How Puppies Earn the Puppy of Achievement (POA)
The Puppy of Achievement is a first goal for show puppies. Points come from Beginner Puppy competition and the regular puppy classes, so young dogs can be recognized before they compete for championship points.
Track Your Progress
Track Your ProgressFree, in the Puppy of Achievement Calculator. Nothing to sign up for.
What the POA takes
- 10 POA points
- Earned before the puppy turns 12 months old or finishes a championship
- From Beginner Puppy wins and first places in the regular puppy classes
Step by step
- Enter Beginner Puppy (4 to 6 months) or the 6 to 9 and 9 to 12 month classes.
- Win your class or Beginner Puppy Best of Breed, Opposite Sex or Group for points.
- Add them up to 10.
- Apply to AKC for the certificate.
The titles around it
POA - Puppy of Achievement (this page)
A certificate for puppies that earn 10 points from Beginner Puppy wins and from first places in the regular puppy classes, before turning 12 months old or finishing a championship.
CH - Champion
15 championship points including 2 majors (wins of 3, 4 or 5 points) under 2 different judges, with some of the other points under a third judge.
Major - Major win
A win worth 3, 4 or 5 points. A champion needs 2 under different judges; a grand champion needs 3.
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
How many points is a puppy class first worth?
A first place in the 6 to 9 month, 9 to 12 month or Bred-by-Exhibitor puppy class earns POA points; the POA calculator shows the value for each win.
Does the POA count toward a championship?
No. POA points are separate from championship points.
Is POA a title?
It is a certificate AKC awards, not a title that goes in front of the dog's name.