Handled Group first?

30 points. Group second is 20, third 15 and fourth 10. Owner-Handled Best of Breed is 5 (10 at a national specialty), Reserve Best in Show 75 and Best in Show 100.

When does the NOHS ranking year start?

The qualifying year runs from September to the following September. AKC posts the exact dates for each year on its NOHS rankings page.

Who goes to the NOHS Finals?

The dogs ranked in the top ten of their breed for the qualifying year, plus ties.

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