American Kennel Club

Disclaimer: This is not an AKC sanctioned document. It is not meant to be definitive, exhaustive, nor authoritative. This information is provided by me as a convenient resource only. You should contact the AKC directly for official information from them.

Author

Cindy Moore, Copyright 1995.

Table of Contents

Preface

Yes, the AKC is online! They have just opened up a Web page at http://www.akc.org/ and have an email address at info@akc.org

Note that the AKC has regulations covering every aspect of show rings, trials, field events, junior showmanship, etc. For booklets on these regulations, you may write to the AKC and ask for them. They will send you the first booklet free and charge 50 cents per booklet for more than one in a single request. The booklets are sized to fit in a #10 envelope; while the AKC doesn't require a SASE, you will probably get a quicker response with one. Alternatively if you attend a local dog show, some of these booklets will be freely available.

Below is a summary of the activities the AKC offers and is not comprehensive.

Note that "test" generally refers to a non-competitive event and "trial" to one that is competitive.

Showing

When people think of "showing," they are usually thinking of conformation showing. However, "showing" actually comprises showing your dog under any of three categories: conformation (meeting physical standards), field (meeting working standards), or obedience (meeting obedience standards). All AKC-recognized breeds are eligible to show under conformation and obedience. Field trials are reserved for those breeds bred for such work, except for the tracking trials which are open to all, and are tailored to the type of work bred for: e.g., hunting, retrieving, pointing, herding, and coursing.

To start showing requires an investment of time, money, and contacts. But it is a richly rewarding area, and there are hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world who enjoy competing with their dogs under Kennel Club auspices. This article summarizes the titles and events offered by the American Kennel Club.

For showing in the AKC, the only pre-requirement is that the dog be registered with the AKC (either litter registration, individual registration, or ILP), and be at least 6 months old the day of the trial. Shots should be current for your own dog's health. If the showing is in conformation, the dog must also be sexually intact.

Indefinite Listing Privilege

If your dog is or appears to be (AKC-recognized) purebred but is unregistered or your dog is a breed currently in AKC's Miscellaneous Class, you can get an ILP (Indefinite Listing Privilege) number to do anything but conformation and field work. The procedure for getting an ILP is as follows: If your dog isn't purebred or is a breed not recognized by AKC, you can still get titles through breed-specific clubs, rare-breed clubs, alternative kennel clubs, or mixed-breed clubs. For example, AMBOR (American Mixed Breed Obedience Registry), at 205 First Street SW, New Prague, MN 56071, offers obedience and other titles to mixed breed and rare breed dogs with the UKC. UKC and SKC often recognize breeds that the AKC does not, and the UKC has a special program to allow mixed breed dogs to compete in performance trials.

Naming and registration

A dog's registered name must meet the following criteria (from "AKC Policies And Guidelines for Registration Matters") All names are subject to AKC approval. Names may not be changed unless the AKC has made a mistake and the dog has not yet been bred or earned any titles. This is rare, so choose a name carefully and print legibly!

Junior Showmanship

Junior showmanship is for children under 18 and over 10 years of age. They are judged on their skills in handling and presenting their dogs in the ring -- the dogs themselves are not judged although they must be AKC registered and over 6 months of age. In order for a child to being showing in Junior Showmanship, an AKC Junior Handler number must be obtained from the AKC.

Regular Junior Showmanship classes include Novice and Open. Novice is for all boys and girls who have not one three first place awards in this class. Open is for those that have. The classes may be further divided into Junior and Senior classes, the former for 10 to under 14 year olds and the latter for those 14 to under 18 years of age.

Best Junior Handler may be awarded by the host club. Those that placed first in their class and are undefeated in any other class, may compete for this award.

Conformation

When showing a dog in conformation, either you or a professional hander must "show" the dog in the ring. Whether or not you choose to use a handler can depend on the breed of dog you are showing: it can be hard to break into popular breeds and a handler can help gain recognition; with a rare or less popular breed, the choice of handler is not as crucial. If you co-own a dog with the breeder, they may handle your dog for you. If you handle your own dogs, then like any "sport," as an amateur, you need to be trained, prepared, and ready to compete with the pros. Take the time to learn the ropes, how to present your dogs, and how to groom. Ideally, you should find a mentor to help you learn what you need to know.

Keep in mind that the next new show and the next new judge may pick the second place dog over the first place dog under the same conditions that the other dog won under. Different judges have different preferences in conformation, It's usually better to try and show under a judge that likes what your dog has to offer in strong points. Other judges may see something else in other dogs that they prefer over what your dog has. A year later or the next show, that same judge may like your dog better. It depends on how the dog is "showing" each day. Dogs have good and bad days like people do.

To summarize: A Champion (CH) must obtain 15 points. Of those 15 points, two majors (a show where 3, 4, or 5 points are won) must be obtained under two different judges. The remaining points can come from 1 or 2 (or more!) point shows; at least one of these must be from a third judge. A dog must win at least the Winners Dog (WD) or Winners Bitch (WB) to win points.

After the Winner's Dog and the Winner's Bitch are picked out, competition goes on to the "Best of Breed" (BOB) class in which the WD and the WB compete against dogs that already have their championship. From this class, the Best of Breed (BOB) and Best Opposite Sex (BOS) are selected; if the BOB is male, the BOS is female and vice versa.

