The purpose of obreedience is to encourage more breeds to 'have a go' at some of the tests associated with competitive obedience but in a less formal competitive environment.
Obreedience is a team event and showcases the talents of each breed through a series of fun exercises and it is perfect for all ages and abilities.
It mixes the best aspects of obedience with the camaraderie found amongst breed enthusiasts. Each obreedience team must comprise of four handlers and four dogs of the same breed who take part in two rounds of competition, including a round of heelwork performed together as a group and then four set exercises including a retrieve, a 'send to bed', commanding the dog to stop, and a scent exercise.
It is with great disappointment that The Kennel Club must announce that, due to the lack of opportunity to qualify, the Obreedience competition will be unable to take place at Crufts 2021. Those teams who competed at an obreedience heat in 2020, and gained points will have their points carried over for Crufts 2022.
Club name & location | Date of show (2021) | Contact name and email |
---|---|---|
United Spaniel Association Morley DE7 6DN |
31 January - CANCELLED |
|
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club of UK Solihull Riding Club |
3 April - CANCELLED |
|
Sheffield GSD Society Newark Showground |
11 April - CANCELLED |
|
Nuneaton Dog Training Club Nuneaton CV10 0AA |
15 May - CANCELLED |
|
Stoneleigh Rally Kennel Club Building, Stoneleigh Park |
31 May - CANCELLED |
|
Midlands Obedience Society Warks, CV13 0BA |
12 June - CANCELLED |
|
Chalfield Dog Training Club Nottingham NG11 6JS |
20 June |
|
The Banbury Show Oxon OX17 1DF |
TBC |
|
Culverstone Training Club Ashford TN24 9QB |
17 July & 18 July - CANCELLED |
|
Rally Dogs IABTC, Haxey |
24 July |
|
North West Dog Training Club Kent ME20 7DS |
25 July - CANCELLED |
|
Hatchford Brook DTC Birmingham B94 5LH |
8 August |
|
Solihull DTC Birmingham B94 5LH |
9 August |
|
Thame and Oxfordshire County Canine Society Buckingham MK18 2JR |
11 August |
|
Horley & District Show Society South of England Showground |
29 August |
|
Worcester Dog Training Club Worcestershire, WR11 7 EL |
29 August |
|
National Australian Shepherd Association |
4 September - CANCELLED |
|
Lichfield and District Dog Training Society Staffordshire, B79 0BU |
5 September |
|
The Lagotto Romagnolo Club of Great Britain Staverton, Daventry |
18 September |
|
Sheffield GSD Society - CANCELLED Newark Showground |
17 October |
|
LKA NEC |
11 December |
Team name and breed | Breed Group | Total |
Paw Patrol, German Shepherd Dog | Working and Pastoral | 10 |
The Russellers, Jack Russell Terrier | Terrier and Hound | 9 |
Awesome Aussies, Australian Shepherd | Working and Pastoral | 8 |
Manchesters Reunited, Manchester Terrier | Terrier and Hound | 7 |
The Labrapaws, Labradors | Gundog | 6 |
The Supanovas, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever | Gundog | 5 |
The Wagails, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Utility and toy | 4 |
If you have any queries, please email obedience@thekennelclub.org.uk.
The aim of obreedience is to encourage a wider variety of different breeds to take part in a competition which includes some of the exercises generally associated with obedience. Obreedience is a team event and highlights the abilities of different breeds in a relaxed and fun competition.
Each team is comprised of four handlers and four dogs who take part in two rounds of competition. The first section requires all four dogs to complete a round of heelwork together as a group, with the dogs and handlers being assessed on their ability to complete different moves whilst remaining synchronised as a team. This first round is marked out of 10 points.
Round two features four set exercises and each team member has to complete one of four different exercises. The exercises include a retrieve (handler's own article), send to bed, stop the dog and scent over articles. Round two is marked out of 40 points (10 points per set exercise). Once all teams have completed the two rounds, the scores are compiled and the team with the highest score will be placed 1st.
All heats must take place at events licensed by The Kennel Club and the class name in the schedule should replicate exactly the name of the competition as stated in these rules.
Dogs entered must be registered with The Kennel Club on the Breed Register, or on the Activity Register as a Kennel Club recognised pedigree breed (crossbreeds are not eligible to compete in obreedience).
To qualify for the final points will be accumulated throughout the year at designated heats.
