On the way driving back home from the USDAA Nationals I can’t help but think of how much I love my dogs. No we didn’t win any championships this weekend, Encore hardly got around any runs clean as a matter of fact, poor girlie. But that doesn’t change the fact how much my dogs continue to inspire me. They are “in” no matter what I ask them to do. Waking up this morning in the RV in a parking lot in Tuscon, Az, four happy faces couldn’t wait to start their day with John and I. Yes they are stuck in crates for the most part of the day for the next four days as we drive home, but they are “in” just to be there with us. I just can’t imagine not having a dog as part of your life.
Agility is just a bonus. What a great event this past weekend. I have said it before, I will say it again, USDAA showcases the speed of agility like no other event I have ever be part of in my life. If you like agility for the speed side of things, this is the event to come and watch. Dog after dog breaking barriers that have never been broken before. AKC nationals will never get that because of their double Q rule to qualify. Those of us that don’t do much AKC (ie foreigners like myself) or anyone that has a lightning fast dog but but not necessarily got the consistent thing yet, will likely never qualify for the AKC event. And that is okay. Don’t get me wrong, the AKC Nationals also are a great event, just as our AAC event is in Canada and the IFCS and FCI World Championships. But they are all lacking the kind of all out speed, you see dog after dog, in every height class in the finals like you see at the USDAA finals.
Those events are unlikely to ever allow for a young two year old dog to showcase their speed and confidence like the USDAA Nationals do. This year 2, two year olds and 4 three year old won National Championships. The young dogs where really rockin’! Yes there are many fast dogs at the FCI world championships but in order to get there you have to qualify and be “selected”. It is unlikely a two year old would ever get there as they have to go through some sort of selection to prove themselves worthy, even if you wanted to throw your young dog into such a venue (I didn’t even apply with mine as it is a lot for a young dog to handle).
In order to win at the USDAA you have to be willing to run for your life in at least 2 rounds in both Steeplechase and Grand Prix. The days of “going safe” are gone. I almost lost a spot in the finals with Encore because I was too conservative in the Grand Prix semi-finals (I got in in 20th position out of a possible 24!). Sadly Feature had a bobble in the semis that costed us a full second in time and she ended up
11/100’s of a second out of the final spot so was unable to run in the finals.
You have to go for broke in each of the two rounds if you want to get the big win. My first USDAA National win back in 1996 I actually planned, two spins so I could be sure my dog (Stoni) didn’t knock a bar! And yes, we were fast enough to win! I remember the day not so long ago when dogs in the semifinals had 5 faults and still got into the finals! Those days are l-o-n-g gone that is for sure! The finals of this event where just pure excitement.
I think what the USDAA needs now is an ABC (Anything but a Border Collie) class. There are so many amazing non-Border Collies that are getting lost in the shuffle now and they really are inspiring to watch. It would be fun to have an additional class in the Steeplechase and Grand Prix finals where say 3 of the best non BC 22″ and 3 of the best 26″ non BC dogs compete for a championship of their own (like they do in the UK).
Don’t think I am excluding the mini dogs when I talk about the 22″ & 26″ classes. There is still lots of variety in the mini divisions. Take the Steeplechase finals for example. In the 16″ class there where 8 different breeds in the 12 final places. In the 12″ class there was 6 different breeds in the 8 placements. In the 22″ and 26″ class there were 32 dogs, only one wasn’t a Border Collie (congratulations to Rob & his amazing Terv Wings on their win!). I think it would be great just to highlight the speed and agility of those others breeds by showcasing a few of them in each of the two big the finals. If you agree leave a response and I will forward this all on to Ken Tatsch at the USDAA office.
Today I am grateful for both all of the old friends I got to see this weekend and those you that have been reading this blog and took the time to stop by and say hello.
I totally agree. I have a Doberman 26″ I’d love to run in an ABC class. There are a lot of challenges with non-traditional breeds as far as training. I know my dobe will never be able to slink into a 2O2O contact like a BC.
Don’t think it’s necessary at the little heights. My papillon should be able to keep up at the 12″ height just fine when she’s ready to compete.
