Clean Run - December 2011 - 7

Everything you always wanted to know about agility
By Brenna Fender

Which breeds are most popular for agility?
Agility organizations don’t often keep track of these statistics. But we can estimate popularity based on some of the data that is tracked. The American Kennel Club (AKC) can provide statistics for the top 10 breeds that have earned at least one qualifying score. Their list is: Border Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, Australian Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, All American Dogs (mixed breeds), Papillons, and German Shepherd Dogs. The North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC) says that its top 10 most popular breeds (based on registration numbers) are mixed breeds, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Miniature Poodles, Jack Russell/Parson Russell Terriers, German Shepherd Dogs, and Pembroke Welsh Corgis. The United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA) doesn’t provide registry information (and dogs registered don’t always equate with dogs entered). But for titles earned at the Starters level, the top 10 breeds are: Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, All-Breeds (mixed breeds), Shetland Sheepdogs, Jack Russell Terriers, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Belgian Tervurens, Papillons, and Pembroke Welsh Corgis. There is a lot of repetition among these lists. It’s tempting to say that if these breeds are the most popular in agility, they must be the best. Certainly, they have proven to do well in the sport. But keep in mind that there are many factors that come into play in these lists, including popularity of breeds overall (many handlers start agility with their family pets) and trends. Also, many agility competitors compete in other sports as well (like ﬂyball, obedience, and herding), so their breed choices may be affected by a variety of factors. Most breeds having physical characteristics that allow speedy movement and good jumping ability can succeed in agility, particularly if they have a quick reaction time and a biddable nature.

Do you have a question about agility rules or anything else agility related? Mail your questions to Brenna Fender: brennafender@gmail.com Brenna collects the questions and forwards them to us so we never see the names.

they are 10' past the ring gates (NADAC rules prohibit food or toys within 10' of the ring). If food spills in the ring or the food or toy container is open, the dog is eliminated and, if necessary, trial officials will implement clean-up procedures. A containerized trial has all food and toys on site in containers rather than loose on top of crates, or in chairs, and so on. These items must be sealed in containers when not being used. Treats, bones, and toys may be left with a dog in his crate as long as the toy does not make noise. Failure to follow the rules at a containerized trial will at first be met with a polite reminder. According to NADAC representative Becky Woodruff, “If someone is rude enough to continue disregarding the club’s decision to containerize [treats/toys], then they may receive a warning and then excusal from the trial and a report filed with NADAC.” The main reason for the creation of these rules was to clean up the area around the entrance and exit to the ring. Woodruff says, “People tend to leave loose treats, including cat food, raw food, chicken, and so on around the ring gates. It not only creates a distraction for dogs, it attracts insects, [like] bees and wasps. It also eliminates the need for exhibitors to come racing out of the ring running for their crate or chair for cookies to reward their dogs with. We have found that by allowing food and toys in containers, on the person, there is much more order. We’ve yet to find any negatives.” Clubs have the option of holding containerized trials, but regardless of containerized status, food and toys are allowed in the ring at every NADAC trial as long as the handlers follow the proper procedures.

Can you carry treats and toys in the ring at NADAC trials? And what is a “containerized” trial?
Yes, you may carry treats and toys as long as you abide by specific rules. Handlers may run with toys and/or food on their person as long as it doesn’t make noise and it is out of sight in a completely sealed container like a Ziploc bag. Additionally, handlers may not indicate to their dogs that they have treats while in the ring (so no tapping pockets or mentioning “cookies”). Upon leaving the ring, handler may offer the food or toy to the dog once

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Clean Run - December 2011

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