Find the Right Sport for You and Your Dog —

There are many canine sports to choose from, and many people participate in more than one. But when you’re just starting out, it can be hard to decide which one to try first. Start by assessing your dog’s appearance, health and temperament.

All links are to information available on the AKC website

• Think your dog is a perfect example of their breed? Try showing your purebred dog in Conformation.
• Is your dog highly energetic? Do they enjoy running and responding to instruction? If so, Agility could be a great fit.
• Has your dog mastered basic commands such as sit, stay and heel — and seems eager to learn more? Try Obedience.
• Is your dog a scent sleuth? Can they find their food or toys by smell alone? Try AKC Scent Work.
• Does your dog like doing obedience work in a low stress environment? Have you never competed before? AKC Rally is a great place to start.
• Does your dog have an instinct to chase? Is he speedy? Try running the Coursing Ability Test or Fast CAT.
• Will your dog follow a scent no matter where it may lead? Do they work well independently? Try Tracking.
• Think your dog has a natural instinct for livestock? Herding is a sport for purebred dogs bred to herd, and the Farm Dog Certified Test is for all dogs.
• Do you have a small Terrier or Dachshund? Have the vermin in your yard met their match? Earthdog tests might be for you. Barn Hunt taps into these instincts and is for all dogs.
• Is your dog a sighthound? Lure Coursing may be just their speed.
• Is your dog a Pointing Breed, Spaniel, Retriever or Hound? Explore the rich tradition of Field Events.
• If you have a Coonhound, you know it. Does your dog run whenever given the chance? Are they an explorer? Do they have high bursts of energy, and then crash? Find a Coonhound event near you.