In the process of breeding dogs, cynologists must decide what valuable qualities any particular dog should have to contribute into the breed. There are sufficient differences between methods of evaluation of hunting dogs by FCI and RCF. One major difference is in the fact that Russian cynologists base their judgment results of complex rating of dogs called bonitation (bonitirovka in Russian). The purpose of this article is to familiarize foreign dog breeders with rules of bonitation used in Russia for purebred dog breeding.

First, I will describe conformation marks given to dogs at dog shows in Russia, «Excellent», «Very Good», «Good» and «Satisfactory».

«Excellent» and «Very Good» are given to dogs with conformation, which adheres to requirements of the breed standard, with well defined differences between sexes, bone and muscle structure, anatomically correct head and locomotion. Dogs with the designation «Excellent» can have only have insignificant deviations which are unimportant for breeding purposes. Dogs with the designation «Very Good» can have some insignificant deviations from the standard. Dogs with the designation «Good» are typical of the breed, but with no more than two «not disqualifying» faults, such as poor dimorphism between sexes or body structure that is undesirable for the breed. Dogs with the designation «Satisfactory» have several deficiencies and more than two faults rendering them unsuitable for breeding. However, conformation rating is only a part of bonitation.

Rules for complex rating of dogs or bonitation were developed in Russia (former USSR) by animal breeding experts and cynologists and introduced into practice in 1951. The word, bonitation, originated from the Latin word bonitas, which means high quality. Therefore, bonitation is a tool for rating dogs by their breeding value and selection of the best breeding stock dogs. High class breeding quality dogs include dogs which have passed field trials conducted under supervision of three certified experts and awarded certificates for the best performance. Besides, these dogs should have ratings at the dog show with scores not less than «Good». When the dog had passed bonitation testing, it is placed in a certain class, according to the number of earned points.

Bonitation is done at the dog show right after evaluation of dog»s conformation. Expertise of the conformation is conducted at specially organized show rings. Dogs are grouped by breed, sex and age. The junior group includes dogs of 10-16 months of age, medium age group includes dogs 1.5 to 3 years old and the older group includes 3-10 years old dogs. Testing is conducted by one expert with three appointed assistants. They use visual comparative analysis. Conformation is judged by watching the dog standing and moving. Dogs of superior conformation are moved ahead of dogs with inferior conformation. For better evaluation of conformation, measurements of the dog are taken, height at shoulder, oblique length of body, etc. At the same time, temperament and behavior of the dog are also evaluated.

During evaluation of dog»s conformation, its condition is important. At the show, the dog must be in a so-called «show condition». If the dog is in working condition, this would likely diminish its rating points at the show, but if the dog is emaciated or fat, either one would be a fault. Depending on the conformation mark, dogs are given quality ranks in number of points: «Excellent» (40 points), «Very Good» (30 points), and «Good» (20 points). For a score of «Excellent» or «Very Good» the dog must be a high quality representative of his breed. Scores «Good» and «Satisfactory» are given to average typical of the breed dogs. Dogs rated as «Satisfactory» do not receive any points. I should emphasize that dogs with rating score «Good» are restricted for use in breeding programs and dogs with rating mark «Satisfactory» are excluded from breeding.

When the dog passed expertise at the conformation ring, it is ready for the next step, which is bonitation.

Dogs eligible for bonitation MUST have certificates awarded for results recorded at field trials with wild or captured animals. I should mention that a certificate awarded at field trials with wild game result in a higher number of points than a certificate awarded for trials with captured game. Dogs without field trials certificates receive rating for conformation at the show only, but not allowed to pass bonitation and, thus, cannot be included in any breeding class. They are only utility dogs.

Bonitation requires evaluating dogs by the following qualitative elements:

• Quality by offspring
• Working qualities
• Conformation
• Origin (pedigree)

Data on each quality element are taken out of «Certificate for the Hunting Dog» or out of «Certificate of Origin of Puppy», which are issued with complete information by a cynologist of the club and confirmed by club seal.