AKC groups all the breeds into seven groups (Sporting, Non-Sporting, Working, Herding, Terrier, Toy, and Hound). All of the BOB winners within each breed then compete at Group level (against all other dogs in their Group that won their respective BOB) for Group I (first place), II (second place), III (third place), and IV (fourth place). All seven Group I dogs then compete for Best in Show.

Here's a quick chart to help you get on track:

Best of Breed (points toward CH from greater points | from either sex of class dogs including | all specials, if also WD/WB) | Best of Opposite Sex (points toward CH from greater points | from either sex of class dogs plus | specials of same sex, if also WD/WB) | (WD/WB, Specials and Veterans compete for BOB/BOS) | Best of Winners (points toward CH taken from WD/WB, / \ whichever had more points) / \ Winner's dog Winner's bitch (points towards CH from / \ same sex group) / \ (first in each class advances to Winner's competition) Open class Open class American Bred American Bred Bred by Exhibitor Bred by Exhibitor Novice Novice Dogs (12-18 mo.) Bitches (12-18 mo.) Puppy dogs (9-12 mo.) Puppy bitches (9-12 mo.) (split in puppy Puppy dogs (6-9 mo.) Puppy bitches (6-9 mo.) classes optional) The classes are as follows:
Open
is for any dog, and very often winners will be chosen from this class. Not always, but usually, since serious contenders are typically placed in Open. Open classes may be broken up depending on how many dogs are showing that day. For example, Labradors sometimes have Open Yellow, Open Black, and Open Chocolate; Dobermans might have Open Black and Any Solid Color Other than Black (ASCOB).
American Bred
is for those dogs born in the USA. This class is often used if the handler has another dog in Open already.
Bred by Exhibitor
is often considered a prestigious class particularly at specialties -- breeders show their own dogs here, and winning WD/WB from this class is usually highly prized by breeders.
Novice
is for those dogs that have not yet won a class and is used for practice with dogs that are too old for the puppy divisions.
The puppy classes (6-9/9-12/12-18)
are usually for practice for young dogs although WD/WB can certainly come from these classes. The puppy classes may or many not be split among the three age groups and the 12-18 group may or may not be present at all; it depends on how many dogs are present.

A specialty is a dog show devoted to one particular breed. Both breed and obedience classes are usually offered.

Now for some more obscure stuff: Reserve Winners (one for WD and one for WB) *may* get points if the winner of their sex is later disqualified. This can happen if the dog is improperly entered (into the wrong class, for example). So reserve wins can be important. The Reserve will only replace the Winner's position: if the disqualified Winner went on to win higher places, those are not awarded to the Reserve (but they are still removed from the disqualified dog). Reserve to a Winner is chosen from the dogs remaining from that Winners competition, plus the dog that received second place in the class the Winners Dog or Bitch came from.

Specials are Champions; they do not normally compete in the classes, although they may. Normally, Specials compete directly for BOB/BOS along with the WD and WB in the Best of Breed competition that is held after WD/WB is selected from the classes. While they are not awarded points if they win, many breed clubs award national ratings to dogs based on the total number of dogs of the same breed that the dog has won over for a calendar year. Each club calculates the ratings slightly differently although there are some standard formulas.

Best of Winners picks up the greater of the points that WD/WB has. This means that it's possible for a WD that got a 1 point minor to pick up the 3 point major that the WB got if he is awarded BOW over the WB (the WB retains her 3 point major). If the WD/WB goes Best of Breed, that dog is automatically Best of Winners and picks up the appropriate points.

Thus, a 1 or 2 point show can turn into a major depending on how high your dog goes.

Group winners are chosen from the BOB and BOS from each breed within the group (all dogs are grouped into Toy, Sporting, Working, etc. groups): Group I is first place, Group II second place and so on.

Dogs that go on to win Best In Show will get as many points as any dog they defeat, if those points total more than what they have garnered so far (but never for more than a total of five points).

But the only dogs that are actually awarded points are the dogs that were initially Winners Dog or Winners Bitch for their breed. Therefore, specials or veterans do not get points no matter how many dogs they won over, which makes sense as they are already Champions and do not need the points.

The number of points obtained at a particular show is dependent on the number of dogs or bitches present, the breed, and the geographical location of the show. There is a point schedule that determines the ranges: rarer breeds require fewer dogs for points whereas popular breeds must have more dogs present for the same points. This point schedule can be found in the catalog available at all shows.

Standards

Standards are the "bluprints" for the breeds. Every kennel club has standards drawn up for the breeds that they recognize. A breed's Standard is a description of its ideal physical appearance. Serious breeders and exhibitors need to know the standard for their breed intimately. The AKC publishes all the Standards for AKC recognized breeds in its The Complete Dog Book.

Finding out where shows are and entering

The Events Calendar (see Publications below) is the definitive listing of upcoming AKC events put out by the AKC.

Most show superintendents are happy to put you on their mailing lists and send you premiums of upcoming shows.

Dog World Magazine also lists both AKC and SKC events. Subscription Information - P.O. Box 6500, Chicago, IL 60680.

