How to Earn the Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
The Canine Good Citizen is AKC's test of good manners at home and in the community. It is open to every dog, purebred or mixed, and is a common first title.
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What the CGC takes
- CGC: pass all 10 test items with an AKC-approved evaluator
- CGCA: the Community Canine test, after the CGC
- CGCU: the Urban CGC, all 10 items in a city setting, after the CGC
Step by step
- Practice everyday manners: greeting a stranger, walking politely, sit and down on cue, coming when called.
- Find an AKC-approved CGC evaluator.
- Pass all 10 items in one test.
- Go on to the Community Canine and Urban CGC.
The titles around it
CGC - Canine Good Citizen (this page)
Needs 1 CGC test passed (10 test items).
CGCA - AKC Community Canine
Needs 1 Community Canine test passed (after the CGC).
CGCU - AKC Urban CGC
Needs 1 Urban CGC test passed (all 10 items, after the CGC).
Requirements from the current AKC regulations. AKC records a title once it processes the results; check your dog's AKC record. Every AKC title, A to Z.
Common questions
Can mixed breeds earn the CGC?
Yes. Every dog can take the Canine Good Citizen test.
How many tries does the CGC take?
One pass. A dog must pass all 10 items in one test.
Is the CGC needed for therapy work?
Many therapy dog organizations ask for it or a similar test, though AKC's Therapy Dog titles count visits with those organizations.