The
SWD is eligible to begin AKC agility competition beginning January, 2008!
Agility as a sport is all the rage across the globe (many of the photos below
are of Finnish dogs). The SWD, a naturally athletic and attentive herding dog,
is a shoe-in for this sport. The SWD is a medium-sized dog with enormous speed,
jumping- and turning ability. Herding-dog instincts and drive make this breed
extremely sensitive to body pressure and an excellent team competitor.
The first Spanish Water Dog to title in Agility in the United States is ARBA
Ch. Orange Blossom's Admiral ("Tipo") who not only titled but garnered
several first-place ribbons at his very first trial (2005). Tipo will be one to
watch in 2008, when SWDs make their first appearance at AKC agility trials!
Spanish Water Dogs have been active competitors in agility in Europe for many
years. Some of the photos below are of Finnish dogs--see if you can spot the
long tails!
For links to US agility clubs, click here.
Slide Show! Click on a photo or the arrows to move through the show.
SWDs are known to their owners for their SPRING! Able jumpers, this breed combines drive, rapt attention, and joyous athleticism.
Tipo whipping through the weaves.
A Finnish dog going over the A-frame. As a herding dog, the SWD knows how to manipulate its center of gravity to optimize speed.
Making the turn while in the air can cut valuable seconds off the clock.
Look at that height! The SWD practically flies!
SWDs are known to their owners for their SPRING! Able jumpers, this breed combines drive, rapt attention, and joyous athleticism.
US Agility Clubs
Agility clubs may all look alike to the novice, but
each has its own rules. Some have uniquely built equipment, such as NADAC's
lower, slat-less A-frame. Some award "Q's" (qualifying scores) to dogs that make
time but have equipment faults, while others require perfectly clean runs. Check
out each agility club's rules, equipment and regulations at their links below:
AKC (American Kennel Club)
The SWD Club is working towards recognition of the
SWD as a pure-breed in the United States. When the breed is recognized, it
will be eligible to compete in AKC agility trials.
CPE
CPE is a relatively new agility club which is
growing in popularity. Dogs of any breeding may compete in CPE events. There
are several more levels of competition than in other venues, so newbies don't
feel like they've been thrown to the wolves at their first trials.
NADAC (North American Dog Agility Club)
NADAC is open to dogs of all
breeding, pure-breed and mixed-breed alike. Some of the equipment and rules
are different for this club, so be sure to read the rules before competing.
Also, the number of runs are limited in NADAC events, so if you are planning
on competing, get your premium in early!
UKC (United Kennel Club)
UKC events are open to dogs of all
breeding. UKC has some pieces of equipment that are built differently than in
other venues. As with all venues, be sure to read the rules and familiarize
your dog with the equipment before competing.
USDAA (United States Dog Agility Association)
Known for slightly higher jump heights, USDAA is an
extremely popular venue for agility. The number of runs is determined by how
many dogs are entered in the specified registration period. This means that
you should plan on starting early and staying late at USDAA agility trials.
