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What are the different types of Point shows? What does my dog have to know to show in Conformation? How does a dog become an AKC Champion of Record? How are the number of points awarded for a show determined? What does my dog have to know to show in Obedience? How does my dog get an Obedience title?
What is a Match? Matches are informal shows, usually for puppies, at which points towards an AKC championship may not be earned. Judges at matches are usually not licensed by the AKC and may be anyone that the club believes has the appropriate understanding of the breed. Judging at matches may be viewed as training for becoming a licensed AKC judge. Most Bulldogs are owner/handled. In other breeds professional handlers are used more frequently. A match is a chance to give a potential show dog experience in ring procedure in a real life setting. It also provides training for those new to handling dogs and helps relieve anxiety of new handlers about bring in the show ring. It should be a fun experience for both the dog and the handler. The classes in matches, divided by sex, are usually: 2-3 months, 3-4 months, 4-6 months, 6-9 months, 9-12 months in the puppy competition and Open in the Adult competition. Each of the puppy class winners competes for Best Puppy Dog or Best Puppy Bitch. These two then compete for Best Puppy in Match. The best Adult Dog and Best Adult Bitch compete for Best Adult in match. Specialty Matches, conducted by the local Bulldog Clubs, are especially fun to attend. Everyone has a laugh watching the owners try to get the 2-3 month olds to walk around the ring and you can see how your puppy stacks up against the ones the breeders kept. Matches start for puppies at two or three months, the announcements usually tell which. Just be sure your puppy's shots are current and he's not sick when you go. You don't want to bring or come home with any disease. What is a Futurity?A Futurity, sometimes called a Breeder’s Stakes, is a non-profit activity to encourage breeding better quality Bulldogs. The Futurity get its name from the fact that breeders are betting on the future, since you enter puppies before they are whelped. Any breeder who is a member of the club holding the Futurity may enter in the Futurity any AKC registered litter produced by their dam or sired by their stud. Eligible puppies sold may compete in the Futurity provided all eligibility requirements are fulfilled by the person nominating the litter or by the new owners with the nominator’s consent. Each entry requires a fee for the litter prior to whelping, a second fee per puppy kept eligible when the puppies are two months old, and a final fee per eligible puppy one month before the Futurity. These fees are pooled into prizes which are awarded to each of the top four placements for dogs and bitches. After 10% is deducted for administrative expenses, and any monies the Club adds, the pot is divided in half for each sex. Within each sex, first place gets 40%, second place get 30%, third place gets 20% and fourth place gets 10% of the total available. Back to Top of PageWhat is a Sweepstakes?A Sweepstakes is usually a competition for young dogs (between 6 months and 18 months old), judged by someone who has experience in the breed, but is not a licensed AKC judge. Sweepstakes are usually held in conjunction with AKC specialty shows, but may beheld at other times. The dogs and bitches who win their classes compete for Best in Sweepstakes. Depending on the club holding the Sweepstakes, they may award a Best of Opposite in Sweepstakes as well. There are no championship points earned in a Sweepstakes, but winning is prestigious. Sometimes, clubs will host Sweepstakes for another group. Veteran Sweepstakes is a more common variant. What are the different types of Point Shows?The types of AKC point shows you may encounter are: All-Breed Shows, Group Shows, and Specialty Shows. All-Breed shows may have dogs exhibiting from over 140 breeds recognized by the AKC. The exact number of breeds shown depends on the club giving the show and the entries received for that show. Clubs holding the shows may be either members clubs of the AKC or licensed by the AKC to hold shows. Not every breed has to be exhibited at any one show. The breeds are divided by the AKC into Groups for judging purposes. The Groups are: Group 1 -- Sporting Dogs; Group 2 -- Hounds; Group 3 -- Working Dogs; Group 4 -- Terriers; Group 5 -- Toys; Group 6 -- Non-Sporting Dogs; Group 7 -- Herding Dogs. Bulldogs are in the Non-Sporting Group, which contains dogs which no longer serve the original purpose for which they were bred. After competition within each breed, the Best of Breed or Variety for each Breed or Variety competes within its group. The first place winners in each group then compete for Best in Show. Judges at All-breed shows must be licensed AKC judges, but need not be bulldog breeders. Group shows are a fairly new phenomenon. The AKC permits clubs to form consisting of exhibitors from a single group. In this area, there is one club for our group, The Non-Sporting Group Club of the Garden State. This is a new club which expects to hold its first show