AKC Agility Judges Guidelines

If measuring is not completed by one of AKC’s Volunteer Measuring Officials
(VMO) or Agility Field Representatives prior to the start of judging, the judge
of record must measure all dogs (with the exception of the 24” and 26” regular
class dogs) that do not have a permanent card, at least one yellow form or a
valid temporary height card form with them. The purpose of measuring is to
ensure that dogs are not entered in a jump height lower than what they are
allowed to jump. An official measuring device is to be supplied by the host
club. Be sure to ask the competitor if they have a permanent card, at least one
yellow form or a valid temporary height card form in their possession.
Measuring shall take place on a smooth level surface such as a pause table.
Calibrate the measuring device before you begin measuring and re-check it
EVERY TIME you return to do any further measuring. In general, greet the
dog you are about to measure before attempting the measurement. Crouch low
or squat down, but do not lean over the dog. Dogs should be standing squarely,
not stretched out; with the head in a normal position, not down or held down
but looking straight ahead. Some dogs may hunch up from cold or tension,
which can make them measure taller, so, if possible, it is advisable to let a dog
become relaxed prior to placing the arm of the measuring device. Measure
the dog at the peak of its withers, which is where the tops of the two shoulder
blades come together, just below the neck. Observation of an Agility Field
Representative during the measuring process is advised for all judges.
If a dog is measured up into a higher jump height division, make sure that this
is recorded in the official catalog, that the gate steward moves that dog in the
run order, and that the scribe’s sheets are re-arranged. The dog shall remain in
the higher height for the remainder of the weekend or set of back-to-back trials.
Dogs entered in regular classes may not be moved into a lower height division
than what was entered, even if they measure lower, since entries have closed.
Dogs entered in preferred classes shall be moved down to the proper jump
height only if measured by a Volunteer Measuring Official, Field Rep or Judge
of Record for the day of the trial.
If two official measurements of the same dog are requested to be done in the
same day or set of back-to-back trials, each individual measurement must be
done by a different VMO or Field Rep. If a third measurement is needed to
determine the dog’s final height, this measurement must be done by a VMO or
Field Rep unique to the first and second measurements.
Host Club Responsibilities: Host clubs shall provide the judge with an official
measuring device and a suitable location to measure dogs that require it.
Additionally, the club shall provide assistance in the check-in and measuring
process to ensure that all dogs are measured and recorded properly.
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