The team name should remain the same throughout all the heats. Substitution of dogs or handlers cannot be made after the closing date for that heat. A dog may only compete in one team per heat.
If at the conclusion of the heats there is an equality of points, the team which has achieved the highest place will take preference.
The heats will be scheduled as a special class for pedigree dogs. There will be separate heats with the top 10 teams at each heat eligible to receive points.
The bed used will be selected by the handler and the handler will carry this with them into the ring
Each handler will stand on their starting point until directed by the steward
Before commencing this exercise, each handler will advise the steward as to which position their dog will adopt on the bed. The judge will be looking for each dog’s body to be on the bed. Points will be deducted appropriately for dogs that do not have all of their body on the bed
On the steward’s command each handler will walk out with the dog on lead and place their bed on the designated spot. Each handler will then show the dog where the bed is. Dogs may be placed on the bed if desired
Each handler will then return to the starting point and upon the steward’s command the handler will send their dog to bed
On the steward’s command, the handler is to return to the dog, replace the lead and release
Each handler will stand on their starting point until directed by the steward
Dogs may be left in a sit, down or stand position. Marks will be deducted for movement and/or anticipation
A large marked area will be set up on the floor and this will be where the judge will require each dog to be stopped
Handlers will then be directed by the steward to leave their dog and walk to a designated spot, then call their dog and stop the dog in the area
A sit, down or stand position will be accepted as a stop position
Extra commands will be permitted throughout the exercise
Once the dog has been stopped, on the steward’s command, the handler to return to the dog and replace the lead and then release and play with the dog under control (with or without a toy). They will then move back to the starting position. The toy must be concealed from sight when the stop command is given
Handler's own article
The exercise will be conducted on steward's command and will include a present and finish
A reasonable length of throw is required (past the judge)
Each team will consist of four dogs of the same breed with four separate handlers, plus up to two reserves at each heat. Teams are allowed to use different dogs at each heat, providing they are of the same breed. Only one team per breed will qualify for the Crufts final. No more than one dog in each team can have won out of class A at Kennel Club licensed G regulation open or championship obedience shows.
There is no limit on the number of heats in which a team may compete. Points will be awarded to the team as follows:
After the final heat has taken place, the top 10 teams will be invited to compete at Crufts, selection will be subject to the Crufts management’s discretion:
Event organisers, please note: the event secretary should record the top 10 placed teams and send the results and entry forms to the working dog activities team at The Kennel Club within 14 days of the show.
Entry forms and schedules should also be emailed to The Kennel Club when available for inclusion on the website.
These results should include:
Qualifying heats are available for registered societies to host each year, the final of which will be held at Crufts the following year. To apply to host a heat in 2021, please complete the application form. For more information, refer to the frequently asked questions for clubs below, or alternatively email The Kennel Club.
These heats are available to breed, general canine or obedience shows and can be held under the show's existing licence as a special class.
And with the obreedience final being held at Crufts, it is anticipated that these heats will be very popular, with the potential to boost show entries and attract spectators. Therefore it's in the interests of registered societies to consider applying to host a heat as soon as possible before they're all snapped up!
There needs to be four dogs in a team and it is possible to have up to two reserves.
No, all the dogs in the team need to be the same recognised Kennel Club breed and be registered with The Kennel Club on either the Breed Register or Activity Register.
Yes, if you have a registration certificate from The Kennel Club which confirms the dog as a recognised pedigree breed, then the dog may take part in obreedience.
No, only dogs that are breeds recognised by The Kennel Club can participate in obreedience.
Yes, only one dog per team can have won out of class A in obedience.
There is no maximum age limit but dogs competing in obreedience must be at least 6 months old on the date of the show.
There is no official process to be invited to join an obreedience team but should you wish to take part we would recommend contacting breed club members or asking at your local training club in order to find other breed enthusiasts who would be interested in starting a team. Social media can also be used to find team members.
Yes, there is a team captain appointed by the team. It is the responsibility of all the team members to organise the training.
No, a uniform is not mandatory to compete but many of the teams who have previously competed at Crufts have worn something to identify and unify them as a team such as co-ordinated clothing or a sash.
Yes, there will an entry fee to enter any of the heats and this is set by the host society and will appear on the entry form.
No, each of the four dogs must undertake only one of the four exercises.
No, the dogs and handlers who undertake the heelwork must be the same dogs that complete the set exercises. If a dog is injured or becomes unwell then a reserve handler and dog can be used to complete the rest of the test but no awards can be gained.