in about a year. At the present time, it is holding matches to qualify for AKC membership. Specialty shows are held by Clubs which are devoted to a single breed. There are a number of clubs for Bulldogs. The parent club in the United States is the Bulldog Club of America (BCA). The local clubs usually are members of BCA. A specialty show may be held independently or in conjunction with an all-breed show. Usually specialty shows have judges who are experienced bulldog breeders in addition to being licensed AKC judges. Many clubs hold sweepstakes along with their specialty shows. Entries are usually higher at specialty shows, whether independent or part of an all breed show, than at all-breed shows without specialties. The largest entries are found at cluster shows, where you have 2 or three days of specialties held by different clubs at the same location. In the New York area, there are several weekends with entries of about 120 bulldogs at specialty shows. Best of Breed is the highest level of competition at independent specialties; at specialties held as part of all-breed shows, the Bulldog Best of Breed competes in the Group. There is one specialty show which is the premier specialty each year -- the National Show. Once each year in the Fall, the Bulldog Club of America holds its specialty show, usually supported by two other specialties. The entries at the national show run between 300 and 700, depending on the location and date. Each year, on a set schedule, the show moves to a different part of the country. In 2000, the show will be in Washington State; in 2001-- in Indiana; in 2002 -- Minnesota.
What do I and my dog have to know to show in Conformation? All puppies like to play. As you will see from you first match and show experiences, puppies in the ring will lick the judge's face, lie down when the judge comes to examine them, and show other creative attitudes towards life. This is part of learning to be a show dog and with training, patience and a good sense of humor, they will outgrow it. Among the books you may find helpful in getting started are How To Show Your Own Dog by Virginia Nichols (T.F.H. Publications, 1976) and The Forsyth Guide to Successful Dog Showing by Robert and Jane Forsyth (Howell Book House, 1975). For your dog to compete in conformation, a dog must be registered with the AKC and not have been altered, surgically or otherwise, to change its appearance. To succeed in obtaining a Championship of Record (Ch.) title, he should be as close to the Standard Bulldog as possible. Since no dog is perfect and each has different strengths and weaknesses, there is opportunity for many dogs to compete successfully in the ring. The following is what your dogs should learn to show in conformation. The rest depends on your dog (how well he matches the Bulldog Standard and how he looks that day), on you (how well you handle him in the ring), on the judge (how he interprets the Bulldog Standard), and on the other dogs and exhibitors in the ring competing against you that day (how they compare to you and your dog). Two dogs can compete against each other and one will win one day and the other the next. That's what keeps people coming back. Stand for Examination He must learn to stand still in place on command, exactly as you place him. His front legs and the mid portion of his hind legs should be perpendicular to the ground. The front legs are set to maximize the width between them, while staying straight down from the shoulder. Set the front legs by grasping them just below the shoulder and setting them with the front feet pointed ahead or slightly outward. Set the hind legs by grasping the leg at the hock (the joint at the middle of the leg). Do not grab them near the feet - this makes it more difficult to set them correctly. The hind legs should not be spread apart; they should be parallel to each other. Practice stacking him on a table with a mat or towel under him at first. As he grows, he will be big enough to use the floor. If he fidgets, set him so his feet are at the edge of the table - he will quickly learn to stand still and rely on you to set his feet. Of course, you must hold him at all times while he is on the table - don't ever leave him alone. Being Touched He should be accustomed to being examined by anyone while he is standing; he should let them look in his mouth, run their hands over his body or touch his genitals. The judge will run his or her hands over the entire dog to evaluate his conformation. You can practice stacking the dog and having someone else run his or her hands over him to get him used to this. It's not very difficult. Moving on lead Your dog should be able to walk on a leash next to you without you having to tug or pull him and should be able to do this with distractions around. In a show ring, he usually will have to walk around, in a large right triangle or up and back. With practice, none of these is particularly difficult. Finally, he must learn to stop walking when you do and stand waiting for your next movement. This is needed so that when he comes to the judge, he can be stopped for the judge to look him over. How are shows organized?In order to be entered in a show, the dogs must be