From: tittle@ics.uci.edu (Cindy Tittle Moore)
Subject: rec.pets.dogs:  American Kennel Club Titles FAQ
X-Last-Updated: 1992/09/26
Followup-To: poster
Supersedes: <dogs-faq/AKC-titles_716619624@athena.mit.edu>
Reply-To: tittle@ics.uci.edu
Organization: University of California at Irvine: ICS Dept.
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1992 05:03:21 GMT
Expires: Sun, 29 Nov 1992 05:00:15 GMT

Archive-name: dogs-faq/AKC-titles
Version: 2.3
Last-modified: 25 September 1992

This is one (of ten) of the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Lists
for rec.pets.dogs.  It is posted on a monthly basis: updates,
additions, and corrections (including attributions) are always
welcome: send email to one of the addresses below.

The ten parts are all archived at pit-manager.mit.edu (18.172.1.27) in
the directory /pub/usenet/news.answers/dogs-faq.  The files are:
introduction, new, health-care, medical-info, training, working,
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try ftp to pit-manager.mit.edu and look under that directory.  If ftp
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Changes and additions indicated with |'s.

Notes:
I'm sure there are many other AKC titles...

VII.  American Kennel Club Titles

  A.  Showing.
  B.  Conformation.
  C.  Obedience.
  D.  Field and Hunting.
  E.  Tracking.
  F.  Herding.
  G.  Championships.
  H.  Other AKC Titles.
  I.  AKC Breed Clubs.


A.  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, and are tailored to the type of work bred
for: e.g., hunting, retrieving, pointing, and tracking.  There are
herding trials (on a variety of stock) for herding breeds.

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 details AKC titles, although
many others exist, and may eventually be detailed in their own
FAQ.

For showing in the AKC, the only pre-requirement is that the dog be
registered with the AKC (either litter registration or individual
registration), 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.

If your dog is or appears to be (AKC-recognized) purebred but is
unregistered, you can get an ILP (Indefinite Listing Privilege) number
to do anything but conformation work. The procedure for getting an ILP
is as follows:
  * Write to the AKC for a form.
  * Fill out the form -- it asks what the history of the dog is, where
    you got it, why you think it is pure-bred, etc.
  * Take two pictures of your dog -- one side shot standing, one front
    shot standing.
  * Have you dog neutered.  This is required for all dogs that are
    applying for ILPs.  Include the veterinarian's certificate of
    neutering in with the application.
  * Mail the form, pictures, and certificated of neutering along with
    your check.

If your dog isn't purebred or is a breed not recognized by AKC, you
can still get titles through breed-specific, rare-breed, or
mixed-breed clubs like Mutt's of America or Mix-breeds of America
(there are others).  These clubs hold their own obedience trials
(usually modeled after the AKC obedience trials).  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.  They do not have their own special matches.  You can
compete at any fun matches (where no corrections are allowed) or rare
breed shows.

1.  Naming and registration

A dog's registered name must meet the following criteria 
(from "AKC Policies And Guidelines for Registration Matters")

  * Name length is limited to 25 characters, not including spaces,
    apostrophes and hyphens.
  * Letters in the name are restricted to the standard English
    alphabet; apostrophes, hyphens, and spaces are the only
    punctuation that appear in a dog's name.  The certificate
    will be printed in all upper case.
  * Lifetime kennel names and registered name prefixes cannot
    be used without the consent of the owner of the name.
  * No arabic numbers, no Roman numerals at the end of the name.
  * A limit of 37 dogs in one breed may have the same name.
  * AKC reserves the right to append Roman numerals to the end of a
    name for identification purposes.
  * Spelled out cardinal and ordinal numbers may be used (e.g., 
    First, One, Two, Third, etc).
  * The name may not contain "Champion," "Champ," "Sieger," or
    any other show term/AKC title, spelled or abbreviated.
  * Obscenities or derogatory words may not be used.
  * "Kennel," "dog," "male," "sire," "stud," "bitch," "dam," and
    "female" may not appear in the name.
  * The name may not consist of the breed name alone.
  * Names of living or recently dead persons may not be used.
  * An imported dog must be registered under the same name that
    it was registered in its country of birth.