Breed specific shows (specialties) are also advertised in breed-specific magazines; if the breed club is affiliated with the AKC, it will be listed in the Gazette.

If you get the AKC Gazette, you'll get a show listing and some entry forms. You'll also get instruction in the booklet on how to fill out and send in forms (also where). That's all there is to entering.

Obedience

Note that obedience trialling has its own FAQ that discusses the general sport of Obedience in much more detail. Below is a simple summary of the exercises required in the three obedience classes offered by the AKC. You should get a copy of the Obedience Regulations if you plan to participate in this sport.

Novice

There are two classes, Novice A and Novice B, the former for people who have not put a Companion Dog (CD) on a dog before, the latter for people who have. To get a CD, a dog must qualify in three different Novice shows under three different judges; qualification is at least 170 out of 200 points and at least half the points on every exercise.

Open

Open A and Open B are for dogs that have obtained their CD's. Open A is for dogs that do not have a CDX, and handlers that have not earned an OTCH on a dog. Otherwise, they're in Open B. Open B is an OTCH competition class; dogs with CDX's, UD's, or OTCH's may compete. Similar to Novice, three qualifying scores (at least 170/200) under three different judges gets the Companion Dog Excellent (CDX).

Utility

Utility A and B are for dogs that have obtained their CDX's. Utility A is for dogs that have not obtained a UD, and handlers that have not earned an OTCH on a dog. Otherwise, they're in Utility B. Utility B is the other OTCH competition class; dogs with UD's or OTCH's appear there. Similar to Novice, three qualifying scores under three different judges gets the Utility Dog title (UD).

Note that Novice, Open, and Utility are not competitive in the sense that any of the entered dogs may earn legs. However, it is competitive in the sense that the top three or four scores will get ribbons/prizes.

OTCH

Obedience Trial Champion. A competitive title earned after the UD. Championship points are awarded to those dogs earning a First or Second place ribbon in the Open B or Utility/Utility B class according to the schedule established by the AKC. For the OTCH, the dog must have 100 points, have won First place in Utility/Utility B with at least three other dogs in competition, have won First in Open B with at least six dogs in competition, another First place in Open B/Utility/Utility B under the same conditions. Each of the first places must be won from different judges. Neither of the first places may be earned at a specialty obedience trial.

Novice exercises

Open exercises

Utility exercises

Other obedience trials

There are brace classes, for a pair of dogs, that perform exercises out of novice. There are also veteran classes, for dogs at least eight years old with an obedience title, doing exercises out of novice. A versatility class, that takes two exercises each from the novice, open, and utility trials, also exists. Finally, there is a team class, a pair of people, each with a pair of dogs, using exercises from novice.

There are often fun matches which are set up just like the regular trials, but they don't count the score towards the title, and you may correct in the ring. Many people use matches as a way to acclimatize their dog to the ring. There are also some non-scoring categories like Pre-Novice, again to help dogs acclimatize to the atmosphere.

Agility

The AKC just approved and implemented AKC Agility tests effective August 1, 1995. There are four titles obtainable: Novice Agility (NA), Open Agility (OA), Agility Excellent (AX), and Master Agility Excellent (MX). Dogs must be AKC registered and 12 months or older to compete.

The heights of the jumps is dependent on the dog's height at the withers, and there are four jump height divisions: 10 inches and under, 14 inches and under, 20 inches and under and over 20 inches. Dogs jump 2 inches under their height division except for dogs over 20 inches, who all jump at 24 inches.

There are specific requirments for the following obstacle and jumps that may appear in Agility classes: A-frame, Dog-Walk, Seesaw, Pause Table, Open Tunnel, Closed Tunnel, Weave Poles, Crawl Tunnel, Sway Bridge, Circle/Tire Jump, Window Jump, Broad Jump, Double Oxer Jump, Triple Bar Jump.

To earn an Agility title, the dog must earn three qualifying scores awarded by at least two different judges. The Master Agility Excellent is acheived through ten qualifying scores in the Agility Excellent class. A qualifying score is at least 85 out of a maximum of 100 points. Points are deducted for slow course time, refusing obstacles, improperly negotiating obstacles. Dogs that take more than double the time alloted to run the course, or that knock obstacles or jumps down, run the course out of order, foul the ring, leave the ring, etc., are eliminated from the competition at that show for that day.

Novice Agility

This class is divided into A and B classes, the former for handlers and dogs that have never acquired an Agility title, and the latter for dogs that have a Novice Agility title or whose handler has put Agility titles on other dogs.

The Novice course can include 12 to 13 of the following elements: A-Frame, Pause Table, Dog Walk, Open Tunnel, Seesaw, Closed Tunnel, Circle/Tire/Window Jump, Broad Jump, High Jump, Double Oxer Jump, two additional jumps, excluding triple and single bar jumps.

Open Agility

This class is open to dogs that have earned the NA or OA title, but not the AX or MX titles.

The Open course can include 15 to 17 of the following elements: 12 Novice obstacles are mandatory; plus the Weave Poles, Crawl Tunnel, and any jump except the triple and single bar jumps.

Agility Excellent

The agility Excellent class is open to dogs that have earned the OA or AX title.