eligible to show under the AKC Regulations. Dogs entered in these shows must be AKC registered and at least 6 months old. Spayed bitches and neutered dogs may not be shown in regular classes in conformation (thus, they cannot become Champions), however, they may be shown in obedience. Neutered dogs and spayed bitches may be shown in the Stud Dog and Brood Bitch class in shows and they may be shown in the Veterans Class at a specialty show held independently, but not in conjunction with an all breed show. This is to prevent competition between altered and intact dogs of different breeds, harkening back to the origin of dog shows as proving grounds for breeding stock. Each dog entered in the show must be entered in a class for which he is eligible. The regular classes in shows are as follows, divided by sex:
A Club that provides Winners Classes shall also provide Competition for Best of Breed or Variety in those breeds for which varieties are provided. The awards in this competition shall be Best of Breed or Best of Variety of Breed. The following categories of dogs may be entered for Best of Breed competition:
In this competition, the judge selects for Best of Breed the dog who, in his or her opinion, comes closest to meeting the standard of the breed. The dog of the other sex who the judge evaluates as the best example of the standard is awarded Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed. Finally, the class dog or bitch which the judge believes best exemplifies the standard is awarded Best of Winners. How does a dog become an AKC Champion of Record?To become a Champion, dogs must win points at an AKC approved point show. Dogs are evaluated by judges who are licensed by the AKC to judge dogs in that breed. The judge evaluates the dog against the Standard of Excellence for that breed. The dog and bitch which, based on that judge's evaluation, come closest to the standard are awarded the points on that day. Since judges' evaluations are not exactly alike, different dogs may get the points on different days under different judges. Points are usually earned in competition with other dogs of the same sex and dogs must be at least six months old to enter. Points at each show are scaled in different regions of the country based on the number of dogs of the same sex competing, with from zero to 5 points awarded for a win. If there is one other dog of the same sex defeated, the show is worth one point. A win of three or more points is called a major. A total of 15 points must be earned under three different judges to become a champion and at least two of the shows at which points are earned must majors won under different judges. Thus a dog can finish his Championship in as few as three shows (five points each) or in 11 shows (two three-point majors and nine one-point shows) or may never finish if he can't win two majors or can only win under two judges. Once a dog is a Champion of Record, he no longer competes for points, but may be entered in the Best of Breed competition. How are the number of points awarded at a show determined? The AKC annually revises the point count (usually effective in mid-May) to reflect the prior years' experience in awarding points - the more Bulldogs exhibited in the previous three years, the greater will be then number required to earn the same number of points the following year. Similarly, the smaller the number of dogs shown, the fewer dogs will be needed subsequently to earn the same number of points. The point count varies by breed and by AKC division within the U.S. To confuse matters more the AKC Divisions and the BCA Divisions are not contiguous The point count went down in AKC Division 1 in the 1997-1998 year: 9 dogs and 10 bitches are needed in competition for a major. It also went down in AKC Division 2: 14 dogs and 15 bitches are needed for a major. Each show catalogue prints the relevant rules in the front of the catalogue; the schedule of points for all breeds in the division in which the show is held are printed either in the front of the catalogue or under the class entries. Even so, figuring out the points is an area which many, especially novices, find confusing. Winners Dog (WD) and Winners Bitch (WB)
are awarded points based on the actual number of dogs/bitches competing in the
classes, not the number entered. Each competitor of the same sex in the classes,
including the winner, counts towards points earned according to the listed schedule. Dogs which
are absent, disqualified, excused, etc. do not count towards points earned. In
1996-7, the required number of dogs/bitches actually competing in the classes to
earn points at each level in Division 1 (NY and the New England states) are:
In Division 2 (NJ, PA, DE, OH), the number needed is generally slightly
higher:
