UKC TERRIER RACING

The UKC Terrier Race Program is a formal racing program open to many Terrier breeds, as well as Dachshunds.  This is a fast and fun sport available to terrier owners that may not wish to participate in conformation or obedience venues, but still want the excitement and thrill competition brings to both dog and owner. 

Basically, the dogs run a flat straight track or a straight track with small jumps following a moving “lure” pulled on a string.  It’s amazing to watch the drive and desire these dogs display when trying to “catch” that lure!  The inherited prey drive all terriers possess is highlighted in a fun way, and is truly a great family sport for all to enjoy.

Titles of Flat and Steeplechase Racer, Flat Race Champion and Steeplechase Race Champion, as well as Grand Champion Flat Race and Grand Champion Steeplechase are awarded based on points accumulated for placements in terrier races.  So come watch these little “pocket rocket” racers and cheer them on as they charge out of the gate, down a track in pursuit of the lure, across the finish line and through a chute into the arms of their owners.

Section XIII. Eligible Breeds. Purebred dogs and Limited Privilege dogs (breed must be indicated on the dog’s Easy Entry Card) eligible to compete in terrier races include:

Section XV. Official UKC Racing Classes

1. Race types. There are two types of terrier races, Flat racing and Steeplechase racing.

a. Flat Racing. Flat racing is open to all three Breed Categories.

b. Steeplechase Racing. Steeplechase racing is open to the APR and Open Breed Categories only.

2. Race (Breed) Categories. There are three types of breed categories defined as the following:

a. Dachshund (Breed) Category. The Dachshund category is open to only dogs of the Dachshund breed.

b. APR (Breed) Category. The APR category is open to only dogs of the American Hairless Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Patterdale Terrier and Rat Terrier breeds.

c. Open (Breed) Category. The Open category is for all eligible breeds (except the Dachshund, American Hairless Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Patterdale Terrier and Rat Terrier) as determined elsewhere in this rulebook. The open class must not be split by breed; rather all remaining eligible breeds compete against one another.

3. Licensed Racing Classes. There are three classifications of licensed race classes defined as:

a. Regular Race Classes. Regular race classes are for a dog that has not earned a race championship title of that race type. Licensed Regular Race Classes shall be divided as follows:

1) Dachshund (Breed) Category Regular Race Class. The licensed Regular class for Dachshunds shall not be divided by size divisions.

2) APR (Breeds) Category Regular Race Classes. The licensed regular classes for the APR (Breed) Category shall be divided by the following sizes:

a) APR Under 10" size division. For dogs that are less than 10" at the withers.

b) APR 10" - 12½" size division. For dogs that are 10" and under 12½" at the withers.

c) APR 12½ - 15" size division. For dogs that are 12½" and under 15" at the withers.

d) APR Over 15" size division. For dogs that are 15" and above at the withers.

3) Open (Breeds) Category Regular Race Classes. The licensed regular classes for the Open (Breed) Category shall be divided by the following sizes:

a) Open Under 10" size division. For dogs that are less than 10" at the withers.

b) Open 10" - 12½" size division. For dogs that are 10" and under 12½" at the withers.

c) Open 12½ - 15" size division. For dogs that are 12½" and under 15" at the withers.

d) Open Over 15" size division. For dogs that are 15" and above at the withers.

b. Champion Race Classes. Champion race classes are for a dog that has earned the Champion race title for that race type. The licensed Champion classes shall be divided as follows:

1) Dachshund Champion Race Class. The licensed Champion class for Dachshunds shall not be divided by size divisions.

2) APR Champion Race Classes. The licensed Champion classes for the APR (Breeds) Category shall be divided by the following sizes:

a) APR Champion Under 10" size division. For Champions that are less than 10" at the withers.

b) APR Champion 10" - 12½" size division. For Champions that are 10" and under 12½" at the withers.

c) APR Champion 12½ - 15" size division. For Champions that are 12½" and under 15" at the withers.

d) APR Champion Over 15" size division. For Champions that are 15" and above at the withers.

