In the AKC, only champion titles appear before a dog's name. These are referred to as prefix titles. For conformation that would be CH (Champion) or GCH (for Grand Champion). Prefix titles represent a lot of hard work and dedication. All other titles are listed after a dog's name. These are called suffix titles. Many of these titles are stepping stones towards a championship title. (Unlike other dog sports, conformation does not have suffix titles. You're either a champion, or you're not.)
If you want to put a performance title on your dog, there are many to choose from. Here are four of the most popular:
OBEDIENCE:
- Beginner Novice (BN) -- Beginner title awarded to dog who qualifies two times in beginner novice obedience trial competition. The dog is on leash for all exercises except the recall.
- Companion Dog (CD) -- Here the must be able to heel (both with and without a leash), come when called, standing for a simple physical examination, and stay in both a sit and a down position with a group of dogs.
- Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) -- Here more exercises are done off leash and retrieving and jumping challenges are added. All exercises are done off leash.
- Utility Dog (UD) -- These exercises include scent discrimination, directed retrieves, jumping and silent signal exercises. Exercises become more complicated and a series of points are required for dogs to earn Utility Dog Excellent (UDX) and Obedience Trial Championship (OTCH) titles.
RALLY:
- Rally Novice (RN) -- Here the dog/handler team perform on-leash exercises that demonstrate the dog's understanding of basic commands such as sit, stay, down, come and heel position
- Rally Advanced (RA) -- Here a set of exercises are performed off-leash and at least one jump is included.
- Rally Excellent (RE) -- This is a more difficult off-leash course that includes at least one jump and demonstrates more precise skill and coordination between the dog and handler. As above, a number of points are required to earn the Rally Advanced Excellent (RAE) title.
AGILITY:
- Novice Agility (NA) -- This is the beginning level. Dogs must qualify (complete the run without exceeding specified time or number of faults) three times to earn this title.
- Open Agility (OA) -- This is a harder, intermediate level AKC agility test. Dogs must qualify three times to earn this title.
- Agility Excellent (AX) -- This is an advanced level AKC agility test. Dogs must qualify three times to earn this title. Dog can then go on to earn a Master Agility Excellent (MX) title.
- Novice Agility Jumpers (NAJ) -- The novice level AKC agility test involving jumps, tunnels and weave poles. Dogs must qualify three times to earn this title.
- Open Agility Jumpers (OAJ) -- This is a harder, intermediate level AKC agility test. Dogs must qualify three times to earn this title.
- Agility Excellent Jumpers (AXJ) -- This is an advanced level AKC agility test. Dogs must qualify three times to earn this title. Dog can then go on to earn a Master Agility Excellent Jumpers (MXJ) title.
- Master Agility Champion (MACH) -- This is a huge accomplishment. To receive MACH must achieve a number of championship points and double qualifying scores.
HERDING:
- Herding Tested (HT) -- The judge is looking for the dogs ability to move and control livestock.
- Pre-Trial Tested (PT) -- The dog must move livestock (usually sheep or ducks) through several gates in a small arena, and is able to make the livestock change direction.
- Herding Started (HS) -- Beginning level.
- Herding Intermediate (HI) -- Intermediate level.
- Herding Excellent (HE) -- Advanced level.
- Herding Champion (HC) -- After an advanced title has been completed, a dog may earn a championship by obtaining points through placing at the advance level.
Jedi and I tried herding. It was awesome! |
Tomorrow's Topic: Pedigrees and Registrations
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