A Title is a tribute to the dog that bears it, a way to honor the dog, an ultimate memorial. It will remain in the record and in the memory for about as long as anything in this world can remain. Few humans will do as well or better in that regard. And though the dog himself doesn't know or care that his achievements have been noted, a Title says many things in the world of humans, where such things count.
A Title says your dog was intelligent, and adaptable, and good-natured. It says that your dog loved you enough to do the things that please you, however crazy they may have sometimes seemed.
A Title says that you loved your dog that you loved to spend time with him because he was a good dog, and that you believe in him enough to give him yet another chance when he failed, and that, in the end, your faith was justified.
A Title proves that your dog inspired you to have the special relationship enjoyed by so few; that in a world of disposable creatures, this dog with a Title was greatly loved, and loved greatly in return. And when that dear short life is over, the Title remains as a memorial of the finest kind, the best you can give to a deserving friend, volumes of praise in one small set of initials before or after the name.
A Title is nothing less than love and respect, given and received permanently -Sandy Mowery (writer for Front & Finish)
What do all those letters mean, and why they are important- Titles in BOLD are offered by the NCA
Some titles you may see before a dog's registered name:
CH (champion) may be connected with-
Am- American
Can- Canadian
Int- International
if not connected to a country, it is assumed to mean American Champion
GCH- Grand Champion (may include B, S, G, or P indicating bronze, silver, gold or platinum)
VN (Versitile Newfoundland) means that a dog has earned the following- American Championship, AKC CD (obedience), NCA Draft Dog and Water Rescue Dog
WA (Working Achievement Award)- means that a dog has earned at least 6 upper level working, obedience or performance titles.
Some titles you may see following a dog's registered name:
CD- Companion Dog
CDX- Companion Dog Excellent
UD- Utility Dog
DD- Draft Dog or DDX - Draft Dog Excellent
ROM- Register of Merit
TDD- Team Draft Dog
TD- Tracking Dog
THD - Therapy Dog
TDI- Therapy Dog International
WD- Water Dog
WRD- Water Rescue Dog
WRDX- Water Rescue Dog Excellent
CGC- Canine Good Citizen