3) Open Champion Race Classes. The licensed Champion classes for the Open (Breeds) Category shall be divided by the following sizes:

a) Open Champion Under 10" size division. For Champions that are less than 10" at the withers.

b) Open Champion 10" - 12½" size division. For Champions that are 10" and under 12½" at the withers.

c) Open Champion 12½ - 15" size division. For Champions that are 12½" and under 15" at the withers.

d) Open Champion Over 15" size division. For Champions that are 15" and above at the withers.

c. Grand Champion Race Classes. Grand Champion race classes are for a dog that earned the Grand Champion race title for that race type. The licensed Grand Champion classes shall be divided as follows:

1) Dachshund Grand Champion Race Class. The licensed Grand Champion class for Dachshunds shall not be divided by size divisions.

2) APR Grand Champion Race Classes. The licensed Grand Champion classes for the APR (Breeds) Category shall be divided by the following sizes:

a) APR GRCH Under 10" size division. For Grand Champions that are less than 10" at the withers.

b) APR GRCH 10" - 12½" size division. For Grand Champions that are 10" and under 12½" at the withers.

c) APR GRCH 12½ - 15" size division. For Grand Champions that are 12½" and under 15" at the withers.

d) APR GRCH Over 15" size division. For Grand Champions that are 15" and above at the withers.

3) Open Grand Champion Race Classes. The licensed Grand Champion classes for the Open (Breeds) Category shall be divided by the following sizes:

a) Open GRCH Under 10" size division. For Grand Champions that are less than 10" at the withers.

b) Open GRCH 10" - 12½" size division. For Grand Champions that are 10" and under 12½" at the withers.

c) Open GRCH 12½ - 15" size division. For Grand Champions that are 12½" and under 15" at the withers.

d) Open GRCH Over 15" size division. For Grand Champions that are 15" and above at the withers.

d. Preliminary Round. Preliminary rounds (heats) may be run to determine the dogs advancing to the Semi-Final Round. Preliminary rounds are held for a class(es) with a large amount of entries.

e. Semi-Final Round. Semi-Final rounds (heats) must be run to determine the dogs advancing to the Final round. For class(es) with a small amount of entries the Semi-Final Round and the Final round may be run together as one race at the discretion of the event committee.

f. Final Round. The final round consists of one race featuring up to six of the top semi-final round winners.

g. Fastest Racer of (Breed) category size division. Fastest Racer competition is a race for each race type of Flat and Steeplechase and each (breed) category class division winners. It is a competition divided by size division alone per (breed) category for each Flat and Steeplechase racing. The winner of this class will be used to determine points earned for the ranking of the Terrier Race All Stars Listing.

1) Fastest Dachshund. Competition between the winners of the Regular class, Champion class and Grand Champion class Final Round winners.

2) APR (Breed) Category.

a) APR Fastest 10" and under. Competition between the 10" winners of the Regular class, Champion and Grand Champion Final Round winners.

b) APR Fastest 10" to 12 ½". Competition between the 10" to 12½" APR winners of the Regular class, Champion and Grand Champion Final Round winners.

c) APR Fastest 12 ½" to 15 ". Competition between the 12½" to 15" APR winners of the Regular class, Champion and Grand Champion Final Round winners.

d) APR Fastest 15" & over. Competition between the 15" & over" APR winners of the Regular class, Champion and Grand Champion Final Round winners.

3) Open (Breed) Category.

a) Open Fastest 10" and under. Competition between the 10" Open winners of the Regular class, Champion and Grand Champion Final Round winners.

b) Open Fastest 10" to 12 ½". Competition between the 10" to 12½" Open winners of the Regular class, Champion and Grand Champion Final Round winners.

c) Open Fastest 12 ½" to 15 ". Competition between the 12½" to 15" Open winners of the Regular class, Champion and Grand Champion Final Round winners.

d) Open Fastest 15" & over. Competition between the 15" & over" Open winners of the Regular class, Champion and Grand Champion Final Round winners.

Section XIX. Racing Procedure

A. Order of racing. The order of racing shall be determined by the host club and announced at the handler's meeting. It is permissible to announce the order of racing in Premium Lists and/or Judging Programs.

B. Racing classes.

1. Race Types. Races are divided into two types: Flat and Steeplechase.

2. Identical classes for both Types Flat and Steeplechase. The classes are identical for flat and steeplechase divisions. At the option of the host club, classes may be divided by sex. However, once established this process must be used for all breeds.

