Performance Sports
Field Events for Hounds
Hounds competing at trials are judged and scored to how successful they are at scent trailing game. Any beagle, basset hound, dachshund, or coonhound can participate.
Herding & Farm Dog
In herding, a dog must demonstrate the ability to move and control livestock by fetching or driving and be sufficiently trained to work at the proper balance point to move the stock forward on the course. Only herding breeds are eligible.
Farm dog test is open to all breeds, with no herding involved. They will be in close proximity to penned livestock, jumping and staying on hay/straw bales, walking on unusual terrain, and jumping over logs.
Coursing, CAT & FAST CAT
Dogs run individually to measure performance.
Lure coursing is when sighthounds chase a mechanized, white plastic lure around a 600-800 yard course that simulates the unpredictability of chasing live prey, while helping to improve their focus, agility and sportsmanship.
CAT (Coursing Ability Test) is designed for newcomers, as each dog chases after an artificial lure on either a 300- or 600-yard long course and must finish in less than 1 1/2 minutes and 2 minutes, respectively. All dogs at least 12 months of age are eligible.
Fast CAT is where dogs run individually in a timed 100-yard dash. All dogs at least 12 months of age are eligible.
Earthdog
Earth dog tests gauge the abilities of a dog for seeking and locating rodents, who are underground in cases. Small terriers and dachshunds are eligible.
Pointing Breeds and Retreivers
The pointers and retrievers can participate in Hunting tests and Field trials to showcase the dog's ability in following a scent.
Scent Work
The dog searches for cotton swabs saturated with the essential oils of birch, anise, clove, and cypress, that are hidden in a search area. When the dog finds the scent, he must communicate to the handler, who calls it out to the judge. All dogs are eligible.
Spaniels and Flushing Breeds
These breeds are driven by a prey drive to track game to either catch or flush for the hunter. Hunting trials are available for them to show their capabilities.
