WCH Quali 2027

This qualification mode applies to the 2027 World Championship and is based on the provisions of the IRO World Championships Guidelines, from which all the principles not mentioned below can be found.

Conditions for qualification

• Participants in FL and T need to complete 2 SAR tests in level B of the chosen discipline at 2 different events.
• the average score on these tests must be at least 255 points.
• A single test must have a minimum score of at least 250 points
• Non-European citizens need to score at least 255 points in only one test.
• If it’s not possible to start with the same NRO, that is started at WCH, the results it must be defined with which NRO the DH starts at WCH
• For F and W disciplines there will be need only for 1 Quali test with the result not less than 260 points.
• Per one qualification test a DH can start with only one dog in one discipline. That means that DH can start in different discipline in another competition.
• According to the International Testing Regulations, a DH may participate in only one testing event on the same day and may lead a maximum of two dogs in that event. A dog may take a maximum of two tests at a single testing event, but only one test per day. Each test must be completed before the first section of the next test begins. 
  For each qualification test, even if a DH participates multiple times, only one test with one dog counts toward qualification. After the event ends, the DH must specify which test counts toward qualification.
• At different events, a DH may achieve valid qualification results in different disciplines with the same dog.

A qualifying test is:

• all IRO testing events (IRO testing event and national championship) and
  • any SAR tests that meet the following conditions
• it includes a ranking (competitive events like championships or similar tournaments).
• it is judged by at least two different judges who are either IRO judges or recognized FCI judges. (List IRO judges & List FCI judges).
• one judge is for nose work, the other for obedience
• at least 10 dog handlers at level B must take part in each test.
• it has to be registered by 1^st of November 2026 in IRO Office. Please inform the IRO Office about the name of the event, date, location and judges. If there is a change in the judge, the IRO office must be notified at least 3 days before the event.
• qualification tests that take place before November have to be registered before start of the test.
• it takes place during qualification period: 16.08.2026 until one day before the start of registration for WCH 2027.
• non-IRO-NROs can not register for qualification tests.
• the FCI WCH or similar events designated as a “WCH” will be recognized as qualifying examinations, provided that they have been registered within the specified deadline.

 Registration of qualifying test:

• qualifying tests must be registered by the organising NRO by sending an email to IRO office (ausbildung@iro-dogs.org, subject “WCH-quali event”) by 1st of November 2026.
• up to 3 qualifying tests are possible per country. If in the country are more than 3 NROs – then one is allowed to organise only 1 quali test.
• A judge who has already been allocated in one test per country cannot judge again in tests 2 and 3.
• please note that judges from IRO tests are not affected by this.
• the organizing NRO must send a complete results list within 5 days after the event. (Link Excel document).
• each DH has to load up the valid results of his dog into his personal IRO-profile

Starting places:

• each NRO is guaranteed one spot for a WCH starter with the highest total points across all disciplines.
• extra spots are allocated based on the results of ranking.

Results and rankings:

• the IRO will create a list of qualified dog handlers based on all valid results.
• one DH can start in qualification tests with several dogs and in different disciplines. Valid results will be shown in the qualification list, valid for qualification is the highest result unless the DH decides to start with the other dog.
• if there are the same points, the one who passed the IRO test has priority.
• if still tied, the one with higher nose work points has priority.
• results will be published on the IRO-WCH website: https://wch.iro-dogs.org

 How to register for WCH

• team leader of each NRO must register all team members online per IRO Portal.