3. Class divisions. Classes must be divided as specified in Section XV.B.3 Classes maybe run in any order.

4. Summary of Race Classes.

• Race Type:

º Flat
º Steeplechase.

• Race (Breed) Category.

º Dachshund
º APR
º Open

• Class:

º Regular Class
º Champion
º Grand Champion
º Fastest Racer

• Size Division:

º Less than 10"
º 10" - 12½"
º 12½" - 15"
º Over 15"

C. Determining class heat size and number of heats. The Event Secretary will determine the order of racing for the initial heats.

1. When there is only one entry in a class. When there is only one entry in a class the dog may run a single pass down the track. The dog must complete the run in good form with no faults.

2. When there are six or less than six dogs entered in a class. The dogs may all run together in a single final heat at the discretion of the Event Committee and Judge.

3. When more than 6 dogs are entered in a class. When there are more than 6 dogs entered in a class, multiple heats will be run, as necessary, to determine the advancing dogs. Entries must be divided as evenly as possible.

D. Determining Starting Box Positions. It is suggested that the initial starting box positions be decided prior to the day of the event. Positions should be determined by the race official(s) who are assigned the task of getting the race paperwork ready for the event. Officials should use a random draw system to assign each dog with a color/starting box position. On the event day, if additional races need to be run and thus positions drawn (i.e. a final race draw based on the finishing order of 2 or more semi-finals), the appropriate race official should perform a random draw and assign colors appropriately. Drawing positions prior to the race event and assigning any day of event draws to a specific race official prevents delays and allows the races to be run in a quick and timely manner.

E. Loading area and box loading

1. Loading area. All dogs must be muzzled when in the loading area and the leashes should be off the dogs and placed in the handler's pocket. It is suggested that a sign be posted that coordinates with the color on the box top so that the owners may line-up in the order of box loading. This area may also be used to facilitate the starting box positions draw.

2. Box Loading. At the direction of the steward, the handlers, with their dogs muzzled and wearing the proper color coded collars must proceed to the starting box, where the handler must position the dog in the starting box as directed by the steward. All leads must be placed in the handler's pocket. As soon as the dogs are loaded into the starting box, the handlers must proceed quickly to the catch area.

F. Race starts. The race starter:

1. Checks with the appropriate steward(s) to ensure that the dogs are loaded securely in the box;

2. Checks to see that the steward teased the dogs with the lure and is off the race course;

3. The race starter will then signal the lure operator to start the lure and

4. Opens the box to start the racing.

G. Round Procedures. Preliminary Rounds, Semi-Final Rounds and Final Rounds will be determined by the number of dogs entered in a given class and by the race committee.

1. Preliminary Round. Preliminary rounds (heats) may be run to determine the dogs advancing to the Semi-Final Round. Preliminary rounds are held for a class(es) with a large amount of entries.

2. Semi-Final Round. Semi-Final rounds (heats) must be run to determine the dogs advancing to the Final round. For class(es) with a small amount of entries the Semi-Final Round and the Final round may be run together as one race at the discretion of the event committee.

3. Final Round. The final round consists of one race featuring up to six of the top semi-final round winners.

4. Fastest Racer. Fastest Racer competition is a race for each race type of Flat and Steeplechase and each breed category class division winners. It is a competition divided by size alone per breed category for each Flat and Steeplechase racing. It will be this class that will be used to determine the ranking of the Terrier Race All Stars Listing.

a) Fastest Dachshund. Competition between the winners of the Regular class, Champion class and Grand Champion class Final Round winners.

b) APR Breed Category.

1) APR Fastest 10" and under. Competition between the 10" winners of the Regular class, Champion and Grand Champion Final Round winners.

2) APR Fastest 10" to 12½". Competition between the 10" to 12 ½" APR winners of the Regular class, Champion and Grand Champion Final Round winners.

3) APR Fastest 12½" to 15 ". Competition between the 12 ½" to 15" APR winners of the Regular class, Champion and Grand Champion Final Round winners.

4) APR Fastest 15" & over. Competition between the 15" & over" APR winners of the Regular class, Champion and Grand Champion Final Round winners.

c) Open Breed Category.

1) Open Fastest 10" and under. Competition between the 10" Open winners of the Regular class, Champion and Grand Champion Final Round winners.