Most of the confusion occurs when a class dog goes on to another major award. The AKC specifies that points are further computed as follows: If WD or WB also wins Best of Breed (BOB), you add to the number of class dogs of the same sex competing, all specials of either sex entered in BOB who were defeated. Dogs competing in BOB because they were entered in non regular classes (e.g., Veteran) and the other Winner are not counted in determining points since they were not entered in BOB. If WD or WB wins Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed (BOS), in addition to the class dogs of the same sex competing, only the dogs of its own sex which were entered in BOB and were defeated are added to determine points. After applying the rules above, the dog awarded Best of Winners gets the larger of number the points awarded as computed above or the points awarded to WD or WB. Thus, in NY, in a competition of 4 class dogs, 22 class bitches, 2 special dogs, 5 special bitches and a veteran dog, Winners Dog would have 4 dogs in competition (the 4 class dogs [including WD]) and get 1 point, while Winners Bitch would have 22 bitches in competition and get 4 points. If WD went BOB, he gets three points for Breed since he would have been in competition with 4 class dogs plus 7 specials (the Veteran and class bitches don't count). If the same class dog went BOS instead, there would be 6 dogs (4 class dogs and 2 special dogs) in competition and it would be worth 2 points as BOS. As BOB from the classes, he is automatically BOW, since he is the best animal in the show in that breed. As BOS, he may or may not get BOW, since the bitch may be a better example of the breed than the dog. If he takes Best of Winners, he earns 4 points as BOW since that is what the bitch points are worth with 22 in competition. If WB went BOS over the 5 special bitches, she would earn the 5th point, having had 27 bitches in competition; therefore the BOB class dog would also get the 5 points awarded to WB. Under this scenario, if the bitch gets BOW she does not earn any extra points, since she gets more points as WB than WD earned. Finally, if the class dog goes on to a Group 1, it earns the highest number of points earned by any class dog in that group and if it goes on to Best In Show from the classes, it gets the maximum number of points awarded to any breed at the show. What does my dog have to know to show in Obedience? We strongly recommend obedience training from a reputable club or school. On Staten Island, we recommend the Staten Island Companion Dog Training Club or Keyrack Dog Training. Their cost per class is minimal, they are friendly and helpful to the novice, and the trainers all have experience in handling dogs in the obedience ring. Any dog can participate in and benefit from obedience training. Keep your dog leashed and always under control in public. The breed looks vicious to the uninitiated and some people mistake Bulldogs for an aggressive breed. With the hysteria sometimes seen today, it's better to be careful. Don't give any a chance to think your dog is vicious or poorly controlled. He can wind up confiscated or dead. Obedience training in classes can start after six months old. Before then, you should train your dog in basic responsibility. Keep the training sessions short - the younger the dog the shorter his attention span. When its no longer fun, for you or for him, it's time to stop for the day. By the time he starts formal classes, your dog should at least have learned to come when called and walk calmly on a leash. He should also have good manners in the house - obeying the limits you set. He should stand on command and permit someone to handle him. Not only is this good for the ring, your Vet will love it. We also usually teach the dog to sit. At ten weeks, he walks fairly well on a leash, comes happily when you call him and stands reasonably well. To make coming fun, get down to his level and call him in a happy excited voice. Praise him like crazy when he arrives. Although he should be working for your praise, an occasional treat (a cookie or liver flavored treat) will help the process of getting him to focus. If you are interested in showing your dog in obedience, you will find it a worthwhile experience. Not many Bulldogs are shown in obedience, so they always attract attention. People always ask questions when we take our dogs out and are surprised to see they are so well mannered. It even helps in the conformation ring, where one of our Champions sat on his lounge outside the ring without moving while the other dogs are being shown. He made a great hit with those passing by. For your dog to compete in obedience, a dog must be registered with the AKC. To obtain the first level (Novice) obedience title, your dog will have to learn some simple commands. All exercises except the last two are conducted individually; the last two are group exercises. Whenever you are required to give a command or signal in Obedience, a single command or signal only may be given by the handler, and any extra commands or signals must be penalized; except that whenever the AKC Regulations specify “command and/or signal” the handler may give either one or the other or both command and signal simultaneously. If a handler gives an additional command or signal which is not permitted, either when no command or signal is permitted, or simultaneously with or following a permitted command or signal, or if a dog's name is used with a permitted signal but without a permitted command, the dog shall be scored as though it had failed completely to perform that particular part of the exercise.
