There are many reasons to choose a mixed-breed over a purebred dog. Mutts are generally healthier, cheaper, and full of surprises. I own a Labrador mixed with a Golden, and I’m more than happy with my decision.
To exercise with her, I’ve looked at dog sports such as agility. It seems like an excellent physical activity, but I don’t know if mutts are eligible for official events.
I can always practice for fun in my backyard, but it would be awesome to compete as soon as she’s ready. For people that are in the same situation as me, here’s everything I’ve found on this subject!
Can Mixed-Breeds Compete In Dog Sports?
Any breed is welcome to agility, obedience, and rally events, including mutts. Dogs don’t have to be purebred to compete in most sports. They only need to enroll in the AKC Canine Partners Program. With this registration, mixed-breeds can be eligible to participate in AKC competitions and maybe win titles.
It’s fun to know that dog sports aren’t only accessible to purebreds. Unfortunately, it wasn’t always that way. The Canine Partners Program was developed in 2009 to admit our loved mutts in agility, obedience, and rally AKC events.
On the other hand, the American Kennel Club (AKC) isn’t the only organization that makes dog sport competitions. Many different associations have events open to mixed-breeds.
There’s also much more information you should know before signing up for your first competition!
How Can Mutts Participate In Dog Agility, Obedience & Rally?
It will depend on the event you want to get in. Each organization has the freedom to make its own rules and decides if mixed-breeds can participate or not.
Nowadays, most competitions may allow mutts to compete. But there are generally conditions they must meet to be eligible.
The Canine Partners Program For Mixed-Breeds!
If you want your dog to participate in an AKC event, he must enroll in this program. He will then be eligible to compete in their competitions against purebreds and other mutts. The participants of this program are in the breed category “All American Dogs.”
Only one type of dog can’t benefit from the Canine Partner Program; The wolf hybrids. It’s also necessary for your mutt to be spayed or neutered upon adulthood. If he meets those two criteria, he can enroll in the program and participate in the following AKC events.
AKC Companion Events:
- Agility
- Obedience
- Rally
- Tracking
- Coursing Ability Tests
- Fast CAT
- Scent Work
- Versatile Companion Dog Program
- Farm Dog Certified
AKC Family Dog Program:
- Canine Good Citizen
- Canine Good Citizen-Advanced
- Canine Good Citizen-Urban
- Trick Dog
- Therapy Dog
- Temperament Test
- Fit Dog
Find More Information On The AKC Canine Partners Program Page!
Other Places To Find Mutt-Friendly Dog Sports Events!
As I already told you, AKC isn’t the only association that organizes agility, obedience, and rally competitions.
There are several other ways to participate in sports with your mixed-breed dog. Depending on your situation, other options might be more interesting than the Canine Partners Program.
US Organizations That Allow Mixed-Breeds To Participate In:
Agility.
Thanks to the popularity of this sport, there are many venues where agility events will occur. Here are some resources to help you find competition in which your mutt is allowed:
- The United States Dog Agility Association, Inc. (USDAA)
- Canine Performance Events. (CPE)
- North American Dog Agility Council. (NADAC)
- United Kennel Club (UKC)
- Australian Shepherd Club of America. (ASCA)
Obedience.
For obedience, there are fewer options available. The AKC is the principal organization that makes events of this type. I’ve only found two alternatives for this sport.
Thus, you should seriously consider the Canine Partners Program to compete in obedience trials. Otherwise, you still take a look at events from the ASCA and UKC.
Rally.
The AKC also takes part in most of the rally trials and competitions. Apart from the AKC, The World Cynosport Rally is a website on which you can find other events of this type. You can look at the UKC Rally Obedience Page too.
What If You’re Not In The United States?
Most associations mentioned up there mainly operate in the US. If you don’t live in this country, you don’t have to travel every time you want to compete. There are other organizations all over the world.
- Canada. → CKC (Canine Companion Program)
- The UK. → The Kennel Club
Other Conditions For Mixed-Breeds To Compete In Dog Sports.
Your dog’s genetics isn’t the only criteria the organizations will analyze to let him register and participate in their events. His age, health, and other details might restrict him from competing. Thus, here’s what your mutt generally needs to be eligible for…
Agility:
- Be Registered With The Organization/Kennel Club.
- Have At Least 15 Months Of Age.
- Be Healthy & Structurally Correct.
- Some Venues Require Mixed-Breeds To Be Spayed/Neutered.
Obedience & Rally:
- Be Registered With The Organization/Kennel Club.
- Have At Least 6 Months Of Age.
- Be Healthy & Structurally Correct.
- Some Venues Require Mixed-Breeds To Be Spayed/Neutered.
Each kennel club or association has different regulations and eligibility criteria. Thus, it’s essential to find the information you need directly from them. Reading their rulebook is always an excellent idea.
The general criteria mentioned above are from the AKC guidelines. If you want more information about their rules, here are resources to check out for each dog sport they offer.
Some Events Don’t Allow Mutts!
Most organizations are more than happy to accept mixed dogs in their competitions. However, not every event is open to them. That’s why I highly recommend you make sure with the host (or by reading the details) if All American Dogs (mutts) are eligible to participate.
Can Mixed-Breeds Compete In Conformation & Dog Shows?
Conformation (also known as dog shows) are events in which breeders exhibit their stock to experts. The judges have to rate them on the particular breed standards. (Physical traits, temperament, and other features.)
It’s therefore useless to allow mixed-breeds in dog conformation competitions. They are so different, and there’s no standard for mutts.
Purebreds without pedigrees or that are incapable of reproducing are also not eligible for this type of show.
How To Get Your Mutt Into Agility, Obedience & Rally Trials?
Now that you know your dog’s breed won’t restrict him to participate in canine sports, what are you waiting for getting started?
In the beginning, obedience training and general preparation are where you should focus. Also, make sure you provide him with proper exercise and nutrition.
Then, you can invest in the equipment if it’s necessary. For dog agility* and rally, you will need obstacles such as hurdles and cones to prepare your mutt. When it comes to obedience trials, you should also have training aids and other specific accessories.
Once you’re well-equipped, it’s time to get into more advanced training. You can start working on your handling skills, teaching new commands to your dog, and preparing you both for your first trial.
* You can also read my article on what is dog agility & how to get started!
Last Thoughts About Mixed-Breeds & Dog Sports!
Finally, mutts can participate in most agility, obedience, and rally competitions. Kennel clubs and associations are now more open-minded than they used to be.
With dedicated programs for mixed-breeds and many events that allow them to compete, it’s excellent news for us. We can show the whole world what our mutts are capable of doing.
Let’s make the All American Dogs breed category lead in the world of canine sports. Now it’s time to prepare your buddy for the competition.
Good Training & Have Fun!