AKC Certificate of Merit
For FSS and Miscellaneous Class breeds, CM points add up to the Certificate of Merit. ShowPoints counts them, and Puppy of Achievement points too.
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Fifteen points, then fifteen more.
15 CM points earn the CM. Every 15 after that adds a number, so the title keeps growing as long as your dog keeps winning.
One schedule for all
CM points use the same schedule for every breed, sex and division. One dog alone earns nothing; two competing earn a point.
They come from the Miscellaneous Class at championship shows, FSS Open Shows and 4–6 month Beginner Puppy competitions.
| Dogs competing | CM points |
|---|---|
2 dogs competing | 1 |
4 dogs competing | 2 |
8 dogs competing | 3 |
12 dogs competing | 4 |
16 dogs competing | 5 |
Puppy of Achievement
For puppies of fully recognized breeds, aged 4 to 12 months on the day. It's a one-time certificate, not a title, and there's no extra entry or fee.
- At dog showsfirst place in a regular puppy class
- At Beginner PuppyBest of Breed, Best of Opposite Sex, Group 1 and Best Puppy in Show
- Counting stopsonce the dog is a champion
| Dogs competing | POA points |
|---|---|
1 or 2 dogs competing | 1 |
3 or 4 dogs competing | 2 |
5 or more dogs competing | 3 |
CM and POA questions.
Which dogs earn CM points?
Dogs of Foundation Stock Service (FSS) and Miscellaneous Class breeds, in the Miscellaneous Class at championship shows, at FSS Open Shows and at 4–6 Month Beginner Puppy competitions.
What happens to a CM when the breed is recognized?
Once the breed is recognized, a championship (CH) supersedes the CM.
How does ShowPoints count a day with more than one CM award?
It counts only the day’s single highest award, up to 5 points. AKC’s rules don’t say how to combine awards from one day.
Is Puppy of Achievement a title?
No. POA is a one-time certificate. Puppies of fully recognized breeds need 10 POA points by the time they turn one, and there is no extra entry or fee.
Are the totals official?
No. ShowPoints adds up the results you enter. AKC’s records are the official ones, and ShowPoints is not affiliated with the AKC.
Every point counts
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