All names are subject to AKC approval.  Names may not be changed
(even if AKC mixes up the name -- there are dogs out there with
typos in their names that they cannot correct).


B.  Conformation

When showing a dog, 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.

If you use a handler, you should always go with the handler however,
just to make sure they are treating your dog right.  Also, a lot of
rule breaking occurs in the conformation ring.  Mostly foreign
materials (hair-spray, mousse, dyes) in the dogs' coats.  This is not
allowed by AKC rules, but many handlers and owners do it.

A Champion 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.  Therefore, even if your dog wins a class, it doesn't
necessarily get points.  It's only the WD or WB within a breed in
competition that is awarded points.  You don't get anything for second
place, but a ribbon, some recognition as an upcoming hopeful, and some
experience.

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.

Special dogs are dogs with their CH; they do not normally compete in
the classes.  They compete directly for BOB/BOS along with the WD and
WB.  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 this slightly differently.  Sometimes they are entered
in classes just to bring the show up to a major.

Best of Winners picks up the greater of the points that WD/WB has.

Best of Breed (BOB) calculates its points based on the points
available from adding all the dogs in the classes with all the
specials, or all the bitches in the classes with all the specials,
whichever gives you the greater number of points.

Best of Opposite Sex (BOS) calculates its points based on the number
of dogs or bitches in the classes, plus all the specials that are the
same sex as BOS, whichever combination gives you the greater number of
points.

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

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.

Sound hard?  It is!

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.

A short chart:

                     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.)      (new)
           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)

1.  Standards

"How do you develop an eye for the 'perfect dog' in your breed?"

Books are actually a good way, especially one with lots of color
photos.  Going to specialty shows is another a good way (specialties
usually have 50+ dogs of your breed there or at least enough for a
major).  Talking to breeders and looking at what they point out on
dogs is yet another way.  Mostly, you just "have an eye" or you don't.

If you don't, find a good breeder to help you at first.  Make some
friends or pick a breeder you get along with and become "a little lost
puppy" and follow them.  Don't talk much, listen a lot more than you
talk, and be respectful of them.  They are really more likely to want
to help you if you do flatter them just a little, but be honest about
what you do and don't like.  You can always learn something, and you
never stop learning!  (Be sure to stay out of the way when they or
their dog is about to go in the ring.)

2.  Estimated costs

If you use a handler, a CH on your dog will easily cost you about
$5000.  If you handle the dog yourself and only go to local shows,
it's more like $2000.  However, you may need to travel some to get to
the bigger or specialty shows in order to get the majors or different
judges, depending on how popular your breed is and the show circuit in
your area.

It's the fun you have with your dogs doing all these things that is
the real reward.

3.  Finding out where shows are

If you subscribe to the _AKC Gazette_, you also get a monthly Events
Calendar that lists dates, places, superintendants, judges, etc. for
all the AKC events (including Regional and National Specialties),
including obedience, field, and herding trials.  Each issue covers the
next three months for the US.  This magazine is available by
subscription only.  Subscription Information - (212) 696-8226.

_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.


C.  Obedience.

Novice: There is 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.

1.  Novice exercises

  * Heeling on leash; this involves starts and stops, left and right
    turns, and fast and slow walking.  The dog is supposed to stay
    with you at all times (head or shoulder next to your leg).  Figure
    8 on leash; there are two stops, dog has to stay with you with no
    forging (going ahead) or lagging (falling behind).  40 points.

  * Off-leash Stand for examination: your dog has to stand still while
    the judge examines the head, neck and back, approximately.  You
    are standing at least 6 ft away.  30 points.

  * Repeat of first heeling exercise (not figure 8 part) but without
    leash.  40 points.

  * Recall and finish: Dog sits about 30 ft. away.  You call dog and
    it comes briskly to you and sits.  On command it then goes around
    into a heel pattern sit.  30 points.

  * Group exercise.  About 10-12 dogs together go in and line up on
    one end.  Handlers sit their dogs and go to the opposite side.
    This is the long sit, lasting for 1 minute.  Then handlers down
    their dogs and do the same for 3 minutes.  Long sit is 30 points,
    long down is 30 points.

2.  Open exercises

  * Heel Free and Figure Eight. Like Novice, except no lead.  40
    points.