The Excellent course can include 18 to 20 of the following elements: All of the Open class obstacles plus the triple bar, single bar and one additional jump to meet the minimum. The Sway Bridge is optional.

Field Trials

Field Trials have been around as long as conformation trials. Conformation and Field Trials were originally used to evaluate both the conformation and performance of breeding stock. However, the competition in each has specialized and intensified to the extent that since about the '50s, there have been very few dual champions compared with prior to that time, and almost none in the Retriever Field trials. This happened to the Kennel Club of Great Britain as well, so the problem is not necessarily due to the AKC itself.

Basset Hounds

Beagles

Dachshunds

Pointing Breeds

Pointers

AKC Retriever Field Trials

The dog must win a National Championship stake or a total of 10 points. The points must be won in one of three stakes: Open All-Age, Limited All-Age, or Special All-Age stake. There must be at least 12 starters. Dogs get 5 points for first place, 3 points for second place, 1 point for third place, and .5 point for fourth place. At least five of the points must come from a trial open to all retrievers (not a specialty trial) and the dog has to win at least one first place.

To win a retriever Amateur Field Championship: The dog must win a National Championship stake handled by an amateur, win a National Amateur Championship stake, or a total of 10 points in Open All-Age, Limited All-Age, or Special All-Age Stakes (amateur handled). Or they can win 15 points in any All-Age stake (amateur handled). Again, dogs get 5 points for first place, 3 points for second place, 1 point for third place, and .5 point for fourth place. Again, at least five of the points must come from a trial open to all retrievers (not a specialty trial) and the dog has to win a first place.

Spaniels

Hunting Tests

The difference between field trials and hunting tests is that while field trials compete dogs against one another in their marking, finding, and retrieving ability, dogs in the hunting tests are measured against a standard of performance. Potentially all dogs in a hunting test may successfully complete a leg toward their title. The North American Hunting Retriever Association (NAHRA) was formed and it put together hunting tests in response to sentiment that field trials had become specialized to the point where not only did the tests no longer resemble actual hunting situations, but only an elite few could really do well in it. People wanted a means of simply evaluating the overall hunting ability of their dogs. As it turned out, there were a series of hunting tests that were created in the mid 1980's: after NAHRA was created, both the AKC and the UKC responded with with their own hunting tests. The details differ for all three programs, of course, but the overall goal of replicating actual hunting situations is the same.

In the AKC, there are separate hunting tests for retrieving breeds, pointing breeds, and spaniels. Note that many breed clubs have "working certificates" available for their dogs: although these are not official AKC titles, they are often a great way to get started.

Pointing Breeds

My thanks to Charlie Sorsby for the information in this section. From the AKC pamphlet:
"The purpose of the AKC Hunting Tests is comparison of bird dogs against a standard, not competition against each other. A dog must be AKC registered in order to receive any AKC Hunting Test title. In the following, "Hunting Test" means an AKC licensed or member club hunting test. In order to be awarded the Junior Hunter title, a dog must have received Qualifying scores in four (4) Junior Hunting Tests. To be recorded as a Senior Hunter, a dog must either qualify in five (5) Senior Hunting Tests or must have earned a Junior Hunter title and qualify in four (4) Senior Hunting Tests. To be recorded as a Master Hunter, a dog must either qualify in six (6) Master Hunting Tests or must have earned a Junior Hunter title and qualify in five (5) Master Hunting Tests. Dogs that have received a Qualifying score in a Hunting Test at any level are ineligible to enter any Hunting Test at a lower level."
Dogs taking the Junior Hunting Test must demonstrate a keen desire to hunt, show ability to find and point birds, be trainable. They cannot be gun-shy. They may be restrained to prevent interference with another dog.

Dogs taking the Senior Hunting Test must do the same things demanded of a junior hunting dog, but with definite improvement. They must also hold their point until the bird has been shot or they are released. They must retrieve a shot bird but need not deliver to hand. They must initially honor another dog's point.

And those dogs taking the Master Hunting Test must do the same things as Senior hunter, but show more experience. In addition must also show intensity and staunchness of the point, without breaking. Must deliver to hand. They must demonstrate absolute honoring throughout the entire flush, shot and retrieve.

AKC Retriever Hunt Tests

The Junior Hunter test requires two single marks on land and two single marks on water. This means a bird ("single") is thrown and shot while the dog is watching ("marking"). The dog will promptly retrieve the bird upon command from handler. Two of these birds are thrown on land, and the other two are thrown into water. The distance the dog covers to get the bird should never be more than 100 yards. The dog has to deliver the bird to hand, meaning that he cannot drop the bird, and the handler must take it from his mouth. The team is penalized if the dog mouths or injures the bird, or does not want to give the bird up to the handler, etc. The handler may hold the dog steady as it marks the single.