How does my dog get an AKC Obedience Title? Your dog will be rated on each exercise against a total of 200 possible points for a perfect exercise. Points may also be lost for errors made by the handler (like repeating commands). In addition to technical perfection, his attitude performing the exercises counts in the score. In each of three shows, under three different judges, he must score 70 percent overall and pass each exercise to achieve the Companion Dog (C.D.) title. The scoring for the Novice Level (Companion Dog) title is as follows:
When a judge gives a
dog a qualifying score he
or she is certifying to The American Kennel Club that the dog on this
particular occasion has performed all of the required exercises at least in
accordance with the minimum standards and that its performance that day
justifies the awarding of the obedience title associated with the particular
class. A Qualifying score must never be awarded to a dog whose performance
has not met the minimum requirements, nor to a dog that shows fear or
resentment, or that relieves itself at any time while in the ring for judging,
nor to a dog whose handler disciplines it or abuses it in the ring, or carries
or offers food in the ring. If you are interested in continuing further with obedience, additional exercises are added at subsequent levels. For the Companion Dog Excellent (C.D.X.) title, the exercises and point schedule are:
For the Utility Dog (U.D.) title, the exercises and points are:
At the final level of competition, all
dogs with U.D.s can compete and earn points towards
an Obedience Champion (OTCh.) title. Championship
points are earned by dogs which have earned a First or Second place ribbon
competing in the Open B or Utility B Class The requirements for the
Obedience Trial Champion are: Shall have won a First place in Utility (or Utility B, if divided) provided there are at least three dogs in competition; and Shall have won a First place in Open B provided there are at least six dogs in competition; and Shall have won a third First place under the conditions of 2 or 3 above; and Shall have won these three First places under three different Judges.
AKC Obedience Regulations can be downloaded from the AKC in PDF format. What is Agility? Agility is open to every AKC-registrable
breed at least 12 months old. Agility trials are open to all registrable
breeds except that a specialty club may opt to hold an agility trial for its
breed only. Premium lists for such events must indicate that the event is
a single breed specialty and entries are restricted to that specific
breed. Dogs disfigured as the result of accident or injury but otherwise
qualified are eligible provided that the disfigurement does not interfere with
functional movement. Dogs should be physically sound. Spayed bitches
and neutered males are eligible to participate, but bitches in season are not
eligible. In order to acquire an agility
title, a dog must earn a qualifying score in its respective class on three
separate occasions under two different judges. The AKC will identify dogs
qualifying for titles by the appropriate title designations (NA, OA, AX, MX)
following their registered names in all official AKC records. In each case, the
higher title will supersede the preceding title in all official AKC records. The number of obstacles used for
a class is specified for each class, with 12 to 13 obstacles used for Novice, 15
to 17 used for Open, and 18 to 20 used for Excellent. Certain obstacles
are mandatory for each class. Unless otherwise noted, the additional
obstacles used to provide the required number of obstacles must be either a
Single Bar Jump or other Single Jump, Tire Jump, Window Jump, or Open
Tunnel. However, the One Bar Jump shall only be used in the Excellent
Class. The descriptions of the obstacles
are as follows: Dogs must ascend one panel and descend the other in the direction designated by the judge and they must touch the contact zone on the down side only, with any part of one foot. 2. Dog Walk: The Dog Walk consists of a center section and two ramp sections, the surfaces of which are made from wood or a wood-like substance. All sections are 12 inches wide, plus or minus an inch, and all are either 8 feet long or 12 feet long. Within a 2-inch tolerance, the top of the center section is 36 inches above the ground when using 8-foot sections and 48 inches when using 12-foot sections. The top surfaces of all sections are painted and have rough, non-slip surfaces. (Alternating layers of sand and flat, latex paint are recommended.) Slats that conform to those described for the A-Frame are placed across the width of the ramp sections to provide footing. Contact zones are painted on the lower 42 inches of both ramps with a 1/4-inch tolerance, using the color specification described for the A-Frame. Dogs must ascend one of the ramps, cross the center section, and descend the other ramp in the direction designated by the judge; and they must touch each contact zone with any part of one foot. 3. Seesaw: The Seesaw consists of a plank (or panel) supported near the center by a base that acts as a fulcrum. The plank is 12 inches wide with a 1-inch tolerance, and 12 feet long. The base