Agility
Completing a course of obstacles accurately and with speed.
The sport of dog agility is fun and can be very addictive.
Below gives a broad outline of what is involved and what you can achieve; it's a sport that Gordon Setters love and can do well in.
What is Agility?
Agility is where a handler aims to direct a dog correctly around a course of obstacles in the fastest possible time without incurring faults.
The obstacles can be a combination of jumps, tunnels, weaves and contact equipment.
The sport of dog agility is global with some countries having a few different organisations with their own slightly different rules or obstacle requirements; but essentially the purpose remains the same.
It is a fun activity to do with your dog and can keep both the handler and the dog fit.
How do I find a show?
Throughout the UK competitions are held every weekend with some even lasting over a week.
The Royal Kennel Club and Agility specific sites will help you locate a trainer or a show.
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How does Judging work?
A judge usually has many years of competing behind them; in order to judge they need to complete certain criteria required as per their organisation.
An example can be found on the Royal Kennel Club site.
Dog agility has changed over the years, as the contenders of the sport find faster ways to navigate the courses the equipment and judging of it can change in order to ensure dog welfare and safety remains paramount.
The following is a generalisation of how the course and obstacles are judged:
Course - Navigate the course from start to finish in the right order.
Jumps - jump the right way and keep the jump pole up.
Tunnels - navigate the right way through.
Contacts - dog needs to touch the different coloured contact point on both up and down parts (some obstacles only require the down contact to be touched)
Weaves - Dog must enter with first post on its left shoulder and not miss out any gaps on its way to the end.
What awards are there in the UK
You can attain titles for your dog such as AW or CH.
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The main award under the Royal Kennel Club is the Agility Warrant which is based on points attained by completing a course at a competition correctly and within time which is known as a Clear Round.
Agility Warrant levels and points required are:
Bronze (200), Silver (400), Gold (800), Platinum (1200) & Diamond (1600)
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Champion Status is awarded to a dog winning the Championship Class 3 times under 3 different judges.
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The NEW Gordon Setter Agility League
Sponsored by The British Gordon Setter Club
Launching in 2026!
The Gordon Setter Agility League Rules
The league is open to all agility competitors competing in agility competitions in the UK at any grade – agility, jumping and/or steeplechase.
Open to purebred Gordon Setters only. We regrettably do not allow crosses.
Submit points via email to ukgordonagility@gmail.com using the league points form found on the BGSC Website https://www.britishgordonsetterclub.co.uk/
or the BGSC Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BritishGordonSetterClub and the Gordon Setter Agility UK Facebook page (see QR Code)
Points Allocation
KC Shows and/or Independent shows:
1st = 20 points
2nd = 19 points etc. to
20th and unplaced clear rounds = 1 point
0.5 points for competing regardless of placing or Elimination – so get competing!
The BGSC are pleased to offer a trophy to the winner of the league providing they are a fully paid up BGSC members at the start and conclusion of the League (there will be an award for the highest non member).
KC and independent competitions can be put towards points. Sadly at this time internal club competitions cannot be counted towards points - countable competitions must be open to all and not just members of a certain club. No teams or pairs classes will count towards the league.
The league will run from the 1st January of each year to 31st December
All points must be received by 15th January each year to be considered for awards.
In the event of a tie, whoever has the highest agility wins shall be named the winner.
Awards will be confirmed by BGSC annually on 31st January.
Your KC grade as of the league start date is the grade you will be for the whole "league year" regardless of how many grades you may win up during that time.
Points Allocation
KC Shows and/or Independent shows:
1st = 20 points
2nd = 19 points etc. to 20th
Unplaced clear rounds = 1 point
0.5 points for competing regardless of placing or elimination
Submit points as you go by entering the online form below or fill in a paper form (or spreadsheet) and send at the end of the year via email to:
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click here for form or find it on the BGSC Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BritishGordonSetterClub and the the Gordon Setter Agility UK Facebook page
(see QR Code)