YUP, TOTALLY AGREE-I WOULD LOVE TO SEE AN ‘ABC’ CLASS AT USDAA NATS. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SEE THE NATS BACK IN ARIZONA, OUTSIDE. IT JUST WON’T SEEM LIKE SUCH A HUGE EVENT WITHOUT ALL THE BUZZ OF EVERYTHING GOING ON AT ONCE, DISC, FREESTYLE, HERDING, OBEDIENCE, AND AGILITY. BRING NATS BACK TO THE WEST.
I like the idea having spots reserved at the USDAA Nationals for non BC’s or an additional class for non BC’s (I’m thinking like the top 20 dogs period then 5 or 10 of the top non BC’s going to the finals , but I don’t want a separate class at the local level. I have to say back in the day my crazy Cathoula had beaten BC’s and my Cattle Dogs have done it as well. (My baby dog, an ACD, can out run the BC I’m babysitting, but that speed isn’t there in agility … YET!)
I run a Rhodesian Ridgeback, a Shiba Inu and a rescue. I would absolutely love to see an ABC class. My rescue is very good but could never beat a BC in the 20″ class. I would like to give him the opportunity to be in the spotlight.
Englands had it for years and ABC class is long overdo!!!
I run Dalmatians in USDAA and like the idea of an ABC class, just to see some diversity and put the spotlight on less traditional performance breeds. At local shows, my 26″ Dal always places when we run clean. However, my 22″ Dal, who is often faster or gets more points in Gamblers/Snooker, never places because her class is dominated by BCs. And she’s no slouch, either! Thanks for the thought-provoking topic. 🙂
The recent USDAA finals did show case speed with open courses. But I’m not sure that’s always so common in USDAA in general. To see speed then you need to see some NADAC competitions.
As far as ABC I’m not in favor.
If an ABC were to be introduced I do agree it should be up to the owner to choose whether to compete in the championship against all other breeds, including BC’s or to then compete in the *non-championship* ABC class.
But IMHO I’m more concerned with how the height classes affect which breeds enter which height class. e.g. how many 16.1″ or 16.5″ shelties or aussies competing in the 22″ height class? No, those owners realize that wouldn’t be fair so they choose Performance.
And for all the people who think they cannot compete at the National level because they do not have a BC (or herding breed) – of course you can!!!! Any breed can compete at the National level if you train hard enough. This is more of a discussion about getting into the USDAA Finals and even getting to the podium – in other words, head to head competition.
OK, I’ve thought about it… I do agree that it would be great to showcase the brilliance of the other breeds in the large dog divisions, but not sure the ABC is the way to do it.
In one of my height classes (16″ championship) there is actually more diversity than ever – it used to be a Sheltie dominated division, and now we can add Pyr Sheps, Terriers, mixed breeds, poodles, etc to the top ranks. And, IMO, the 16″ class in USDAA has become incredibly competitive – hooray for the 16″ class!
About the AnythingButACollie class…. it is a great idea, but how exactly do you figure out who is a Border Collie and who is not a Border Collie? Does it mean that USDAA now has to get into the business of checking pedigrees? USDAA is NOT a kennel club, and I, for one, am very happy about that. So, does the dog in the 22″ division that is 3/4 BC and 1/4 whippet or 1/4 kelpie count as a BC or a non-BC?
It may sound like a no-brainer, but USDAA is a very competitive venue. If there are spots in a Finals available to non-BCs based on breed, then I do believe that people will call be quick to put their non-traditional looking BCs (or BCs without a pedigree) into the ABC class. Sorry if I think poorly of the morals of people, but…
Tracy
I agree 100% ! I would love to see something like this set up although I’d like to see the top 5 or top 10 dogs, not just the top 3. While I run a BC now, I was running a 19″ Sheltie and while he was fast in his day he couldn’t compete with the BC’s. It is what held me back so long on getting his ADCh. I just needed those darn Super Q’s. It would also be nice if the ADCh didn’t depend solely on SQ’s… It would be nice if you could get 3 SQs or say, 25 regular Snooker Q’s… but I digress. It would be a shame if all the great dogs out there got lost in a sea of BCs.