extends at least 2 inches past the sides of the plank so that dogs can see the pivot point. The plank is balanced so that it hits the ground in less than 3 seconds when a 3-pound weight is placed 12 inches from the raised end. The height of the Seesaw at the pivot is 24 inches plus or minus 2 inches. The top surface of the plank is painted and has a rough, non-slip surface. (Alternating layers of sand and flat, latex paint are recommended.) Slats that conform to those described for the Dog Walk are optional. Contact zones, 42 inches long, are painted on each end of the plank with a 1/4-inch tolerance, using the color specification described for the A-Frame. Dogs must ascend the plank, cause it to pivot in a controlled manner, and wait for the plank to touch the ground before dismounting. They must also touch each contact zone with any part of one foot. 4. Pause Table: The top of the Pause Table is a 36-inch square, plus or minus 2 inches, with a non-slip surface. Carpeting may be used. The height of the table (within 1 inch) is 8 inches for dogs in the 8-inch and 12-inch divisions, 16 inches for dogs in the 16-inch and 20-inch divisions, and 24 inches for dogs in the 24-inch division. Dogs must pause on the table for five seconds in either a sit or a down position, as specified by the judge prior to the beginning of the class. 5. Open Tunnel: The Open Tunnel is a flexible tube of durable material that is capable of being formed into curved shapes. The two openings are either round or approximately rectangular, with a maximum height and width of 24 inches plus or minus 2 inches. Its length is 10 to 20 feet. (A 15-foot length is recommended.) It is set such that a dog cannot see the end of the tunnel from the entrance, and it is secured in position to prevent a dog from moving it. Dogs enter the end specified by the judge and exit the other end. 6. Closed Tunnel: The Closed Tunnel consists of a rigid entrance section to which a chute is attached. The opening of the entrance section is 24 to 36 inches long, and is either 24 inches in diameter or 24 inches in width and height, with a 2-inch tolerance. The bottom inside surface of this section has a non-slip surface, which may be provided by attaching a non-slip material. If the entrance section is cylindrical, the non-slip surface must extend to a height of at least 6 inches. The entrance section is either so heavy that dogs cannot move it when passing through the chute, or else it is staked down. The major portion of the tunnel is formed by a chute, which is constructed from an opaque, lightweight, rugged, cloth-like, water-resistant material, such as rip-stop nylon or pack cloth. It has only two openings, one of which is attached to the end of the entrance section, and one through which dogs exit the tunnel. The circumference of the chute flares from the circumference of the opening section to 96 inches at the exit. The length of the chute is such that the overall length of the Closed Tunnel is 12 to 15 feet. Dogs must enter the entrance section and exit through the chute. 7. Weave Poles: The Weave Poles consist of 6 to 12 poles that are either stuck in the ground or mounted in a base. (The base design is recommended.) The poles are 1 to 11/4 inches in diameter and at least 36 inches high, and they are uniformly spaced at intervals of 20 to 24 inches. The Weave Poles must flex at the base so as to accommodate large dogs. (It is recommended that stripes be taped or painted on the poles to make them more visible.) If a base is used, it may be no thicker than 1 inch and no wider than 4 inches, and it must be supported so as not to interfere with a dog's performance. Dogs must enter the Weave Poles by passing between #1 and #2 from right to left. They must then pass from left to right through poles #2 and #3 and continue this weaving sequence, following a smooth path, until they pass between the last two poles. If the sequence is broken, the dog must restart the correct sequence, either at or anywhere before the location of the error. NOTE : for all Jump Exercises, there
are five jump height divisions for dogs of different sizes: (a) 8 Inches: For
dogs 10 inches and under at the withers; (b) l2 Inches: For dogs 14 inches and
under at the withers, (c) 16 Inches: For dogs 18 inches and under at the withers;
(d) 20 Inches: For dogs 22 inches and under at the withers; and (e) 24 Inches:
For dogs over 22 inches at the withers.
In addition, two more bars are placed directly below each of the top bars, at about half the height of the top bar, preferably with the back bar higher than the front. All other specifications are the same as for the Single Bar Jump. Dogs must jump over the top bars, without displacing either one, in the direction indicated by the judge. 12. Triple Bar Jump: The Triple Bar Jump consists of a series of three ascending bars. The horizontal distance between adjacent bars is one-half the jump height, while the vertical distance is one-quarter the jump height. The table below lists the heights of the tops of the bars and the horizontal distance between the centers of the bars. Tolerances on these values are 1/4 inch for the heights and 1/2 inch for the horizontal distances.