  * Drop on Recall. Like Novice recall, except you signal or
    command your dog to down when the judge tells you to.
    The dog must stay in the down until you tell it to come
    again.  30 points.

  * Retrieve on Flat. You tell the dog to stay, and throw your
    dumbbell at least 20 feet away. You then send your dog; it
    must go directly to the dumbbell, bring it back, and sit 
    in front of you to deliver it. You take the dumbbell and
    then do a finish.  20 points.

  * Retrieve over High Jump. Like the Retrieve on Flat, except
    the dog has to jump the high jump on the way out and on
    the way back.  30 points.

  * Broad Jump. You put your dog in a stay at least eight feet
    behind the jump. You then walk to the side of the jump,
    face the jump, and send your dog over it. While it's in the
    air, you turn 90 degrees so your dog can come to a sit in
    front of you. Then you do a finish.  20 points.

  * Group exercise.  Same as Novice, except handlers are out of
    sight for the stays, and the sit and down stay are three
    minutes and five minutes long, respectively.  30 points each.

3.  Utility exercises

  * Signal Exercise. You do an off-lead heeling pattern, with signals
    only (no voice). In addition, on the judges command, you signal
    your dog to stand and stay, and then from across the ring you
    signal your dog to down, sit, come, and then finish.  40 points.

  * Scent Discrimination.  You have two sets of five identical
    articles, one set of leather and one of metal. You out pick one of
    each; the rest are set out in a group, at random, about six inches
    from each other.  You and your dog turn your backs on the pile,
    and you scent one of the articles and give it to the judge, who
    puts it out with the rest. You turn and send your dog to the pile,
    who has to pick out the one you scented and retrieve it as in the
    Retrieve on Flat. You then repeat the exercise with the other
    article.  30 points.

  * Directed Retrieve. You have three (mostly) white cotton work
    gloves.  You stand with your back turned to a side of the ring
    that is clear of equipment, with your dog in heel position. The
    gloves are placed one in each corner and one in the center along
    that side of the ring.  The gloves are numbered one, two, three
    from left to right as you face them. The judge tells you which
    glove to get, and you and your dog pivot in place to (hopefully)
    face that glove. You then give a verbal command and signal to your
    dog to retrieve the glove, as in Retrieve on Flat.  30 points.

  * Moving Stand and Examination. You heel your dog about ten feet,
    and then command the dog to stand-stay without stopping. You
    continue about ten feet and then turn to face your dog. The judge
    examines the dog with his hands as in breed judging (note this is
    more thorough than Novice) except he does not examine the dog's
    teeth or testicles. You then call your dog directly to heel
    position.  30 points.

  * Directed jumping. There are two jumps midway across the ring,
    about 20 feet apart. One is a high jump, as in Open, and one is a
    bar jump.  You are about 20 feet away from the jumps, on the
    center line of the ring. You send your dog down the center line of
    the ring (between the jumps). When the dog is about 20 feet past
    the jumps, you tell it to sit. Then you command and/or signal the
    dog to take one of the jumps (the judge tells you which).  The dog
    must jump the jump, come to you, and sit in front. (While it is in
    midair you turn towards it.) Then you do a finish.  You then
    repeat the exercise with the other jump.  40 points.

4.  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, for a set of four 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.


D.  Field and Hunting.

The difference between field trials and hunting tests is that field
trials compete dogs against one another in their marking, finding, and
retrieving ability, whereas the hunting trials are not inter-dog
competitive (similar to CD, CDX, and UD's from obedience).

Hunting tests (JH, SH, and MH) depend on the dog scoring at least 7's
on a set of criteria.  Field trial tests will award the points to the
"best" mark, search and retrieve.  Thus, hunting tests tend to more
closely approximate actual hunting conditions, whereas field trial
tests tend toward extremely distant marks, and straight line retrieves
where speed is paramount.  Field trial tests award points toward a
championship, hunting tests do not.

There are hunting tests for retrieving breeds, pointing breeds, and
spaniels.

1. Summary of AKC Hunting Tests for Pointing Breeds (1 June 1992).

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.

Qualifying on a particular hunting test is referred to as "getting a
wing" toward the title.

