AKC Agility League TM
The AKC Agility League TM is a program by the American Kennel Club (AKC) designed to promote agility training and competition in a more inclusive, team-oriented format. Unlike traditional agility trials, which are often individual events, the league focuses on team participation. Teams compete over a season, accumulating points based on their performance in various agility courses. Golden Acres is organizing teams for Winter 2025.
Photo by Deanna Norwood Photography
Winter AKC Agility League Starts January 13th.
Winter 2025 ~ Jan. 13 – April 6
Enrollment: Dec. 14 – Jan. 5
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Round 1 – Jan. 13 – Jan. 26
Round 2 – Jan. 27 – Feb. 9
Round 3 – Feb. 10 – Feb. 23
Round 4 – Feb. 24 – March 9
Round 5 – March 10 – March 23
Round 6 – March 24 – April 6
Get on a list for Winter League today! Bring your own team or let us match you with a team!
Key features of the AKC Agility League TM include:
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Team-Based Competition: Handlers and their dogs form teams, which compete together. This encourages camaraderie and a shared experience among participants.
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Seasonal Format: The league operates over a season, during which teams participate in multiple matches. Points are awarded based on performance, and standings are tracked throughout the season.
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Inclusivity: The league is designed to be accessible to a wide range of participants, including those new to agility or those with dogs of varying skill levels.
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Flexible Participation: Teams can participate in matches at their own pace and in various locations, offering flexibility to accommodate different schedules and geographic locations.
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Recognition and Awards: Teams and individual dogs earn recognition and awards based on their cumulative performance over the season.
The AKC Agility League TM provides a more flexible and team-oriented alternative to traditional agility trials, making the sport accessible to a broader audience while still offering a competitive and rewarding experience.
Getting Started
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Organize a Team: Clubs, schools and individuals may form teams and compete in the AKC Agility League TM. Teams are comprised of three to eight dogs, and more than one team may be sponsored by the organizer. Teams may be a mix of jump heights and jump categories (Regular and Preferred). Veterans 10 years and older may jump up to two heights lower than their true jump height.
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Compete: The AKC Agility League™ hosts three 12-week seasons annually, with teams competing on six courses throughout the season—one course for each two-week round. Teams compete at their home fields or local training facilities, and scores must be submitted to the AKC by the end of each round. The AKC calculates final scores, factoring in time and faults, with team scores being an average of all participating dogs’ results.
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Divisions: The league offers skill divisions to accommodate different experience levels: Freshman (for dogs without titles), Sophomore (for dogs with Novice or Open titles), and Senior (for dogs with Excellent or higher titles). Additionally, an International division is available for handlers who prefer ISC-style courses, open to all skill levels.
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Rankings & Awards: The AKC will determine rankings for both teams and individual dogs based on jump height and category. National and regional rankings are released at the end of each two-week round, and top performers receive awards at the end of each season. Junior Handlers will have a special ranking system, with top juniors receiving special recognition.
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For more information download the AKC Guide.
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