Agility Competion - Dog Sizes

Dogs of any size can participate with jump heights being varied in relation to the height of the dog. The speed (rate of travel) expected from the dogs is also varied according to their size. For instance, the rate of travel expected from a toy is due to the fact that they have much shorter legs Dogs are grouped into classes by height. These classes are toy, mini, midi, and maxi. 

There are four different height divisions, which compete separately. All heights are measured at the wither.

  • Toy - Restricted to dogs up to and including 300mm. This height class jumps 250mm in the International Programme and 150mm in the Combined, Junior and Regular Standards. This height class is not offered for Combined Open Pairs and Team events. When this happens the Mini class will be jumping 250mm height and Toy dogs are welcomed to compete in these events. Toy sized dogs are eligible to compete in Mini Classes, subject to the conditions of the competition.
  • Mini - Restricted to dogs up to and including 400mm. The Combined, Junior and Regular Standards jump 250mm. International Programme Standards (Intermediate, Open and Advanced) jump 400mm. Dogs in the International programme are encouraged to enter their dogs in Midi classes (when entering Combined Programme events) where the bar height is 400mm to ensure good jumping style in maintained as the dog begins its agility career.

Toy and Mini have more time (higher SCT) to complete a course because of their shorter legs.

  • Midi - Restricted to dogs up to and including 500mm. This height class jumps 550mm in the International Programme and 400mm in the Combined, Junior and Regular Standards. Dogs in the International programme are encouraged to enter their dogs in Maxi classes (when entering Combined Programme events) where the bar height is 550mm to ensure good jumping style in maintained as the dog begins its agility career. This height class is not offered for Combined Open Pairs and Team events. When this happens the Maxi class will be jumping 550mm height and Midi dogs are welcomed to compete in these events. Midi sized dogs are eligible to compete in Mini Classes, subject to the conditions of the competition.
  • Maxi - No restriction in dog height. This height class jumps 650mm in the International Programme and 550mm in the Combined, Junior and Regular Standards.

The Intermediate, Open and Advanced class jump heights were developed to International standards. The Combined, Regular and Junior programme jump heights are offered as an alternate jump height for beginning, less confident or veteran dogs or to encourage various breeds/structures of dogs.

These options preserve the athletic nature of dog agility and provide a safe performance level for the majority of dog breeds.

Agility Competition - Variety Of Tests and Games

ADAA offer a variety of tests and games so there is something to suit every dog and handler team. You can enjoy Agility and Jumping Tests, Individual Games as well as Pair and Team Games and there are sometimes Challenge events that take place over a couple of days.  

  • Agility Tests - Comprised of all of the obstacles (15 to 20 in total) and the judge sets a course suitable for the standard.
  • Jumping Tests - Comprised of all the obstacles except contact equipment (the ramp obstacles) and require a faster rate of travel.
  • Games - Agility games, which add variety and an extra challenge for the handler. In some games they allow a handler to avoid obstacles that their dog is not good at and repeat obstacles that their dog excels at.
  • Individual Games, are Games in which handlers and dogs compete on an individual basis, not as a member of a team. These include Gamblers and Snooker.
  • Pairs Games, are Games in which two dogs (each with a separate handler) participate as a team. These include Pairs Relay and Strategic Pairs.
  • Team Games, are Games in which three or more dogs (each with a separate handler) participate as a team. These include Team Relay and Team Knockout.
  • Challenge Events - Consist of multiple rounds, with results of the rounds being added together. These are often run over a combination of days.