The Senior Hunter test requires:

A double mark is when one bird is thrown and then a second bird also thrown before the dog is sent to get a bird. Typically, the dog is sent first to get the second bird (the "select"), and then is sent to get the first bird (the "memory"). The dog is not supposed to try to pick both birds up at once nor should it "switch" (pick one bird up and then drop it for the other). Sometimes the dog may go for the memory bird first and then the select; this is penalized somewhat here, and more heavily in the Master test. At this point, the dog is supposed to be "steady" and not go racing off for the bird until told to do so by the handler. In a walkup, the bird is thrown while the handler and dog are walking. The dog is not supposed to bolt off to go get it. Honoring is when the dog watches another dog go pick up a bird without breaking and trying to get it himself. A blind is when the dog does not see the bird fall and has to take directions from the handler to go out and find the bird. Typically, the dog has been trained to go out in the direction indicated by the handler, to turn and sit, facing the handler upon hearing a single whistle blast, and to take corrections in direction from then. Two whistles tells the dog to come back in. A diversion is when another bird is thrown while the dog is in the middle of retrieving another bird.

In the Master Hunter test, one finds:

Multiple marks are three or more birds thrown before the dog is sent out to retrieve each in sequence. A combination mark is where the dog goes out on land, to water, to land again before reaching the bird. A double blind involves two placed birds and the handler directs the dog out to each of them in turn. Master Hunter tests are usually in pretty tough conditions -- gut sucking mud, waist high grass, etc.

Spaniels

Junior Hunter: dog must find, flush, and have an opportunity to retrieve 2 birds on land. In addition, one bird must be retrieved from water at a distance of at least 20 yards with a shot fired. Distances over water should not exceed those normally encountered in hunting.

Senior Hunter: dog must find, flush, and retrieve 2 birds to hand on land. In addition the dog must be line steady at water and retrieve one bird to hand from water at a distance of at least 25 yards with a shot fired. A Senior hunting dog must also exhibit ability to 'hunt dead' on a land blind of at least 15 yards distance.

Master Hunter: Same as senior hunter for land retrieves, water retrieve is at least 30 yards. Also, required is a blind water retrieve of at least 30 yards, and the 'hunt dead' on land as well.

Dog must qualify at least 4 times (4 different trials) in order to earn the title.

The 2 judges score 0-10 on the following categories:

A qualifying score is a minimum average of not less than 5 on each of the categories of abilities listed, with an overall average score of not less than 7.

Coonhound Events

Tracking

Tracking tests are actually considered an obedience test rather than a performance test. This is because tracking was originally part of the Utility exercises. Any AKC registered dog six months or older and having passed a qualifying test are eligible to compete. Actual entry into a test is determined by lottery, where the limit is drawn, plus several alternates. Because tracking tests are labor intensive (requiring two judges, several track layers, plenty of land, and a great deal of work), few clubs put on more than one test a year, and few tests accomodate more than about ten dogs at a time.

For tracking tests in general, the tracking leash is between 20 and 40 feet in length, and is visibly marked at a point 20 feet from the dog; the handler is to follow the dog at no less than 20 feet.

Guiding (behavior by the handler which influences or determines the dog's direction) isi prohibited. Handlers may give verbal commands and encouragement to the dog. However, commands, signals or body motions to indicate the specific location or track direction is prohibited.

Motivational items (food, balls, toys, etc) are not to be used or carried within 75 yards of a track.

Qualifying Test

Becasue there are so manymore dogs trying for the tracking titles than there are competitions available, dogs must first pass a qualifying test. This test is equivalent to a regular test track, but only one AKC licenced tracking judge is needed for the evaluation, which can be scheduled at a time convenient to the handler and the judge. If the dog completes the track, the handler recieves four letters of certification, which are good for one year. If the dog fails four tests in that time, or does not enter any tests in that time, they become invalid, and the dog must recertify.

TD: Tracking Dog

To enter a TD test, dogs must be at least 6 months old and be certified. The trail is 440 to 500 yards in length and may be between 30 minutes to two hours old.

Three to five turns are present, at least 2 of which are 90 degree turns. Each leg of the track is at least 50 yards in length, and the first turn is more than 30 yards from the second of two starting flags (which are themselves 30 yards apart).

TDX: Tracking Dog Excellent

The purpose of the TDX test is to "show that the dog unquestionably that the dog has the ability to discriminate scent and possesses the stamina, perserverance, and courage to do so under a wide variety of conditions. ... It [the track] can lead anywhere a person might go."

A TDX test track is 800 to 1000 yards long, and three to five hours old. It has five to seven turns, and the first turn is open. The start consists of one flag (you and your dog get to figure out which way it goes). There are at least two obstacles (roads, streams, fences, changes in terrain, changes in vegetation, etc.), and there are two pairs of cross tracks that are approximately 1 1/2 hours fresher than the primary track. There are also four articles, all of which must be found -- one at the start, two along the way, and one at the end.

VST: Variable Surface Tracking

The VST Test was introduced in 1995 and is open to any dog that has earned its TD or TDX title.

The track is between 600 and 800 yards long. There are to be a minimum of three different surfaces including vegetation and two non-vegetated areas such as asphalt, concrete, gravel, hard pan, mulch, or sand. There are no physical obstactles as there may be in the TDX track.. The scent is between 3 and 6 hours old, and there weill be between 4 and 8 turns on the track, including both right and left turns. Tracks may be laid along the sides of buildings and fences but may not enter closed buildings. Traffic may cross the traffic (pedestrians, animals, cars) and should be ignored by the dog and handler. Four articles are to be distributed along the track and found by the dog.

