Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Does anyone know what AKC or UKC Sports Tripawds are allowed to compete in? Or maybe it's easier to list what they're *not* allowed in?
Thanks so much!
Wow what timing you have! We were just interviewing an AKC representative and Ari's mom Carolyn about this exact topic. I'm working on getting a complete list so I can answer your question, stay tuned for that.
I don't have one for the UKC but am reaching out to find out, stay tuned for that too.
Do you have a Tripawd? Thanks for posting! Your future posts won't need to wait for approval.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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!
Excellent! Thank you so much Carolyn!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
As far as. a "different sport", we have a tripawd named Hatteras who lives I N.C. She participatedsin dock diving😎 The videos in the thread will make you smile😁
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
benny55 said
As far as. a "different sport", we have a tripawd named Hatteras who lives I N.C. She participatedsin dock diving😎 The videos in the thread will make you smile😁
Ah thanks for bringing her up! Yeah Dock Diving, there's a great sport that doesn't seem too high impact for a Tripawd. Here's the Story of Hatteras. What an amazing pup!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I heard back from the United Kennel Club about which dog sports Tripawds can compete in. Here's what I was told by Hannah Tsui, Director of All-Breed Sports, United Kennel Club:
Dogs with 3 limbs are allowed to compete in the following UKC-licensed events:
- Obedience
- Rally Obedience
- Nosework
- Agility
- Weight Pull
- Drag Racing (aptitude tests only)
- Lure Coursing
- Precision Coursing
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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.
Natalie & Juno (aka June)
Thanks for adding! Yep, this progress was made possible by the tireless advocacy of some really great Tripawd parents like Carolyn Barnes, Ari's mom. She posted the results of the petition drive here.
@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!!)
Natalie & Juno (aka June)
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