Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives

Thanks so much for your question about Tripawds competing in UKC/AKC!  I wasn't sure which events, but I did know that UKC did welcome Tripawds in some of the events.   I inquired and here was there reply from UKC:

Great news! As long as the dog is physically able to compete, it can participate in any event!  This was the reply I received when asked a UKC Representative what events, if any, can Tripawds compete!

As far as AKC, Tripawds cannot compete in Agility.

  Tripawds CAN enter AKC Scentwork:

Section 3. Condition of the Dog. Dogs with physical challenges
(including amputees) are eligible to participate provided that, in the
opinion of the judge, they display no signs of physical discomfort and
can safely complete the search. 

Tripawds CAN enter AKC Tracking:

A dog that is lame at a tracking test may not compete. Lameness is defined as any
derangement of normal movement, disabled or with impaired freedom of movement.
The judge must determine, without a veterinarian’s opinion, whether a dog is lame.
If the judge deems a dog lame, that judge will excuse the dog from competing and
5
will mark the judge’s book “Excused-lame.” However, dogs with physical challenges
(including amputees) disfigured as the result of an accident or injury, but otherwise
qualified shall be eligible, provided the disfigurement does not interfere with
functional movement and if in the opinion of the judge, the dog displays no signs of
physical discomfort and can safely complete the test.

Beginning March 1, 2021, Tripawds will be eligible to enter Virtual Obedience Trials.  According to Field Representative we will hopefully see our dogs eligible to enter Virtual Rally Trials and then thereafter, In Person competing in Obedience and Rally!  However, at this time, I believe Tripawds will NOT be able to enter classes in either Obedience or Rally where a jump is part of the course!

There is also another venue that DOES allow Tripawds and that is Companion Dog Sports Program.  I actually have Ari entered in her first Trial on March 7th in Maryland!  I am very excited to be able to have Ari be able to show what she can do!  Hopefully I don't mess it up!  hhehehehehe!  

no problemo!!  good to get the word out!

Just adding an update here on the AKC sports tripawds are now allowed in as of this July 2022 article. The article also gives a really interesting overview of the evolving thinking of the AKC on this matter, and some of the considerations owners put into caring for a sporting tripawd. (...things some Tripawds members - like those above - know well!)

Updated AKC Tripod-allowed sports:

Tripod dogs who are otherwise healthy and sound can compete in several AKC and AKC recognized sports. At this time three-legged dogs are not able to compete in Obedience or Rally but can earn virtual Obedience titles. Here is a list of sports they are able to compete in.

• Agility
• Barn Hunt
• Diving Dogs
• Fast CAT
• Scent Work
• Tracking
• Trick Dog

@jerry - oh wow!!! This is amazing. What an effort!!!! 👏👏👏👏👏 Here’s hoping we continue to see progress. 💥💥💥💥💥

(And yeah, what gives with the “disfigured,” “disfigurement” language!!)