All other specifications are the same as for the Single Bar Jump. Dogs must jump over all the bars without displacing any, in the direction that starts with the lowest bar. 13. Tire (Circle) Jump: The Tire Jump, sometimes called the Circle Jump, consists of a tire (or a circular object that resembles a tire) suspended from a rectangular frame. The inner diameter of the tire is 24 inches plus or minus an inch, and the wall is 3 to 8 inches thick. There must be at least 8 inches between the outside of the tire and the sides of the frame, and the frame must be tall enough to accommodate the tire at the five different jump heights, as specified for the Single Bar Jump. The jump height is measured from the ground to the bottom of the tire opening. Dogs must jump through the tire opening in the direction specified by the judge. 14. Window Jump: The Window Jump consists of a wall suspended by a frame. The wall is constructed from an opaque, cloth-like material in which a window is cut. The window must be a 24-inch square or a circle with a 24-inch diameter, with a 1-inch tolerance. There is at least 12 inches of wall between the opening and the sides of the frame, and the wall extends within 2 inches of the ground and within 2 inches of the top of the frame. The frame is tall enough so that the window can be placed at the five different jump heights, as specified for the Single Bar Jump. The jump height is measured from the ground to the bottom of the window opening. Dogs must jump through the window opening in the direction specified by the judge. 15. Broad Jump: The Broad Jump is composed of either four 8-inch sections or five 6-inch sections, and four corner markers. The actual width of the 8-inch sections is 7 to 8 inches, and the width of the 6-inch sections is 5 to 7 inches. The sections are constructed from a top piece and two side pieces. The length of the sections are between 4 and 5 feet long, and they may be of different lengths. To improve visibility, either the center of the sections or both ends must be marked with a color-contrasting band that is at least 3 inches wide. The sections are of varying height, and they may be arranged in either ascending order or as a hogback. (The ascending AKC Obedience Broad Jump is recommended.) When an ascending arrangement is used, each section is at least 1/2 inch higher than the previous one, and the height of the front edge of a section is at least 1/2 inch lower than the back edge. No portion of a section may be lower than 1 inch to 2 inches or higher than 6 inches. In a hogback arrangement, the sections ascend in height halfway across the jump and then descend. The ascending sections are at least 1/2 inch higher than the previous one, and the height of the front edge of a section is at least 1/2 inch lower than the back edge. The descending sections are at least 1/2 inch lower than the previous one, and the height of the front edge of a section is at least 1/2 inch higher than the back edge. When an odd number of sections are used, the front edge of the middle section may not be higher than the back edge. No portion of a section may be lower than 2 inches or higher than 10 inches. The length of the jump for both the ascending and the hogback configurations is twice the jump height of the division. Consequently, not all the sections are used in the lower height divisions. In those cases, the jump must be assembled with the lowest sections. The length of the jump (within 1 inch) and the number of sections to be used for the different divisions are as follows:
The corner markers are at least 1 inch wide and 36 inches high, and they may be decorated to improve visibility. They are either attached to the sides of the first and last sections, or they are freestanding and placed as close as possible to those positions. (Freestanding is recommended.) Dogs must jump all sections without touching any part of them, entering between the marker poles placed near the front section and exiting between the poles placed near the back section. When an ascending arrangement is used, the lowest section is the front, but when a hogback arrangement is used, the judge specifies the front. The maximum attainable score in any class is 100 points. The qualifying score (for placement) is 85 or above, with no disqualifying faults such as displaced bars on jumps or missing a contact zone (the area on an obstacle within which the dog must step). The higher the level the fewer faults allowed. Agility is fun for dogs of all sizes, from the small Yorkshire Terrier to the giant Irish Wolfhound. The newest trial (class) is the
fast-paced Jumpers With Weaves. This class is intended to be a fun and
competitive way to demonstrate a working relationship between dog and handler.
Jumpers With Weaves is divided into three classes: Novice Jumpers With Weaves,
Open Jumpers With Weaves and Excellent Jumpers With Weaves. In this class dogs
are not slowed down by the careful performance and control required by the
contact obstacles and pause table. Dog/handler teams can therefore race through
a course composed primarily of jumps demonstrating a dog's speed and jumping
ability. |