Zackshine Lady Gaga makes us proud once again
Our participation in Crufts 2026 ends with a Res CC on a group of 120 beautiful Westies awarded to multiple Zackshine champion Lady Gaga.
Special thanks to Valerio Bovienzo for taking care of the mantle and her heart, she being his love. Thanks to the many friends who helped us Celso Mollo, Veronica Ciulla, Ana Gajzer and Pia Micheelsen; Giuseppe Ippolito Orietta Bonaldo Piera Bacuzzi for the fantastic company.
Thank you to judge Julie Coley for being so appreciative of the little dog.
To understand what a Reserve Challenge Certificate (RCC) is, we must imagine the world of British dog shows (such as Crufts) as a climb to Olympus.
At Crufts you don’t just win a cup; you win “titles” that are worth a career.
Here is a simple guide to orient you.
1. Background: What is the “Challenge Certificate” (CC)?
Before you understand the “reserve,” you need to know the main prize. In Britain, to make a dog a Champion, you don’t need dozens of wins, but you do need 3 special ones: the Challenge Certificates (CC).
-A CC is awarded to the best male and best female of each breed.
It is the “golden ticket” issued by the British Kennel Club.
2. The Reserve Challenge Certificate (RCC): The Silver Medal
The Reserve Challenge Certificate is, quite simply, the award for the second best dog of the corresponding sex.
After the judge has chosen the CC winner (number 1), he calls to himself all the remaining dogs that won their respective categories, plus the dog that came second behind the CC winner. From these, he chooses the “reserve.”
Why does it matter if it’s not first place?
Although it doesn’t directly count toward the Champion title (in most cases), the RCC is a prestigious award for three reasons:
– The prestige: Coming second out of hundreds of dogs at Crufts is an incredible feat.
– The genetic value: For breeders, a dog with many RCCs is still considered a very high quality subject.
– The “Promotion” (Rare): If for some reason the CC winner is disqualified, the RCC will “climb” and become a full CC.
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3. The RCC’s “Super Power” at Crufts
There is one technical detail that makes the RCC highly coveted by owners: entry into the “Stud Book.”
In England, if a dog wins an RCC in a major show such as Crufts, it gets a special registration number in the studbook of champions.
The practical benefit? A dog that has won an RCC at Crufts is qualified for life to participate in Crufts each year, without having to win any other qualifying competitions for the rest of its career.
In summary: A quick outline
| Award | Location | Value | Qualification Crufts |
| Challenge Certificate (CC) | 1st Best Male/Female | Fundamental (3 needed) | Qualified for life |
| Reserve CC (RCC) | 2nd Best Male/Female | Prestige, but does not count as CC | Qualified for life |
So if you see us celebrating a “Reserve” now you know why: Lady gaga just got an elite recognition and a perennial pass to the world’s most famous green carpet!
