How does one find a dog's titles? - briefly
To determine a dog's titles, check its pedigree or registration papers provided by the breeder or previous owner. Additionally, consult with reputable breed clubs or organizations that maintain records of titled dogs in specific disciplines such as obedience, agility, or conformation.
How does one find a dog's titles? - in detail
To determine a dog's titles, one must delve into various aspects of the animal's breeding history, performance records, and conformation achievements. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to find a dog's titles:
Firstly, it is essential to understand that titles are awarded in different categories such as obedience, agility, tracking, herding, and conformation. Each of these areas has its own set of criteria and requirements for earning titles.
Obedience Titles: These are awarded based on the dog's proficiency in various commands and behaviors. To find a dog's obedience titles, look for documentation from recognized kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the United Kennel Club (UKC). The records will indicate which levels of obedience trials the dog has completed successfully, such as Companion Dog (CD), Utility Dog (UD), and Obedience Trial Champion (OTCh).
Agility Titles: Agility trials assess a dog's speed, agility, and ability to navigate an obstacle course. To locate a dog's agility titles, check records from agility organizations such as the AKC or the North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC). These documents will detail the specific agility titles earned, like Novice Agility Standard (NA), Open Agility Standard (OA), and Master Agility Excellent (MX).
Tracking Titles: Tracking trials evaluate a dog's ability to follow a scent trail over varying distances. To discover a dog's tracking titles, review records from the AKC or other tracking organizations. The documents will list titles such as Tracking Dog (TD) and Variable Surface Tracking (VST).
Herding Titles: Herding trials assess a dog's instinctive ability to herd livestock. To find a dog's herding titles, consult records from the AKC or herding organizations like the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA). The documents will detail titles such as Herding Tested (HT) and Herding Trial Champion (HCH).
Conformation Titles: Conformation trials judge a dog's physical attributes against the breed standard. To locate a dog's conformation titles, examine show records from kennel clubs like the AKC or the UKC. These documents will list titles such as Champion (Ch) and Grand Champion (GCh).
In addition to these primary sources of information, one can also consult with breeders, handlers, or owners who are knowledgeable about the dog's background and achievements. They may provide valuable insights into the dog's titles and the context in which they were earned.
By systematically exploring these various avenues, one can compile a comprehensive list of a dog's titles, gaining a deeper understanding of its accomplishments and pedigree.