Dog Tests / Categories & Classes

Two sort of tests are organized:

• Official agility tests sanctioned by the FCI
• Unofficial agility tests

Three categories exist:

 S (Small) - M (Medium) - L (Large)Note: Dogs can only enter one category. It is recommended that the height of the dogs competing in 'S' and 'M' be registered in the record book. An FCI approved breed or agility judge who signs the entry in the record book can measure the dogs.

1 Official Agility tests sanctioned by the FCI

Open only to FCI recognized pedigree dogs over 18 months old and in possession of a record book or license issued by their NCO.

There are two official classes:

Agility – including contact equipment and the table.

Jumping – excluding contact equipment and the table, unless it is used at the start in which case it is not regarded as an obstacle.

These classes are divided into three levels:

a)  Agility/Jumping 1
Open only to dogs that have not yet obtained their 'Agility Certificate'.

b)  Agility/Jumping 2
Open only to dogs that have obtained their 'Agility Certificate'.

c)  Agility/Jumping 3
Open only to dogs who were placed three times, with a clear round, in the top three in Agility 2 tests.

Relegation is possible, this according to the specifications of the NCO.

When building the course the judge must use, at his discretion, the obstacles approved by the FCI.

Note: An Agility 1 course will have a maximum of three contact obstacles, and a maximum of four contact obstacles will be used in an Agility 2 and Agility 3 course (at the judges discretion).

Weaving poles and combination jumps can be negotiated only once during a test.

Contact obstacles should not be the first or the last obstacle on the course.

Tire and long jump must always be set up for a straight approach from the previous obstacle.

The difference between Agility 1, Agility 2 and Agility 3 should be:

• the length of the course and its degree of difficulty
• the speed chosen to determine the SCT

The rules apply for all the categories - S, M and L - except that the obstacles must meet the specifications defined for the Small and the Medium dogs.

The results obtained in the officials tests will be recorded in the record books or license and allow entering National Championships, as well as the World Championships in so far that the criteria, set out by the NCOs, are met.

2. Unofficial tests

Left to the initiative of each country, these 'unofficial competitions' should hold the agility ideals high and ensure the safety of the dogs and handlers. In his briefing, the judge should explain the rules before starting each class.

Standard marking can be applied or vary according to the class that is being organized.

The number of classes at an 'unofficial agility show' is determined by the organizing club and will depend on the number of entries and the time available.