2) Open Fastest 10" to 12½". Competition between the 10" to 12 ½" Open winners of the Regular class, Champion and Grand Champion Final Round winners.

3) Open Fastest 12½" to 15 ". Competition between the 12 ½" to 15" Open winners of the Regular class, Champion and Grand Champion Final Round winners.

4) Open Fastest 15" & over. Competition between the 15" & over" Open winners of the Regular class, Champion and Grand Champion Final Round winners.

5. Rerun of a Race. If a lure is caught or in some way the movement or lack of movement of the lure delays or alters the forward motion of any terrier, the race will be rerun.

H. Foul. A foul is an intentional or unintentional act that a dog or handler may commit while within the terrier racing area. The first foul will get called "foul" along with a judge's warning of the act. The second foul will get called "foul" and the judge will excuse the racer from that particular race type for the day and mark the Judge's book accordingly. Fouls include, but are not limited to; aggressive behavior on and off the race track, urinating or defecating anywhere within the race area, handler misconduct, etc.

Section XII. Terrier Race Titles and All Star Ranking

UKC terrier race titles must be earned successively.  Equivalent titles from other venues, may not be substituted for UKC terrier race titles in determining eligibility for a class. The following titles shall be awarded for excellence in terrier races.

A. Flat Race Titles.

1. United Flat Racer (UR). To earn a UKC United Flat Racer title, a dog must:

a. Earn a minimum of 100 championship points in flat racing regular classes;

b. Win one flat racing regular class Semi-Final round (or higher) award with competition.

c. Competition is defined as two or more dogs racing in the Semi-Final round (or higher.)

2. United Flat Race Champion (URCH).

a. Eligibility. Any dog that has earned a United Flat Racer (UR) title may earn championship points toward the United Champion Flat Racer Title beginning at the next racing event following the completion of the requirements of the United Flat Racer (UR) title.

b. Requirements. To earn a UKC Champion Flat Race title (URCH), a dog must:

1) Earn a minimum of 250 additional championship points in Flat racing regular classes;

2) Win three (3) Flat racing regular class Final Round (or higher) awards with competition.

3) Competition is defined as three or more dogs racing in the Final Round (or higher.)

3. United Grand Champion Flat Race (GRCHFR).

a. Eligibility. Any dog that has earned a UKC Champion Flat Race (URCH) title may earn champion points toward the United Grand Champion Flat Race Title beginning at the next racing event following the completion of the requirements of the United Champion Flat Race (URCH) title.

b. Requirements. To earn a UKC Grand Champion Flat Race title, a dog must:

1) Earn a minimum of 300 additional championship points in Flat racing Champion classes;

2) Win five (5) Final Round Champion Class racer awards with competition.

3) Competition is defined as at least three dogs correctly entered and raced in the Champion class Final Round. A Champion wining the Fastest Racer may count the number of Champions defeated as well as any Grand Champions defeated by winning the Fastest Racer to fulfill requirements of a competition win towards the Grand Champion Flat Race title.

B. Steeplechase Race Titles.

1. United Steeplechase Racer (USR). To earn a UKC United Steeplechase Racer title, a dog must:

a. Earn a minimum of 100 championship points in steeplechase racing regular classes;

b. Win one steeplechase racing regular class Semi-Final round (or higher) award with competition.

c. Competition is defined as more two or more dogs racing in the Semi-Final round (or higher.)

2. United Steeplechase Race Champion (USRCH).

a. Eligibility. Any dog that has earned a United Steeplechase Racer (USR) title may earn championship points toward the United Steeplechase Champion Racer Title beginning at the next racing event following the completion of the requirements of the United Steeplechase Racer (USR) title.

b. Requirements. To earn a UKC United Steeplechase Race Champion (USRCH), a dog must:

1) Earn a minimum of 250 additional championship points in Flat racing regular classes;

2) Win three (3) Steeplechase racing regular class Final Round (or higher) awards with competition. Competition is defined as three or more dogs racing in the Final Round (or higher.)