Quality by Offspring is quality of parents estimated by quality of their direct offspring (puppies of the first generation). This means if their puppies earned field certificates for hunting ability and conformation mark of not less than «good». The dog receives a certain number of points for each puppy depending on his show rating and field trials certificate. Thus, «Excellent» earns 3 points, «Very Good» earns 2 points and «Good» earns 1 point; Certificate I degree earns 3 points, Certificate II degree earns 2 points and Certificate III degree earns 1 point. Only six of the best puppies are taken into account for bonitation.

Working Qualities are determined the first (basic) and additional (secondary) certificate.

Values of certificates in number of points are as follows:

• Certificate III degree – 30 points
• Certificate II degree- 35 points
• Certificate I degree – 40 points

Additional (secondary) certificates:

• Certificate III degree – 5 points
• Certificate II degree – 8 points
• Certificate I degree – 10 points

To encourage hunters to maintain versatility of dogs capable of hunting different kinds of game, special certificates for versatility are established:

• Certificate I degree – 3 points
• Certificate II degree – 2 points
• Certificate III degree – 1 point

Conformation:

Good – 20 points

Very Good – 30 points

Excellent – 40 points

Points for conformation are calculated based on results of the current show. For example, if the dog was given the score «Very Good» at one dog show, he receives 30 points for conformation. If the same dog receives «Excellent» at another show a month later, at the next bonitation testing, it is given 40 points.

Origin of dog (Pedigree)

• If the dog has four complete recorded generations of ancestors, he receives 16 points.
• If one of the parents has a field trial certificate, the dog receives 18 points.
• If both parents have field certificates, the dog receives 20 points. This is the highest rating for the origin.

Dogs imported from other countries are allowed in class «Elite», if they have 16 points for the origin.

Bonitation designates four breeding classes. The decision regarding which of the four classes the dog should be placed, is determined by a set of minimal requirements specific to the breed. Minimal requirements are described below:

The Russian Psovaya Borzaya (Borzoi)

Class Elite and Great Gold Medal.

• Two certificates, among which one certificate of II degree and one additional certificate;
• or one certificate of II degree and any certificate for «aggressiveness» in single dog hunting test (40 points);
• conformation score «Very Good» (30 points);
• four complete rows of known ancestors (18 points);
• offspring of sire line should include 2 puppies (8 points) and total number of points 96;
• offspring of dam line should include one puppy (4 points) and total number of points 92.

First Pedigree Class and Minor Gold Medal.

• Two certificates of III degree (one of them for single dog hunting test);
• or one certificate of III degree and any individual certificate for «aggressiveness» (35 points);
• conformation score «Very Good» (30 points);
• and four complete rows of ancestors (16 points);
• total number of points 81.

Note: «Aggressiveness» is a fearless attitude towards a captured wolf.

Second Pedigree Class and Great Silver Medal.

• One certificate of III degree or any degree certificate for «aggressiveness» in single dog hunting test;
• or two certificates of III degree for hunting in a pair for «aggressiveness» (30 points);
• conformation «Good» (20 points;
• and four complete rows of ancestors (16 points);
• Total number of points required is 66.

Third Pedigree Class and Minor Silver Medal.

• One certificate if III degree for «aggressiveness» hunted in pair (15 points); conformation «Good» (20 points);
• and three complete rows of ancestors (14 points);
• Total number of points is 49.

The Tazy, the Taigan and the Afghan Sighthound.

Class Elite and Great Gold Medal.

• One certificate of II degree and any secondary certificate of II degree;
• and any certificate for «aggressiveness» in single dog hunting test (40 points);
• conformation «Very Good» (30 points);
• origin regardless of number of recorded ancestors, but data about the parents are needed (10 points);
• 2 puppies of offspring of sire line (8 points);
• and offspring of dam line (4 points);
• Total number of points required for a male is 88, and for a female this number is 84.

First Pedigree Class and Minor Gold Medal.

• Two certificates of III degree (among them, one for single dog hunting test);
• or one certificate of III degree and any single hunting certificate for «aggressiveness» (35 points);
• conformation «Very Good» (30 points);
• origin regardless of number of registered ancestors, but data about the parents are necessary (8 points);
• Total number of points required is 73.

Second Pedigree Class and Great Silver Medal.