2.  AKC Hunting Tests (for retrievers)
 
2.1. JH: Junior hunter.
  * 2 single marks on water.
  * 2 single marks on land.

  (ie. Dog sees 1 bird thrown. Dog waits until handler tells dog 
  to go and pick it up. Dog brings it back to the handler and 
  delivers the bird to hand. Repeat 4 times.)
 
Distances should never be more than 100 yards.
 
2.2. SH: Senior hunter.
  * 1 double mark on land, 1 double mark on water  (dog watches
    2 birds thrown at the same time (actually one after the other)
    then retrieves them both).
  * 1 walk-up (the handler & dog are walking when a bird comes out).
  * 1 honor (the dog has to watch another dog pick up a bird).
  * 1 land blind, 1 water blind. (the dog never sees the bird, has to
    rely on the handler for directions to the bird).
  * 1 diversion (a bird is thrown while the dog is on the way back
    with another bird).
 
2.3. MH: Master hunter.
  * Multiple marks on land, multiple marks on water.
  * 1 walk-up
  * At least 1 mark where the dog goes from land, to water, to land
    (called a combination)
  * 1 land blind
  * 1 water blind
  * 1 double blind (usually run with one of the above blinds)
  * 1 honor
  * 1 walk-up
  * 1 diversion
 
Usually, the a master test is done over fairly tough conditions
(ie.  gut sucking mud, waist high grass, etc.)

3.  Field Trial Championships

1.  Retrievers

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 a 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.


E.  Tracking.

For tracking tests in general, the tracking leash shall be between 20
and 40 feet in length, and shall be visibly marked at a point 20 feet
from the dog; the handler shall 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.

1.  TD: Tracking Dog

To enter a TD test, dogs must be at least 6 months old and be
certified.  Certification (which is obtained by the dog passing a
regulation track for an AKC Tracking judge) must take place within a
year of the test date.

Each individual track is 440 to 500 yards long, and is aged from 30
minutes to 2 hours.  It is rare for tracks to be aged more than 1
hour.

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

2.  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.


E.  Herding.

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

In general, for herding tests:

  * Dogs have to be 9 months old to compete in AKC herding events.
  * A dog is not required to have an HT before competing in Pre-Trial,
    or to have either test title before competing in trial classes.
    Testing is recommended, however.
  * Not all herding events are listed in the Gazette currently, but an
    updated list is sent out with each issue of the Herdsman (the AKC
    herding newsletter). The reason the info isn't in the Gazette is
    because of its long lead time. The AKC is trying to modify the
    publication schedule of the events calendar so they can get
    herding event info in there in a more timely fashion.

1. 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:
- a sit or down stay at the start,
- controlled movement of the stock between two pylons, located at
   opposite ends of the ring.  Includes two changes in direction.
- stop and recall at the end

Pre-trial test elements:
- a stay at the start
- controlled movement of stock, including a change of direction and
  passage through four gates
- a stop at some point on the course
- a stop before penning the stock
- penning the stock

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.

1.  References
    
SHEEP! Magazine
Rt. 1
Helenville WI 53137

The Working Border Collie, Inc. (bimonthly magazine)
14933 Kirkwood Road
Sidney, Ohio 45365
(513) 492-2215

The Ranch Dog Trainer (magazine)
Rt. 1, Box 21
Koshkonong MO 56592

Holmes, John.  _The Farmer's Dog_.  Order from SHEEP!

Jones, H. Glyn.  _A Way of Life_.  Order from SHEEP!
  H. Glyn Jones talks to Barbara C. Collins.

Karrasch, Dick.  _Training a Stockdog: For Beginners_.  Wondereye
Farm, Rt. 1, Box 42, Vandiver AL 35176.

O'Reilly, Chuck.  _Training Working Livestock Dogs_.  Rt. 4, Box 33B,
Red Wind MN 55066.

Robertson, Pope.  _Anybody Can Do It_.  Rovar Publ. Co., 522 East 2nd
St., Elgin TX 78621.

Templeton, John and Matt Mundell.  _Working Sheep Dogs_.  Order from
SHEEP!

