This is a fun, fast paced sport which has been gaining popularity at an
incredible rate ever since it was introduced as an AKC titling event in the
mid=1990s. In this sport, the dog maneuvers through a set obstacle course,
directed by its handler, racing against the clock. Some obstacles include
the A-frame, dog walk, teeter-totter,
weave poles, winding tunnel, collapsed tunnel, pause table, and a variety of
challenging jumps. The ideal run in agility is one that is fast, smooth,
safe, and accurate. This is a unique sport in that it is fun for both
spectators and competitors--not to mention the dogs!
There are three major agility organizations in place in America. They are: NADAC (North American Dog Agility Council), USDAA (United States Dog Agility Association), and the AKC. Each offers a completely different set of titles to be earned and has a completely different judging criteria. In all three, however, there is the actual "titling" (full course) round plus extra "games" that dogs can earn titles in.
The number of Pharaoh Hounds actively participating in agility has risen tremendously in the past decade, and the breed as a whole is proving to do quite well in the sport. Several Pharaohs have earned the top titles available in each organization.
For more information on agility titles, visit our page on What Titles Mean.