Susan,
You inspired a blog post of my own about the topic:
http://www.thebark.com/content/anything-border-collie
I’m conflicted! But I would definitely support something to showcase the top ABC dogs at nationals. Not sure how I feel about a separate class like they seem to have at Olympia in the UK.
JoAnna
One reason that I really enjoy the AAC regionals and nationals format is that Border Collies do not dominate the large height divisions as much. Not that they don’t do well, but the cumulative format and the fact that faulting removes time bonuses brings a different flavour of competition to these events.
I would support an Anything but a Herding Breed class. I think Aussies, Cattle Dogs, Kelpies, and Shelties are all also sought out by agility competitors who think only herding dogs can be competitive. There are plenty of nice Pit Bulls, Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, German Shorthaired Pointers, Poodles, and shelter mutts out there who are talented agility dogs. I remember watching a very talented Pharoah Hound running once and thinking that I was much more impressed by that dog than any dime-a-dozen Border Collie.
Classes that are made up of all one breed also aren’t as interesting for the casual spectator. I have a student with a lovely little Lab cross who went to a local agility trial and was disappointed to see so many BCs – she honestly thought she couldn’t do agility with her dog because her dog wasn’t the ‘right’ breed! 🙁 What a shame that there are people out there who are led to believe such a thing and never embark on the wonderful journey of agility training simply because of an erroneous misconception.
Yes I totally agree there should be another class for non BC’s. I have a Doberman and would love to compete at the nationals level. Without having a BC, I don’t think that will ever be a possibility. BC’s are just built differently and too difficult to compete against. They are super fast and agile. I can’t get a BC because I am soooooo allergic to their hair. The short doberman hair is bad enough. 🙂 I will keep my fingers crossed for a non-BC class!
I totally agree with an ABBC! That would be so much fun to watch!
As someone with a speedy 16 incher “all-canadian”, I would LOVE the thought of an ABBC class – what a neat idea to showcase those who are really fast for their breed but still not up to speed with those mighty BCs!
Is that the lovely Riesling in your picture today? Way to go Christine! (another Say yes advocate and teacher extraordinaire!)
I don’t support the ABC idea. What makes agility such a great sport is the fact that it is open to all breeds, all sizes, all competing against each other with same rules. Creating an ABC class would be kind of making it official that BC’s are one thing, other breeds another thing. This is not true, as each breed has its unique “features”, and inside one breed, each dog is an individual (as Tori said). I’d rather support breed or breed group (like sighthounds, herding breeds etc) nationals or why not internationals! I’m in FCI country with non-BCs.
Just looked at the GP semi results and if you were to take the top 5 dogs that were not BC’s, four of them would be Aussies. The other would be Annie, the All Breed. So an ABC class would have been mostly Aussies.
ABC sounds like a great idea!
I agree with Tori in a sense (and by the way – Congratulations Tori!!!!!). The BC’s that made it to the Finals made it there with handlers that worked just as hard to train and prepare their dogs as anyone else. Those talented teams deserve to be there, whatever breed or non breed they are. Having a BC does not guarantee that you will have a great dog. I don’t agree that dogs of other breeds or mixed breeds should be allowed to compete WITH the Finalists UNLESS they have earned the right. However, I think a separate ABC class for the top non-BC’s that don’t feel that they can compete head to head with the dogs in the Finals would be okay with me. It should be the competitor’s choice which class to compete in if they actually qualify on their own for Finals. My guess is that Rob Michalski and Wings would choose to compete in the Finals rather than the ABC class :-).
Love the idea of an ABBC class! I think that’s what is so much fun about the AKC Invitational – the top 5 dogs of each breed are there & it gives the other breeds a chance to show off. I’m thinking of finally trying USDAA this year and would love the chance for my non-bc breed to shine….although it’s fun to go up against the bc’s too.
I also wouldn’t want to see an ABC class all the time – I like the idea of everyone competing together and going head to head with the best. As Tori said there are some dogs in other breeds who are more than capable of beating the fast border collies and to not allow them to compete with them doesn’t seem right.
I do, however, like the idea of trying to add a couple non border collies in the finals of Nationals and of adding another element of competition for non-border collie teams in the semi-finals.