• Any certificate of III degree or certificate of any degree in single dog hunting test for «aggressiveness»;
• or two certificates of III degree in single dog hunting test for «aggressiveness» (30 points);
• conformation «good» (20 points);
• origin regardless of number recorded ancestors, but data about the parents is a must (6 points);
• Total number of points required is 56.

Third Pedigree Class and Great Silver Medal.

• One certificate of III degree for «aggressiveness» in two dog hunting test (15 points);
• conformation «good» (20 points);
• origin regardless of number of ancestors on record, but known parents ( 6 points);
• Total number of points required is 41.

Laikas

Class Elite and Great Gold Medal.

• Two certificates for single dog hunting test;
• one certificate of II degree for furbearing game, hoofed game and grouses birds;
• one certificate for trials with captured bear, duck retrieving and blood tracking (40 points);
• conformation «Very Good» (30 points);
• four complete rows of ancestors (18 points);
• offspring of sire line includes 2 puppies (8 points);
• Total number of points required for male is 96.
• Offspring of dam includes one puppy (4 points) and total number of points required for female is 92.

First Pedigree Class and Minor Gold Medal.

• One certificate of II degree for furbearing game in single dog hunting test and for hoofed game, grouses and captured bear;
• or two certificates of III degree, one of which is for the same game in single dog hunting test;
• certificate of III degree for captive bear hunter in pair (35 points);
• conformation «Very Good» (30 points);
• four complete rows of recorded ancestors (16 points);
• Total number of points is 81.

Second Pedigree Class and Great Silver Medal.

• One certificate of any degree in single dog hunting test or two certificates of III degree hunted in par for wild boar, hunted in pair for bear and blood tracking (20 points);
• conformation «Good» (20 points);
• and three complete rows of ancestors (16 points);
• Total number of points is 56.

Third Pedigree Class and Minor Silver Medal.

• One certificate of III degree for wild boar hunted in pair, bear hunted in pair;
• or any certificate for blood tracking (15 points);
• conformation «Good» (20 points);
• any number of recorded ancestors (8 points);
• Total number of points required is 43.

East Siberian Laikas are allowed to be placed in any class, if a complete two generations pedigree is on record. For Class Elite, 10 points are required, for First Class, 8 points and for Second Class, 6 points are required.

Gun dogs

Class Elite and Great Gold Medal.

• Two certificates, one of which is not less then II degree for upland game, waterfowl and grouses are needed;
• For continental pointing dogs additional certificate for waterfowl is allowed (40 points);
• conformation «Very Good» (30 points);
• four complete rows of ancestors (18 points);
• two puppies of sire line (8 points);
• and total number of points for male is 96;
• one puppy of dam line (4 points);
• and total number of required points for a female is 92.

First Class and Minor Gold Medal

• One certificate of II degree for hunting upland game and grouses;
• or two certificates of III degree for the same kinds of game;
• and an additional certificate for waterfowl;
• For continental gun dogs any certificate for wild boar or blood tracking (35 points);
• conformation «Very Good» (30 points);
• four complete rows of ancestors (16 points);
• Total number of required points is 81.

Second Class Certificate and Great Silver Medal.

• One certificate of III degree for upland game and grouses (30 points);
• conformation «Good» (20 points);
• and four complete rows of ancestors (16 points);
• Total number of points required is 66.

Third Class and Minor Silver Medal.

• One certificate of any degree for waterfowl, blood tracking and for wild boar baying (15 points);
• conformation «Good» (20 points);
• and four complete rows of ancestors;
• Total number of points required of 51.

Spaniels.

Class Elite and Great Gold Medal.

• Two field trial certificates, one of which is at least II degree for upland game, grouses, swamp birds and waterfowl (40 points);
• conformation «Very Good» (30 points);
• and four complete rows of ancestors (18 points);
• Offspring of sire line should include 2 puppies (8 points);
• total number of points for male is 96;
• on dam line one puppy (4 points) is needed;
• Total number of points required is 92.

First Class and Minor Gold Medal.

