Whilst Crufts and The Horse of the Year Show are fabulous competitions for those keen enough to chase qualifiers and travel to the finals, they are a long way from Scotland for the average competitor. Although Scotland had Championship, the CSJ Highland and Scottish Agility Dog of the Year, these competitions were aimed at the higher-grade dogs. Ian and Susan Malabar of Showtime Processing decided to introduce a more local competition, aimed at the Novice dogs. In 2016 they launched the Showtime Novice Cup.

The competition was originally for Large dogs of Grades 3,4 & 5, and the first qualifier attracted 253 entrants! The introduction of intermediate height plus the competitions popularity saw the Novice Cup enlarged to include all heights. Finalists are chosen from the top three of six heats

Rules
The Showtime Novice Cup is an agility competition for Small, Medium, Intermediate and Large dogs. It is judged under standard Kennel Club rules and regulations and is classified as Combined or Graded 3, 4 and 5. Where the heat is graded, the results will be combined for qualification to the finals. Any subsequent grade change will not alter a dog’s eligibility to compete in the Final.

There will be six heats, and all heights will have a trophy for 1st place and rosettes from 1st to 6th. The first three from each heat will go forward to the Finals which are split into two parts.

Once a dog has qualified for the Final, further heats may be entered for competition, but any placings will not affect the dog's eligibility for the Final. The handler that qualifies a dog for the Final will be the handler that competes in the Final.

Ian and Susan realised that this new competition, while showing what the novice dogs could do, was also a great place to showcase our younger judges whilst introducing them to the increased pressures of judging a final with many spectators. They proud that some of the Showtime Final judges have gone on to become some of our finest Championship judges.

The 2025 Finals
The finals for the 2025 event were held after the close of show at Dundee Championship show in August and Gleniffer Championship Show in September. Both were given great support and attracted a good crowd to cheer on all finalists.

The Medium and Large finals were judged by Francesca Grimshaw at Dundee Championship show, while the Small and intermediate finals were judged by Eilidh Murray at the Gleniffer Championship show.

Ian and Susan said, 'Our special thanks go to both judges who set fabulous flowing courses that were thoroughly enjoyed by competitors and spectators alike. And thanks for continued support must also go to all competitors who make this event what it is and the clubs who host the qualifiers throughout the year and, of course, Dundee and Gleniffer clubs for supporting our finals.

Congratulations go to the following for their amazing runs. Well done one and all!.'

2025 Results

 The Showtime Novice cup is now over for 2025 but will be back in 2026 to celebrate their 10^th year.

First published 17th September 2025

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