I vote Yes for the non border collie class!! I just love watching the non traditional breeds run full throttle in agility. I run Boykin Spaniels and I just love it when people come up and ask me what kind of dog I have and tell me how much they enjoy watching them.
Thanks,
Wanda
I disagree with an ABC class. Having some “off breeds” of my own, as well as border collies, I can’t ever imagine wanting to compete against less than the best. And “the best” in this case would be the dogs who are winning. Think of Wings, the 26″ Steeplechase Champion. Had there been an ABC class, sure, they probably would have won that – however, they just kicked butt in a 26″ class full of border collies. How cool is that?!?!
Another thing, not all border collies are blazing speed demons who can go out and win a championship with the proper training and handling. I happen to have one who I know will never reach that level of competition…and I’m okay with that. But to say another breed has the opportunity to compete in a class without border collies because, generally, that breed is slower, but my slower border collie who would be torn apart in an all border collie class has to stick it out anyways…that just doesn’t seem fair.
I truly feel it’s the individual dog who wins an event, not the dogs’ breed.
Also, having competed with a fast border collie – I would feel almost insulted to not have the opportunity to get our butts kicked by a non-border collie breed. Though, perhaps I’m just a bit nutty. Just the other side of the story though. What an excellent topic.
My Standard Poodle and I very much enjoyed watching Cassie with Roxy the Labradoodle compete. I believe she took one of the Performance events on Friday.
Judy
Hi Susan,
As you know I do a TON of AKC and after watching and competing in the Cynosports this weekend. I do agree they could have an ABC level for 22 and 26. I have NEVER seen speed like I saw this weekend, and they weren’t all BC. But the BC were the ones that won. I agree AKC will NEVER have speed like that because of the QQ. Its no wonder the USDAA dogs that kick butt in AKC Nationals. But that is also why AKC has the Invitationals, because if you ever watched the Agility in that event its very UNeventful. But at least it lets all breeds take a try at it. All I have to say is that we learned alot this weekend and we will start working on things for next year! Oh and one more thing “Go Papillons they ROCKED this weekend”!
Beth 🙂
I LOVE the idea of the ABBC event. What a fabulous idea to let other breeds compete and shine – without taking anything away from the incredible BC world. Count me in!
One of the reasons I ran my mal in Performance this year was because USDAA does not have an ABBC class. Last year she did very well in Ch. Steeplchase, but finished 4 spots out of the Steeplechase finals. She was the highest non-BC in the 22″ class.
While she can put in some nice times, she simply isn’t able to compete against so many BC’s of such high caliber. I also saw some amazing non-BC’s in the 22″ class (didn’t get to watch much of the 26″ classes this year), and I fully agree that they do get lost in the shuffle as there are simply too many spectacular border collies for them to have a chance to make a finals.
I would love to see an ABBC class!
I also like the idea of the ABBC competition – it would give other breeds a chance to shine & be showcased. The only concern I would have is that if a class like that was created it could possibly be dominated by another breed – maybe not immediately but down the road. For example the Australian Working Kelpie which is fast gaining popularity and from what I have observed is a direct competitor for the Border Collie in agility. Just a thought.
Hi Susan.
I agree with you 100%. Please include me on the list to the corporate office. I am a non-BC owner (not to say I won’t have a BC one day), and I would love to see a class like that.
Thanks for putting this together.
I love the idea of any thing other than a BC..I’m not much into speed..something of a sandbagger..but if we don’t recognize the other breeds pretty soon everyone ends up with a bc sadly many who cannot handle that type of dog.
They decide this is what they want since everyone has one..
Margie
I think an ABC class in USDAA is a great idea, you have my support! Glad there’s still variety in the small dogs.
~Nat
Oooh, I would be all for an ABC class. Not that I begrudge the fast BCs anything at all. But a class to showcase the non-BCs would be awesome.
And by the way, what a beautiful Doberman you chose to showcase today! Look at those hard-driving weaves – I’ll bet she must have been taught with 2x2s 😉
Yahoo – go the Tervs – awesome to hear!!!
