LATEST EARTHDOG NEWS Master Earthdog Title Counts for FIT DOG (Mar 2023)   LATEST REGULATION CHANGES New Excellent Title and Novice Class (Jan 2022) Handlers Allowed One Command in SR Test (Dec 2019) Allowing Practice Sessions Before/After Test (Oct 2016) 45 Seconds to Quarry (June 2016)   REGULATION BOOK Regulations for Earthdog Tests for Small Terriers and […]

The roots of the Earthdog program go back to the beginnings of small game hunting. Farmers and hunters used the small terriers and Dachshunds to pursue vermin to its lair and then to follow the game into to the ground. These dogs had to possess not only the physical attributes that would allow them to […]

All dogs six months of age or older from the following breeds are eligible to participate in Earthdog Events. AKC Recognized Breeds American Hairless Terrier (Oct 1, 2018) Australian Terrier Bedlington Terrier Border Terrier Cairn Terrier Cesky Terrier Dachshund Dandie Dinmont Terrier Glen of Imaal Terrier Jagdterrier Japanese Terrier Lakeland Terrier Manchester Terrier Miniature Bull […]

For generations small terriers and Dachshunds were bred as hunting dogs to track game above and below ground; to bark at their quarry in the den and to bolt or draw it for the hunter. Now these wonderful little dogs are very suitable as family pets, however, they sometimes have to be trained not to […]

Is Your Dog a Champion Earthdog? Earthdog 101: Tap Into Your Small Terrier's or Dachshund's Instincts Building Den Instinct + Training = Success Announcing AKC’s First Endurance Earthdog Title Second EE Title

If you have a small terrier or a Dachshund, you’ve undoubtedly already discovered their penchant to dig, stick their face underground, and emerge with something in his mouth, be it a mouse, a squirrel or some other creature. After you stop screaming in fright, your first instinct might be to reprimand him for catching that […]

The purpose of non-competitive Earthdog tests is to offer breeders and owners of small Terriers and Dachshunds a standardized gauge to measure their dogs' natural aptitude and trained hunting and working behaviors when exposed to an underground hunting situation. The noncompetitive program begins with a basic introduction to den work and quarry and progresses through […]

April 10, 1936 - the first official "Regulations and Standard for Obedience Test Field Trials" was published. The first licensed test held in accordance with these regulations took place on June 13, 1936, and appropriately enough, was held with the North Westchester Kennel Club all-breed show at Mount Kisco, New York. Tracking was originally part […]

Obedience Trial Process and Procedure Some breeds have fewer obedience exhibitors participating in their trials than others. These clubs want to offer obedience, but may be faced with the problem of considerable expense for a few exhibitors. By combining the obedience entries of several clubs, expenses can be shared and exhibitors have the opportunity to […]

Scheduling Conformation Events General Questions Points Schedule Formulation Specialties Held With All-Breed and Group Shows Classes and Entries Submitting Results Awards and Titles Judges and Judging Junior Showmanship Sweepstakes Trophies, Prizes, and Ribbons Club Membership Upload Tool Scheduling Conformation Events AKC recommended Best Practices to hire and assign judges, leading to an efficient schedule. General […]