Tracking Champion

A dog that collects all three titles can be designated a Tracking Champion (TCH). Such a championship cannot make up part of a Dual Champion title, however, since the title is not earned competitively. But becuase so few dogs earn Tracking titles, they are highly prized. In addition, dogs with both a UD and tracking titles are entitled to special combinations of the titles. For example a UD plus TD becomes a UDT; a UD plus TDX becomes a UDTX and a VST plus UD is a UDVST. (No combinations of tracking titles and the UDX title have been announced.)

Herding

My thanks to Lily Mummert for the information in this section.

In general, for herding tests:

Titles

HT: Herding Tested
PT: Pre-trial Tested
HS: Herding Started
HI: Herding Intermediate
HX: Herding Excellent

HCH: Herding Trial Champion

Test classes: herding and pre-trial. These are pass/fail. If your dog passes two herding tests under two different judges, it earns the HT (Herding Tested) title. Similarly, the dog earns the PT (Pre-Trial Tested) for passing two pre-trial tests under two different judges. For both classes, you get 10 minutes to negotiate the course.

Herding test elements:

Pre-trial test elements:

Trial classes: herding started, intermediate, and advanced. The titles associated with each of these levels are HS (Herding Started), HI (Herding Intermediate), and HX (Herding Excellent). For each of these titles, the dog must earn three qualifying scores in the appropriate class under three different judges. There's also the HCH (Herding Champion), which is a competition title -- the dog must have an HX, and then earn 15 championship points in the Advanced class.

There are three courses that may be offered for each class. The premium list for a trial specifies which course(s) will be offered. Course A is in an arena. Course B is a modified ISDS course; it's in a field. Course C is a modified version of what is used in Europe; it includes negotiating roads and such.

According to my instructors, Course A is the most widely used of the three, so I'll describe that one. You get 10 minutes on this course, regardless of class. For herding started, the dog lifts the stock at the top of the course, and moves them through four obstacles around the course in a predetermined order. The obstacles are chutes or gates of various kinds. The dog then pens the stock. For the intermediate class, there's an outrun, lift, and fetch, with the handler staying at a handler's post until the dog has passed the post (after the outrun, lift and fetch). One of the obstacles is a holding pen -- the dog has to move the stock into the pen and hold them there for about a minute. Then there's the pen at the end. Advanced has the same elements as intermediate, except the course is longer, and the handler's movement is more restricted. The other courses also get vastly complicated as you go from started to advanced.

Lurecoursing

From information supplied by Bonnie Dalzell, Marcia Cavan, Carol Mount, and edited down to AKC-only by CTM in Sept. 1995. Note that there is a more comprehensive Lurecoursing FAQ written by Bonnie Dalzell.

A "lure" coursing course consists of a line strung through a series of wooden pulley set within a large field (many acres) with a "lure" (usually a white kitchen garbage bag!) attached at some point on the line. This line is also strung through a wheel that is attached to a power source usually a car starter motor as the lure needs to have enough power to be kept safely ahead of the fastest of the hounds. The hounds run within their own breed up to 3 per "heat" with each hound running and being scored on 2 heats. Each hound wears a blanket (similar to at the Greyhound track) of either yellow, pink or blue with the scoring being assigned to the blanket color and the performance it gave. The dogs are scored on the categories of speed, agility, endurance, follow and enthusiasm.

Up until 1992 only the American Sighthound Field Association (ASFA) held lure coursing field trials and awarded dogs titles. In 1992 the AKC accepted Lure Coursing as a sport introducing Lurecouring Tests, at which the Junior Courser (JC) and Senior Courser (SC) titles may be earned and Lurecoursing Trials, at which a dog may earn it's Field Championship. Dogs that achieve both conformation and field titles are noted as a Dual Champion (DCH)

Stakes

Regular stakes are Open and Specials. Open is open to all hounds who have earned an AKC Junior Courser or other qualifying performance titles.

Junior Courser

A dog with a Junior Courser title must have run alone in two separate courses under two different judges on a course at least 600 yards with a minimum of four turns, with enthusiasm and no interruption.

Senior Courser

A senior courser must be eligible to enter the Open stake, must run with at least one other hound, and must receive qualifying scores at two trials under two different judges.

Field Championship

For a dog to earn its Lurecouring Field Championship, it must obtain fifteen championship points, including two first placements with three points or more, under two different judges. Points are earned in the Open stake and depend on how many of the same breed also ran.

Earth Dog Trials

The AKC approved Earth Dog Trials ("Go-To-Ground") for Terrier breeds effective October 1, 1994. AKC registered Terriers (including Dachshunds) six months of age or older are eligible o participate in earth dog tests. This includes spayed or neutered dogs, dogs on limited registration, or ILP dogs of eligible breeds. Bitches in season may not participate.

Titles awarded in the Earthdog classes include Junior Earthdog (JE), Senior Earthdog (SE), and Master Earthdog (ME).

A preliminary Introduction test is available. No titles are earned, and it is not required of advanced tests. This test is designed for young and/or inexperienced dogs and is intended to introduce the dog to the sport as well as help evaluate the dog's enthusiasm for the work.

All quarry is protected from the dogs by being enclosed in cages. Artificial quarries may also be used.