Susan I think that is a wonderful idea! Yes BC are amazing but there are so many other fabulous fast breeds out there. I have a funny quirk about me which is I don’t repeat breeds. So currently I am running a very fast Mini Poodle and also have a BC puppy on the way. As much as I love both breeds I will not get them again. There are just to many breeds of dogs out there I want to own. Sometimes there is that opinion that unless you run a Sheltie or a BC you must not be serious about agility. I think it would be great to showcase all the other breeds that are just as talented and fast.
my comment flew into cyberspace before I was finished, but the count me in as an ABC class supporter …and have a safe trip home!
ABC class, Yes!! Love the BC’s… butbeards and brows go straight to my heart and
First off Way to go with your girls last weekend they both gave it all they had, you can’t ask for any more then that.
I totally agree with an ABC Class, running a Vizsla in the competitive 26” class it’s truly hard to contend with the speed and nimbleness that the b.c’s have. No matter how fast she is she can not get the speed to truly compete at the Championship level. I truly hope the USDAA takes this under strong consideration in the coming years.
It’s so awesome that someone that loves/owns/ competes with BC’s would even consider the rest of us non-BC teams in a class of our own! I LOVE the idea of an ABC class! It would truley highlight the abilities of all kinds of other breeds out there that compete!
I agree whole heartedly with the ABC class idea as well as Michelle’s vote for adding the 8″ dogs to the champioship program. As this year’s USDAA Nationals results show there are some amazing fast little dogs out there — especially Papillons (but I have no bias there of course;))
YES to ABBC!
Although I’m pretty new to agility can already appreciate the need for ABC classes. I really enoy your daily blog and feel like I’m learning so much from some very experienced folks. Thanks for your committment.
100% agree on the ABC class idea! Plus, I LOVE that someone who competes so successfully WITH BCs is in so in favor of it 🙂
As a person who will likely be competing in some USDAA events next year and trying to qualify for the Nationals for the first time with an aussie and a border collie, I think it would be neat to add another element of competition for the non bc handlers in the 22″ and 26″ classes at the Nationals. I do like the idea of just the top three non bc dogs from the semis earning additional spots in the finals as I think this will add some variety for the spectators and afterall everyone likes to cheer for the underdog! 🙂 The top three dogs of the other breeds are going to be some pretty fast, fun dogs to watch themselves and might even beat those pesky border collies.
I’d welcome an ABC class, but also like competing head-to-head with BC’s, just to see how my dog measures up. Makes me feel great when we place ahead of some very respectable BC’s; and that’s when both dogs run clean.
Though for a Nationals, Brio might have a better chance at making through a round or two if she weren’t competing against primarily BC’s :-))
I loved watching the USDAA Cynosport games on live stream. Lots of great sportsmanship demonstrated by all. Also fun to see the varying handling styles.
BTW – Encore had stellar weaves and contacts in the Grand Prix finals (and duly noted by Julie Daniels).
I agree about an ABC class. I’ve even written USDAA in the past about it. While I really enjoy watching the amazing dogs that make it to the finals, there is a repetitiveness in the BC after BC that run in the 22″ and 26″ heights. Thanks for bringing it to light again, Susan!!!
I wish USDAA would allow 8″ dogs in the championship program. There are a lot of awesome tiny dogs, but 12″ is just too much to ask of them. 🙁
An ABC class would be awesome as well. A good way to encourage owners of other breeds that jump 22″ or 26″ to compete at nationals!
I think the ABBC class is a brilliant idea! Nothing wrong with BCs, but there ARE other breeds out there, and it would encourage more people to go for it.
I think the Anything But BC class is an awesome idea! ABBC! People think they need a BC to win – and essentially that’s been proven true. There are so many other brilliant breeds in the world. Great idea Susan!
Thanks for the updates Susan. For those of us at home…the excitement you share makes us feel like we’re there with you! It sounds like such a memorable experience with our dogs!
This weekend we were at a Disc Dog event where Lilli took first place again in only her second freestyle event. Lots of people don’t even know about our sport (or think that it’s a legitimate dog sport) much less come out to just watch local events.
There is so much joy in playing with our dogs out in the world showcasing all the hard work they do for us. I’m grateful that you’re around to share agility as a sport with the world and hope that someone can bring the same love and credibility to freestyle.
🙂