All Things Being Equal

Lots and lots of talk about the fourth jump height proposals, here in the UK. Not many people blogging about it; maybe because they’re just being cautious.

Before I say anything else, I don’t think the height can be an optional one. It’s simply not feasible with the way Kennel Club agility is run in this country. Switching between heights isn’t possible.

As far as I can see, very roughly summarised, the arguments are thus:

For

• Dogs who measure just over 430mm and therefore just out of the Medium height category will have a more comfortable jump height. This will primarily affect breeds like Tollers, ESS, some Labradors, and small Border Collies.
• Allows more inclusivity within the sport; dogs compete against dogs of their own height only, rather than in the current open-ended Large category for dogs over 430mm (17″) where dogs of 18-19″ may be disadvantaged competing against larger dogs.
• Reduces class sizes in the Large classes, where there can be up to 250 dogs in a single class (or part of a class)
• Removes the awkward gap between Medium and Large. Currently there is a 10cm gap between the jump heights of Small and Medium, but a 20cm gap between Medium and Large.

Against

• It simply isn’t needed. Dogs in the Standard height range are competing extremely successfully at Large height, and there will always be dogs who have a structure which isn’t optimum for agility.
• Our current jump heights were chosen to fall in line with the FCI and the rest of Europe. Those who compete overseas (both in World-standard competitions as well as generally) will be at a disadvantage, as would European competitors choosing to compete in the UK.
• Dilution of competitive standard in either Standard or Large, where the class sizes become too small and dogs move up the Grades too quickly because there is little to no competition.
• Additional strain on show organisers. An average agility competitions in the UK usually have between 6-12 rings, with 5-6 classes per ring (usually totalling some 400 dogs). On a typical agility day, judging starts at 8:30 and finishes around 5:00pm, sometimes with a 30-60min break for lunch. Another set of classes would increase costs in rosettes and trophies and time for course changes/course walking at a minimum. It’s likely that extra rings and judges would also be required to accomodate.
• There is already an organisation which offers Standard height. UKAgility is a competitive venue which has Standard height up to and including international level.

Personally, I’m not sure whether I want the fourth height or not. My experience is varied; Mollie, at 18″ tall and built like a barrel on legs, wasn’t suited to 26″ and so she only ever did one competition, and then retired. Dylan runs much more comfortably over 22″, his jumping is smoother and cleaner, but he’s well over the proposed height band for that jump height. Kim used to jump the old 30″ Large height and was both comfortable and competitive. Rio hasn’t yet been asked to jump 22″ or 26″, so I have no idea what her preference would be. I’d guess 22″, but I don’t think she’ll have a problem with 26″.

Anyway, there is a survey running on AgilityNet right now to try and discover how many dogs would likely be affected if the proposal passed. At least, I think that’s what it’s for. http://www.agilitynet.co.uk/active/4thheight_survey2012.htm. You can also speak to your ALC (Agility Liaison Council) reps and attend local meetings, if you want your views to be heard.