Dog Agility - Fairness Among Dogs and Handlers

Fairness Among Dogs and Handlers

Although each organization has its own rules, all divide dogs into smaller groups that are close to each other in size and experience for purposes of calculating winners and qualifying scores:

• Dogs are measured in height at the peak of their withers (shoulders). They are then divided into height groups; for example, dogs measuring between 12 and 16 inches (30 and 41 cm) might compete together with the jumps set at a height of 16 inches (41 cm). This ensures that dogs who might have an advantage on a particular course because of their size (larger or smaller) keep the advantage to a minimum.
• Dogs are further divided into their experience levels. So, for example, there may be competitions for 12 inches (30 cm) Novice dogs, 12 inches (30 cm) Intermediate dogs, and 12 inches (30 cm) Masters dogs. Dogs typically have to have certain numbers of successes at lower levels before they can move up to compete with more advanced dogs. Some organizations allow beginner dogs to run on-leash in some situations.
• Some organizations divide dogs into additional optional categories because the dogs are older (usually over seven years), need to jump at a lower height than the regular standard, or the like. For example, a veteran's class for older dogs might allow the dogs to jump at a height lower than the standard height and to have more time to complete the course. Otherwise, dogs are not separated by age; they must only be of at least a specified minimum age to compete.
• Some organizations divide handlers into additional optional categories, such as junior handlers (usually under 18), handicapped handlers, or senior handlers.

Dogs are not separated by breed in agility competitions. Some organizations require that dogs entering its competitions must be purebred, but many organizations allow any sound, able-bodied dog, whether purebred or mixed-breed. Blind dogs and dogs with disabilities judged to make the course run physically dangerous to the dog are generally ineligible for the dog's own safety. Among the major agility associations worldwide, the AKC stands out in its exclusion of deaf dogs from agility competition.