The dogs will be judged as a team for their heelwork performance and then individually for the set exercises. The points will then be added from both rounds to produce an overall score.
No, in order to show the capabilities of as many breeds as possible only one team from each breed can take part in the final at Crufts. If more than one team of the same breed qualify, the team with the highest score or placing at the heats will be invited to Crufts.
The finalists will be informed once the final heat has taken place and all the points have been collated by The Kennel Club.
No food or toys can be brought into the ring. Except the toy for the stop the dog exercise.
Any kind of article can be used except a dumbbell.
If once all the heats have been held there are teams on equal points, the team which has achieved the highest place will take preference in the final allocation of places, e.g. two teams have both achieved 16 points across the year. One team had gained a 2nd and a 4th place, the other team had gained two 3rd places. The team which has achieved the highest place, in this case 2nd, will take the higher place in the final points table.
The team with the highest number of points within each breed will represent that breed in the final. In the event that two or more teams of the same breed have the same number of points, the team which has achieved the highest placing at the heats will take precedence, e.g. two teams of Corgis have both achieved 16 points across the year. Team A had gained a 2nd and a 4th place, team B had gained two 3rd places. Team A has achieved the highest place, in this case 2nd, so team A will take the higher place in the final points table.
Where more than three breed representative teams within the shortlist belong to the same breed group, only the three highest scoring teams within that group will be invited to compete at Crufts. The remaining places in the top 10 will be offered to the breed representative team(s) with the next highest total points, e.g. should five breeds from the gundog group have made it through to the final 10, then only the three highest scoring breeds will be selected for Crufts to ensure group diversity.
Yes.
Yes.
It is down to the team manager's discretion as to who competes within the team invited to compete at Crufts.
No, the team must remain the same after the closing date.
Yes, you can compete with two separate breeds at the same heat but not two teams of the same breed.
The ring size at Crufts is 26 metres square, but space can be limited at shows so where possible the ring size should equal to a ‘C’ competition ring at obedience shows (148 sq m (1600 sq ft)).
An experienced judge, preferably one who has experience of judging a variety of breeds.
There is no maximum.
Any registered club or listed status club can apply to hold a heat by completing the application form and returning it to us.
Yes, all clubs and shows are invited to hold a heat.
Yes, all clubs and shows are invited to hold a heat.
Yes, obreedience heats can be applied for even if you already have your licence.
No, obreedience will be run as a special class held under your existing licence.
No, however we would recommend that societies base their entry fee on other activity entry costs which are usually in the region of £4 - £5 per dog. Therefore an obreedience team entry fee will be approximately £20 - £25.
Yes, obreedience will need to be listed on your schedule. If your schedule has already been published you should inform club members and competitors that the obreedience heat will be held, by advertising on your website for example. In addition, we will advertise the heats on our website.
Yes you will need an entry form which includes space for all the team dogs and reserves.
The obreedience rules can be found further down this page.
Yes, the guidelines for judges can be found above under 'judges' information'.
Obreedience is under The Kennel Club's G Regulations, so this would not be allowed.
This would not be an issue. They would need to ensure that they steward their team the same as all the other teams.
No, this would not be allowed as it would not be considered fair or ethical.
The heelwork patterns are available to download above under 'competitor information'.
No, the set exercises must be those detailed in the rules.
No, as long as the exercises are performed then these can be organised by the judge.
If once all the heats have been held there are teams on equal points, the team which has achieved the highest place will take preference, e.g. two teams have both achieved 16 points across the year. One team had gained a 2nd and a 4th place, the other team had gained two 3rd places. The team which has achieved the highest place, in this case 2nd, will take the higher place in the final points table.
The team with the highest number of points within each breed will represent that breed in the final. In the event that two or more teams of the same breed have the same number of points, the team which has achieved the highest placing at the heats will take precedence, e.g. two teams of Corgis have both have achieved 16 points across the year. Team A had gained a 2nd and a 4th place, team B had gained two 3rd places. Team A has achieved the highest place, in this case 2nd, so team A will take the higher place in the final points table.
Where more than three breed representative teams within the shortlist belong to the same breed group, only the three highest scoring teams within that group will be invited to compete at Crufts. The remaining places in the top ten will be offered to the breed representative team(s) with the next highest total points, e.g. should five breeds from the gundog group have made it through to the final ten, then only the three highest scoring breeds will be selected for Crufts to ensure group diversity.