The Zim Family Cocker Spaniel Forum

I just adopted a rescue cocker a few months ago and want to get her into agility. She's really agile and active and smart, so I think it would be fun. Does she have to be AKC registered to compete in agility or can rescues compete as well?

No, there is no requirement that they be AKC registered. In fact, AKC encourages all dogs to participate. However, your dog should have basic obedience traing before you try agility, as so much of the agility classes are done off-leash. It is so much fun-I love going to the classes.

I was under the impression that you must be registered with AKC in order to compete in their venues... But there are other organizations that may allow unregistered dogs to compete. I'm new at this so I don't know much about the different ones. I do know that recently AKC has initiated a program where mixed breeds can register and compete. I've been getting their e-mails about it. I think it's called Canine Partners. If they have that there has to be a way to register your Purebred dog too.

Edited to add... just looked on AKC's web site... this may help answer your question.

Purebred Alternative Listing/Indefinite Listing Privilege
http://www.akc.org/reg/ilpex.cfm

Lisa has found the right information.

A rescue dog can be "registered" with AKC so that it may be entered in performance events. The ILP/PAL program is for dogs that are purebred (or look enough purebred to pass) can have an ILP or PAL number. And as of last spring, mixed breed dogs can compete in performance events.

BTW-- at Cocker Nationals there are special awards in the agility competition for dogs that have other titles (obedience/rally/breed champions) or are veterans, etc. And one of the special award is High Scoring Agility Cocker with an ILP/PAL registration.

BTW--there are some very good agility trainers down in your area. And lots of agility trials when you are ready to compete. There are other associations that sponsor agility trials (USDAA, CPE, NADAC, DOCNA, and they don't require a breed registration. You just need to join/register with their association. For years, AKC was losing money to USDAA (the first agility association) because USDAA allowed mixed breed dogs to compete.

Colleen Keough

Thanks so much for the information!! Great news. I found the form I need to fill out for Ruby (http://www.akc.org/pdfs/ilpform.pdf, in case anyone else needs it) from the website you provided Lisa. Thanks much! It seems I have a lot to learn about the different organizations that have agility. I found a great agility facility in Escondido we're going to try out as soon as we've done more obedience work with Ruby. I'll keep you posted how it goes....Could you fill me in...what are Cocker Nationals?

Cocker Nationals July 2012 are at the Purina Farms facility outside of St. Louis.

Cocker Nationals July 2013 (hosted by the Western Zone) are in Reno.

Colleen