Junior Earthdog Class

This class is open to all eligible dogs. To earn the Junior Earthdog title, the dog must qualify at two separate trials under two different judges.

The Junior Earthdog course layout is a 9x9inch 30 foot long tunnel with three 90 degree turns. The entry is at one end, and the quarry area at the other end. There are no dead ends in the tunnel.

Qualifying performance: Dogs are graded on approach to the quarry and working the quarry. At this level, the dog must reach the quarry within 30 seconds of starting. Once the quarry is found, the dog must bark, growl, dig or otherwise indicate interest in the quary for at least 60 seconds.

Senior Earthdog Class

Open only to dogs that have earned the Junior Earthdog title. Three qualifying scores under at least two different judges are required for the Senior Earthdog title. The Senior earthdog course layout is more complex, more closely resembling an actual den in the wild. The tunnel in this class is again 9x9 inches, and approximately thirty freet from entry to exit. However, in addition to three 90 turns on the main tunnel, there is a false exit and a false den, neither of which are visible from the main den entry.

Qualifying performance: Dogs are graded on approach to quarry, working the quary, and leaving the den on command. The dog has 90 seconds to find the quarry. Then it must work the quarry for 90 seconds. Finally, the handler must be able to call the dog back to the original entry.

Master Earthdog Class

Open only to dogs that have earned the Senior Earthdog title. To earn the Master Earthdog title, dogs must qualify four different times under at least two different judges. Dogs with the Msater Earthdog title may no longer enter Junior or Senior Earthdog classes. The Master Earthdog course layout is a modified form of the Junior/Senior course modified as follows: The entry is not readily visible, and is marked with a scent line. A false entry, with no scent, is visible. The tunnel contains a constriction point where it is 6 inches wide rather than 9 inches. An obstruction consisting of a 6 inch diameter pipe that can moved 2.5 inches either way is included. In adidtion, dogs are worked in pairs, selected at random.

Qualifying performance: Dogs are released on the scent line approximately 100 feet from the real entrance. The dogs must reach the entry in about 60 seconds. Once the entrance is found, one of the dogs must honor the other (and then switch places when the first dog has worked the den). The working dog has 90 seconds to find the quarry and must work it for 90 seconds. The Judge may tap on the roof of the tunnel when it is working as a distraction. The honoring dog must remain quiet, but may be staked during the honor.

Canine Good Citizen

The AKC sponsors this test. The CGC is not a title, but a certificate. However, many people add the initials CGC after the dog's name anyway. Note that ALL dogs, not just AKC registered ones, are eligible to take this test!

From the AKC pamphlet

"The purpose of the Canine Good Citizen Test is to demonstrate that the dog , as a companion of man, can be a respected member of the community, and can be trained and conditioned always to behave in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs, in a manner that will reflect credit on the dog. The Canine Good Citizen Test is not a competitive program, but rather a program of certification; it seeks to identify and recognize officially those dogs that possess the attributes that enable them to serve effectively as personal companions and as members in good standing with the community."
The tests include: Currently,
  1. AKC plans to expand and promote the test more.
  2. They do have colors for qualifying ribbons: turquoise and gold (but I have never seen these awarded: it's pretty much up to the club giving the test what they give out)
  3. AKC is thinking about dog tags and/or wallet cards for qualifying.
  4. AKC is going to advocate that dogs that have proven to be under control be allowed on leash in parks that don't allow dogs.
  5. They are going to ask clubs to lobby their states to have the test recognized as a sign of a responsible owner.

Titles

Title notation

Certain titles go before the dog's registered name, others go after. Championship titles go before the name; non-championship titles go after the name.

There are also orderings within the champion and non-champion titles. If a dog also has a Amateur Field Championship that title is placed in front of its name, in addition to the other titles (e.g., CH), but behind them if they exist.

At an AKC event, a dog may be listed only with its AKC-recognized titles. Therefore, it may not have all of its titles listed in the catalog for the show. Outside of AKC sponsorship, all of the titles that a dog has earned may be listed.

As a matter of interest, there has been only one triple CH in AKC history. Thi is a male Viszla by the name of Cariad's Kutya Kai Costa, who earned a Ch, FCh, and an OTCh for his Triple.

AKC Member Clubs

Breed Clubs

Each breed recognized by the AKC has a parent club, which is considered to be the national breed club for that breed. These clubs' main responsibility is maintaining the Standard for their breed, and representing the interests of their breed at AKC meetings by assigning attending delegates. These clubs often also sponsor a national speciaty once a year. If the breed is a working or sporting one, often a national performance event is also sponsored. Different breed clubs operate differently: some coordinate national breed rescue programs, and others do not. Many have educational brochures and Public Education Coordinators to answer the public's questions about the breed. Some clubs are quite open to membership; for example the Golden Retriever Club of America has over 1500 members. On the other hand, the Labrador Retriever Club has less than 700 members (and twice the recorded registrations of Labradors to Goldens!). Membership applications generally require some background in the breed (it could be ownership, showing, or breeding) and the sponsorship of one or two members of the club. In general, you can write to the Corresponding Secretary of the national breed club you are interested in for the exact requirements of membership.