3. United Grand Champion Steeplechase (UGRCHS).

a. Eligibility. Any dog that has earned a UKC Champion Steeplechase Race (USRCH) title may earn points toward the United Grand Champion Steeplechase Race Title beginning at the next racing event following the completion of the requirements of the United Champion Steeplechase Race (USRCH) title.

b. Requirements. To earn a UKC Grand Champion Steeplechase Race (UGRCHS) title, a dog must:

1) Earn a minimum of 300 additional championship points in Steeplechase racing Champion classes;

2) Win five (5) Final Round Champion Class racer awards with competition.

3) Competition for the Grand Champion Steeplechase Race title. Competition is defined as at least three dogs correctly entered and raced in the Champion class Final Round. A Champion wining the Fastest Racer may count the number of Champions defeated as well as any Grand Champions defeated by winning the Fastest Racer to fulfill requirements of a competition win towards the Grand Champion race title.

C. Championship Points. Points will be rewarded based on the following structure for all race types and (breed) categories.

1. Each Semi-Final Round winner - 10 points.

2. Final Round winner - 15 points.

D. UKC Terrier Race Title Certificate and Official Notification. Once the requirements for a terrier race title have been met and recorded, UKC will automatically mail a Certificate of Honor indicating the award to the dog's owner on record. The owner shall be deemed notified as of the mailing date of the title certificate.

E. Duplicate Title Certificates. Duplicate title certificates may be ordered by contacting the UKC Dog Events Department.

F. UKC Terrier Race All Star Ranking System.

1. Eligibility. All UKC permanently registered dogs and all Limited Privilege dogs eligible for Terrier Racing are eligible to earn All-Star ranking points.

2. Terrier Race All-Star Points. All-Star points are automatically awarded at all UKC Licensed terrier racing events. Points are awarded in Flat Races and in Steeplechase Races. The winning dog in each Fastest Racer of (Breed) category size division will receive one point for each dog defeated. All-Star points are calculated by UKC based in the official event report submitted by the event secretary.

3. Terrier Race All-Star Competition Year. Terrier Race All-Star points are calculated from January 1 to December 31 of each year.

4. Publication of Terrier Race All-Star Standings. The names of the top dogs in each Flat and Steeplechase will be published on the UKC website each month. UKC will tally the All-Star points separately for Flat Race and Steeplechase as follows:

a. Flat Race All Star Ranking. The names of the top dogs in Flat racing will be ranked as follows:

1) Dachshund. The names of the top 12 dogs in flat racing only will be ranked.

2) APR Category. The APR category will be ranked as follows:

a) APR Less than 10" Division. The names of the top 12 dogs will be ranked.

b) APR 10" -12 ½" Division. The names of the top 12 dogs will be ranked.

c) APR 12 ½ "- 15" Division. The names of the top 12 dogs will be ranked.

d) APR Over 15" Division. The names of the top 12 dogs will be ranked.

3) Open category. The Open category will be ranked as follows:

a) Open Less than 10" Division. The names of the top 12 dogs will be ranked.

b) Open 10" -12 ½" Division. The names of the top 12 dogs will be ranked.

c) Open 12 ½ "- 15" Division. The names of the top 12 dogs will be ranked.

d) Open Over 15" Division. The names of the top 12 dogs will be ranked.

b. Steeplechase Race All Stars Ranking. The names of the top dogs in Steeplechase racing will be ranked as follows:

1) APR Category. The APR category will be ranked as follows:

a) APR Less than 10" Division. The names of the top 12 dogs will be ranked.

b) APR 10" -12 ½" Division. The names of the top 12 dogs will be ranked.

c) APR 12 ½ "- 15" Division. The names of the top 12 dogs will be ranked.

d) APR Over 15" Division. The names of the top 12 dogs will be ranked.

2) Open category. The Open category will be ranked as follows:

a) Open Less than 10" Division. The names of the top 12 dogs will be ranked.

b) Open 10" -12 ½" Division. The names of the top 12 dogs will be ranked.

c) Open 12 ½ "- 15" Division. The names of the top 12 dogs will be ranked.

d) Open Over 15" Division. The names of the top 12 dogs will be ranked.

5. Corrections to Terrier Race All-Star Standings. Corrections to Terrier Race All-Star points or standings for any competition year must be reported to UKC not later then January 31 of the year following the competition year.

6. Terrier Race All-Star Invitational. The top ranked dogs in each category as defined above may be invited to participate in a Terrier Race All-Star Invitational competition.

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