There are many videos listed in the back of the magazines.  There is
also a wide variety of breed specific books relative to the breed of
dog you are interested in. Please write to the appropriate parent club
for details.  In addition, both the American Herding Breeds
Association and the Australian Shepherd Club of America offer herding
trials and their own titles.

There is an electronic mailing list devoted to herding issues.
Contact Terri Hardwick at herders-request@mcnc.org for information on
how to join the list.


F.  Championships.

1.  Dual or Triple Championships

Currently three titles awarded by the AKC go into making up the DCH
and TCH titles.  These are:

CH     - Champion of Record.
OTCH   - Obedience Trial Champion.
FCH    - Field Trial Champion.

These three titles can be combined in the following manner:

DCH    - One of the following combinations:
         CH + OTCH, CH + FCH, OTCH + FCH

TCH    - CH + OTCH + FCH

Any dog who is a DCH or especially a TCH is an outstanding
representation of the breed.  If the DCH is one half Champion of
Record this is a dog that most breeders would give their eye teeth to
breed to.

NB: HCH is a very new title, so the AKC rule books have not yet come
out detailing the possibly new combinations for dual and triple (and
quadruple!)  championships.

2.  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
catalogue for the show.  Outside of AKC sponsorship, all of the titles
that a dog has earned may be listed.


G.  Other AKC Titles.

1.  AKC Canine Good Citizen 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."

  * Evaluated on appearance and willingness to be groomed and
    examined, reaction to approach of a stranger.

  * Evaluated on acceptance of a stranger in a natural everyday
    situation: owner and judge shake hands, talk.  Dog must not show
    signs of resentment or shyness and must remain in sit.

  * Must demonstrate that dog is under control in walking.  Heeling is
    not required, but dog must not lag or forge.
 
  * Demonstrate walking through a crowd.  Dog may show some interest
    in the people, but remain calmly with owner.

  * Must demonstrate that the dog will allow a stranger to approach
    and pet it.  Dog must remain sitting.

  * Demonstrates sit and down on command by owner.

  * Demonstrates stay.  Owner walks 20 feet away then returns.
    Must maintain position until released.

  * Demonstrate good behavior around another dog.  Should show no more
    than casual interest.

  * Reaction to distractions: sudden noises, animated talking and
    backslapping, a jogger, shopping cart, or bicycle passing closely
    by.  Dog may show interest, curiousity, momentary startle but no
    panic, aggression, nor barking.

  * Demonstrate being left alone: fastened to a fifteen foot line and
    owner is out of sight for 5 minutes.  No whining, barking, or
    howling.


H.  AKC Breed Clubs.

There are a number of breed clubs, affiliated with AKC that focus on
particular breeds.  Besides promoting their breed, they also sponsor
specialties for their breed (facilitating major-point shows, for
example).

Many breed clubs require sponsors to become a member.  They want you
to learn from other breeders.  If you go to a show and become friends
with a breeder and talk to some others, you will get sponsors quickly.
Breeders like to be a mentor to a new member.  If you hang around long
enough and really start asking a lot of questions on the spot
(preferably when they are not nervous about being next in the ring)
you'll become quickly accepted.  Find a breeder you want to get your
next puppy from and talk with them a lot.

A sponsor is another breeder that has talked to you and told you about
the ethics and looked at you to make sure you are not likely to become
a puppy mill breeder.  They are looking at you to make sure you are
trying to improve the breed and you are going to be responsible about
breeding and showing.

Most if not all breed clubs have a code of ethics that members must
adhere to.

Many AKC breed clubs have their own certificates and titles.  For
example, the Labrador Retriever Club has the WC (Working Certificate)
title that is very similar to the AKC JH title.

There are other breed clubs that are NOT affiliated with the AKC, for
various reasons.  Examples include the Australian Shepherd Club of
America.

----------------
This file is Copyright (c) 1992 by Cindy Tittle Moore.  It may be
freely distributed in its entirety provided that this copyright notice
is not removed.  It may not be sold for profit nor incorporated in
commercial documents without the author's written permission.

Cindy Tittle Moore
Internet: tittle@ics.uci.edu  UUCP: ...!ucbvax!ucivax!tittle
Bitnet  : cltittle@uci        USmail: PO BOX 4188, Irvine CA 92716
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