There are also many regional breed clubs. These clubs put on regional specialties, promote their breed, coordinate educational efforts in their region and often have a breed rescue program. Many people start out with membership in these programs before gaining membership in the national club, although you should remember that for many people the regional clubs are all they need. Become involved with your regional club and learn more about your breed! It's also a good way to keep track of events in your area that you would like to attend. Many national and regional clubs put out newsletters for their members.

Regional Kennel Clubs

In addition to the breed clubs, there are also regional kennel clubs affiliated with the AKC. The AKC licenses member clubs to put on all breed shows. Depending on their size, most clubs put out one to two shows per year, as well as holding one to several sanctioned matches (practice shows) per year. Local kennel clubs are a good way to network with other dog fanciers and to learn more about breeds besides your own.

Obedience Clubs

Some clubs are licensed to put on just obedience shows. These clubs often have training classes, regular obedience matches, and other benefits for members.

All member clubs are listed in the back of AKC's Gazette.

Contacting the AKC

The AKC's address is 51 Madison, New York, New York, 10010.

Online, the AKC may be reached at info@akc.org. They also have an extensive web page at http://www.akc.org/. Following is a list of telephone numbers, taken from the Gazette, January 1994 issue, page 39: My comments in brackets. These are all the AKC telephone numbers available.

1-800-AKC-TELL
AKC Dog laws 24 hour hotline is designed to take calls from individuals and clubs on local dog legislation. Callers should leave their names and numbers. Those with questions will get a call back between 8:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. [The AKC is especially interested in hearing of anti-dog legislation. This phone number is ONLY for dog legislation matters.]
(919)233-9767 Registration Information
Hours--8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Eastern time. This office is responsible for handling all calls involving any type of registration (including Foreign Registration) question or problem. When you want any AKC registration forms or answers to registration questions this is the office to call. If you are calling about a registration application, keep in mind that the normal processing time is approximately two to three weeks. If you want to check the status of an application you submitted, you must be able to provide the customer service representative with the breeding information on your dog or litter. [All written correspondence should be directed to American Kennel Club, 5580 Centerview Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606.]
(212)696-8208 Investigations and Inspections
The work of this department involves inspections of recordkeeping and identification practices and investigations into registration rule violations.
(212)696-8208 Event Records
This is the department that processes and records the official results of all licensed Shows, Obedience, Field Trials, Hunting Tests and Herding Events and issues Certificates of Championship, Obedience, Hunting and Herding Titles. Title certificates are mailed approximately 4 to 6 weeks after the event at which the dog has finished the requirements for the title. If you are inquiring about a title certificate please have the breed, name and number of your dog available, as well as the complete name of the club and the date of the event at which your dog completed the requirements for its title.
(212)696-8262 Judging Information
If you would like the details about a dog show or obedience trial judge's application, this is the number to call.
(212)696-8232 Event Plans
Everything having to do with the processing of paperwork for sanctioned and licensed Shows. Obedience and Field Trials and Hunting Tests.
(212)696-8276 Obedience, Tracking, Herding and Lure Coursing Department
Call this number if you have questions about obedience, tracking, herding or lure coursing regulations and judging requirements. This area also handles lure coursing event schedules and results.
(212)696-8286, -8306, -8360 AKC/ACHA Coonhound Department
This is the department that processes registrations, pedigrees, hunt and bench show dates, new clubs, bench show and hunt results and championship titles for all Coonhounds.
(212)696-8225 By-Laws Inquiries
If your club is approved to hold licensed or member dog shows, obedience trials or field trials, and you have a question about your club's constitution or by-laws call this number.
(212)696-8207 New Clubs
Are you forming a dog club or in the process of becoming fully acredited by AKC? This is the number to call.
(212)696-8231 Communications
For public relations information, or other ways we can help your club with information or educational services, call this number.
(212)696-8333 Gazette, Editorial
This is the number to call for everything haveing to do with AKC's monthly magazine, Pure-Bred Dogs/American Kennel Gazette, EXCEPT subscription and advertising. (See following.)
(212)696-8260 Advertising
For information and rates to advertise in the GAZETTE, EVENTS CALENDAR, or AKC AWARDS, call this number.
(919)233-9780 Subscriptions
Have a question about your subscription? Want to place an order for an AKC magazine? This is the number to call. Magazines: Pure-Bred Dogs/American Kennel Gazette American Kennel Club Awards American Kennel Club Stud Book Register
(919)233-9780 Audio/Visual Programs
This is the number to call to order any of AKC's AV programs. All programs are available in VHS format.
(212)696-8245 Library
Contact AKC's library for specialized research and bibliographic questions. Visiting hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
(212)696-8200 Main Switchboard
Use this number if you are uncertain what department or who to call for non-registration related matters.

AKC Publications

The Complete Dog Book, 18th Edition. Howell Book House, 1994.

AKC Gazette is a monthly magazine put out by the AKC. It includes an Events Calendar that lists dates, places, superintendants, judges, etc. for all the AKC events (including Regional and National Specialties), including obedience, lurecoursing, field trials, and herding trials. Each issue covers the next three months for the US.

AKC Coursing News
Larry Flynn, editor
R.D. 1 Box 1733
Stewartstown, PA 17363

American Kennel Club FAQ
Cindy Moore, rpd-info@netcom.com
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