EVENTS
In 1935 the American Boxer Club was formed to steward the preservation of this fine working dog. The Boxer's popularity as a show dog has grown alongside the breed's employment as a guard, therapy, drug detection, and service dog. The Boxer is also a versatile competition sport dog. There have been many Agility, Obedience, Tracking and Herding Champion Boxers.
CONFORMATON
"Conformation" is the official name for "dog shows". While they may seem glamorous, the true purpose of conformation showing is to evaluate breeding stock. The dog's conformation -- his overall appearance and structure -- is an indication of the dog's ability to produce quality purebred puppies, and that is what is being judged in the ring. That's why mixed-breeds and spayed or neutered purebreds are not eligible to compete. Many times a new exhibitor will get started in dog shows by finding a mentor, usually the breeder they acquired their puppy from. Many AKC clubs also offer handling classes to teach owners how to present their purebred dog to a judge at a dog show.
4 - 6 MONTH PUPPY BEGINNER
The 4-6 Month Beginner Puppy Competition is intended to introduce new exhibitors and their puppies to the dog-show world in a stress-free and relaxed environment. It also provides an opportunity for puppies to socialize with people and other dogs at an optimal time of their development.
OWNER-HANDLED SERIES
Did you know that more than 80% of show dogs are handled by their owners? The AKC National Owner-Handled Series celebrates the dedication and enthusiasm of owner-handler exhibitors and allows them to compete head-to-head against one another in the conformation ring. This non-titling competition will be held at select dog shows across the country.
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OBEDIENCE
Obedience trials showcase dogs that have been trained and conditioned to behave well at home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs. AKC Obedience trials allow exhibitors and their dogs to enjoy companionship and competition as they proudly earn AKC titles.
RALLY
Rally is a companion sport to Obedience. It too requires teamwork between dog and handler along with performance skills similar to obedience. Rally provides an excellent introduction to AKC events for new dogs and handlers, and can provide a challenging opportunity for competitors in other events to strengthen their skills. All dogs are eligible to compete in rally.
AGILITY
Even if you don't recognize it by name, you have probably seen an agility competition. Designed to demonstrate a dog's willingness to work with his handler in a variety of situations, agility is an athletic event that requires conditioning, concentration, training, and teamwork. Dogs and handlers must negotiate an obstacle course while racing against the clock. Agility is a great form of exercise for both dog and handler, and a fun way to bond. And you don't have to compete to enjoy agility. Taking an agility class offers many other benefits. But many people start the sport just for fun, only to get bitten by the agility bug and become lifelong competitors!
ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE EVENTS
Note: Not all events listed below are offered by the ABC at our National or Regionals.
BARN HUNT
Barn Hunt is based on the traditional roles that many breeds played in ridding farms, barns, crop storage areas, and homes of destructive vermin. Some breeds were specifically created to fill this role, and for many of those breeds, Barn Hunt provides a real opportunity to test for these traits. Barn Hunt is open to any dog of any breed or mix who wishes to play the game and can fit through an 18" wide by baleheight tall tunnel. Barn Hunt has titles, levels of increasing
difficulty, and championships. Learn More
CARTING
Carting is the perfect "job" for a working breed. With you at the helm, you exhibit your Boxer's ability to pull a cart and exhibit proficiency at various maneuvering exercises.Some of these exercises include showing turns, changes of direction, backing up, etc. and become increasingly difficult at the higher levels. You will demonstrate off lead heeling through serpentine courses and more! Eventually tasks are performed over and around obstacles -- then weight is added! As part of a beginning drafting test, dogs are required to show basic obedience skills and stability. Your Boxer's ability to perform the carting tasks in public parks on busy weekends, when these tests are commonly held, demonstrates his good temperament and joy for working!
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DOCK DIVING
If your dog loves the water and loves to retrieve, then the fun sport of dock diving should be a natural. The AKC began recognizing titles of the new North America Diving Dogs (NADD) organization in June 2014 so now you can also add a dock jumping title to your dog's AKC records. The sport is open to all dogs, including mixed-breeds, and one of the first NADD record-setters was an All-American Dog named Augie who achieved a 24-foot Air Retrieve to tie the world record. In addition to Air Retrieve, NADD also offers competition in Distance Jumping.
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HERDING
The purpose of non-competitive herding tests is to offer owners of herding breeds a standardized gauge by which a dog's basic instinct and trainability are measured. The initial test is called the "Instinct Test", and the dog needs no training before entering this class. The judge is looking for the dog's ability to move and control livestock by fetching or driving. The purpose of the competitive herding trial program is to preserve and develop the herding skills inherent in the herding breeds, and to demonstrate that they can perform the useful functions for which they were originally bred.
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LURE COURSING
Lure coursing is a system of mechanized lures and pulleys that simulate the unpredictability of chasing live prey. Dogs of eligible breeds -- sighthounds -- are evaluated for follow, speed, agility, endurance, and overall ability as they pursue an artificial lure zigzagging across an open field.
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NOSE WORK
Scent Work is a sport that mimics the task of working detection dogs to locate a scent and communicate to the handler that the scent has been found. Scent Work is a positive, challenging activity that allows dogs the opportunity to use their strongest natural sense in a way that is fun, engaging, and that builds and strengthens a foundation of trust between the handler and dog.
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TRACKING BOXERS
Boxers have an amazing sense of smell - 100,000 times stronger than humans - and a natural desire to hunt and do a job with you. Dogs are often used to find lost people and animals, drugs, avalanche and disaster victims, and even to detect cancer. Tracking is a canine sport that demonstrates a dog's natural ability to recognize and follow a scent. AKC tracking is the foundation of canine search and rescue work. There are several styles of tracking and organizations in
which to exhibit this skill. Learn More
Third Party Links
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