• One certificate of II degree or two certificates of III degree for the same kinds of game as listed above for Class Elite (35 points);
• conformation «Very Good (20 points);
• four complete rows of ancestors (16 points);
• Total number of points required is 81.

Second Class and Gread Silver Medal.

• One certificate of III degree for all kinds of game listed above (30 points);
• conformation «Good» (30 points);
• four complete rows of ancestors (16 points);
• Total number of points required is 76.

Third Class and Minor Silver Medal.

• One certificate of any degree for waterfowl, blood tracking and wild boar hunting (15 points);
• conformation «Good» (20 points);
• and four complete rows of ancestors (16 points);
• Total number of points being 51.

Terriers and Dachshunds.

Class Elite and Great Gold Medal.

• Two certificates, one of which is at least II degree for hunting ground hole animals in single dog hunting test;
• Additional (complementary) certificate of any degree (certificates for waterfowl do not count) (40 points);
• conformation «Very Good» (30 points);
• four complete rows of ancestors (18 points); offspring of sire includes 2 puppies (8 points);
• Total number of points for male is 96;
• offspring of dam includes one puppy (4 points);
• Total number of points for female is 92.

First Class and Minor Gold Medal.

• One certificate of II degree for ground hole hunting or two certificates of III degree, one of which must be for ground hole hunting (35 points);
• Certificates for waterfowl do not count; Conformation «Very Good» (30 points);
• and four complete rows of ancestors (16 points);
• Total number of points is 81.

Second Class and Great Silver Medal.

• One certificate of III degree for ground hole game (30 points);
• conformation «Good» (20 points);
• and four complete generations of ancestors (16 points);
• Total number of points is 66.

Third Class and Minor Silver Medal.

• One certificate of any degree for wild boar and moose in single dog hunting test, blood tracking, waterfowl or certificate for hunting wild boar in pair (15 points);
• conformation «Good» (20 points);
• and four complete generations of ancestors (16 points);
• Total number of points is 51.

Scent Hounds

Class Elite and Great Gold Medal.

• Two certificates of at least II degree for hare in single dog hunting test (40 points);
• conformation «Very Good» (30 points);
• and four complete rows of ancestors (18 points);
• offspring of sire should include 2 puppies (8 points) and total number of points is 96;
• one puppy of dam (4 points) and total number of points is 92;
• Offspring are evaluated by the ability to hunt hare and fox only.

First Class and Minor Gold Medal.

• One certificate of III degree for hunting hare singly or two certificates of III degree for hunting hare in pairs (35 points);
• conformation «Very Good» (30 points);
• and four complete rows of ancestors (16 points);
• Total number of points required is 81.

Second Class and Minor Silver Medal.

• One III degree certificate for hunting hare or fox singly or two certificates of III degree for hunting in pairs (20 points);
• conformation «Very Good»(20 points);
• and three complete rows of ancestors (14 points);
• Total number of points required is 54.

Third Class and Minor Silver Medal.

One certificate of any degree for wild boar hunting, blood tracking or waterfowl (15 points);

conformation «Good» (20 points);

and three complete rows of ancestors (14 points);

Total number of points required is 54.

Junior group dogs of any breed, without a certificate for hunting, are evaluated by their conformation only. They are given metal pendants: a large silver pendant for conformation «Very Good», a smaller silver pendant for «Good» and no pendant allowed for «Satisfactory» dogs.

Dogs of junior group, which had earned certificates for hunting, in addition to metal pendants, are given medals according to their rating results by conformation and class rating.

As a result of the complex rating (bonitation), dogs taken first places in Class Elite (one male and one female) are selected as «Champions of Show» and awarded «Great Gold Medal».

High class rating results are recorded in «Certificate of the Hunting Dog» with marks for conformation, total number of earned points, class rating and awards. Owners of dogs, which had been included in Elite Class, receive certificates with records earned by their dogs, place at the bonitation show rink and conformation mark. Dog show with open competition is organized at least at an administrative Province level. Shows conducted by local kennel clubs, city, districts or several districts shows can not designate show champions.

As you can see, «Russian Complex Evaluation» of hunting dogs is well balanced, including conformation, temperament and hunting qualities. It helps to select best dogs for further breeding.