Obreedience

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.

General guidelines

• There will be two rounds of the competition: round 1 - heelwork, followed by four set exercises. All the heelwork rounds should be completed before the set exercises 
• Please ensure team members are ready to compete when their running order is due. Judging will not be delayed if team members are absent. There will be a running order for all teams taking part
• Extra commands will be permitted throughout the test, except in the scent exercise
• When working in the ring, all dogs must be presented on a collar and lead. Note: no slip leads permitted
• When dogs are in the ring, they must be under control. Any excessive barking or poor control will be penalised
• During the set exercises, team members will be directed to their own individual starting point and must keep their dogs on lead and under close control while fellow team members complete their respective exercise. When each of the four exercises are complete, handlers will be led out of the ring by a steward
• Food must not be carried whilst in the ring. Toys will not be allowed unless required for a particular exercise e.g. retrieve, scent and stop (if desired). Note: squeaky toys or articles that contain food or are in any way dangerous to the dog will not be permitted
• The same four dogs and handlers who partake in the heelwork exercise must be the same four that complete the set exercises. Any changes to the team following the heelwork will result in full marks being deducted
• Bandana collars and handkerchief type collars are permitted in the presentation but not during any part of the test
• Places will be awarded 1st to 4th
• Scoring should be done with the highest placed team coming first
• In the event of a runoff (teams tying on the same marks), teams must complete the heelwork exercise

Round 1 - Heelwork

Heel on lead (team) - 10 points

• All four team members will be guided into the ring by a steward. A line will be drawn on the floor as the starting point. Handlers must keep the same spacing throughout the exercise. All heelwork will be conducted on a loose lead, at normal pace and extra commands will be permitted throughout
• All dogs and handlers must start, halt and turn together
• There will be two about turns, one right and one left turn and a three-pole weave
• The weave will be entered from the right hand side (with the first cone on the dog's left)
• Each team will be marked on their ability to conduct heelwork as a group and their overall heelwork capabilities, i.e. ability to keep the team in unison, turn accordingly whilst keeping the dogs at heel. Dogs will not be judged on their style or closeness of position but will be judged on the ability of the dog to remain the same distance from the handler from the start to the finish of the exercise

Round 2 - Set exercises

Exercise 2 - Send to bed - 10 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

Exercise 3 - Stop on recall and play - 10 points

• 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

Exercise 4 - Retrieve (10 points)

• 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)

Exercise 5 - Scent (10 points)

• The article used will be the handler's own article and the handler will carry this into the ring. It will then be placed on a tray which the steward will then use to place amongst the other articles (in a position of the judge's choice). Note the judge will mark a line designating the scent area
• Extra commands will not be permitted whilst the dog is over the scent area. The pattern of five mixed articles will be placed in a straight line
• On the steward’s command, each dog will then be required to do a scent amongst five mixed articles plus the handler’s article

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:

• 1st place = 10 points, 2nd place = 9 points etc. down to 10th place = 1 point

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:

1. 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. A maximum of three breeds will be invited to compete in the final from any one breed group subject to the Crufts management’s discretion
2. If 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
3. It is down to the team manager's discretion as to who competes within the team invited to compete at Crufts
4. Should your team be successful in qualifying for the finals at Crufts, an entry fee of £40 per team will be required

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:

• the name of the team
• name of the breed
• the team captain’s name
• email address and address and the handlers
• dogs and reserves in the team

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!

1. How many dogs need to be in a team?

There needs to be four dogs in a team and it is possible to have up to two reserves.

2. Can the teams be made of different breeds?

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.

3. My dog is a recognised breed but is registered on the Activity Register. Can I take part?

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.

4. My dog is a crossbreed - can I take part?

No, only dogs that are breeds recognised by The Kennel Club can participate in obreedience.

5. Are there any limits or restrictions on dogs wanting to compete in obreedience?

Yes, only one dog per team can have won out of class A in obedience. 

6. Is there a maximum or minimum age limit on competing dogs? 

There is no maximum age limit but dogs competing in obreedience must be at least 6 months old on the date of the show. 

7. How do I apply to be in an obreedience team? 

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.

8. How is training arranged and who organises it? Is there a team captain? 

Yes, there is a team captain appointed by the team. It is the responsibility of all the team members to organise the training.

9. Do the handlers in a team need to wear a uniform of any kind? 

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.

10. Are there any costs involved in competing in obreedience? 

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.

11. Can a dog and handler do more than one set exercise? 

No, each of the four dogs must undertake only one of the four exercises.

12. Can a different dog take part in the heelwork and the set 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.

13. Is obreedience judged on the individual performances of the dogs or on the team as a whole? 

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. 

14. Can two teams of the same breed get through to Crufts? 

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.

15. When will the finalists be told they have qualified for Crufts? 

The finalists will be informed once the final heat has taken place and all the points have been collated by The Kennel Club.

16. Can I bring food into the ring? 

No food or toys can be brought into the ring. Except the toy for the stop the dog exercise.

17. What kind of article will I need for the scent exercise? 

Any kind of article can be used except a dumbbell.

18. What will happen if after all the heats there are teams on equal points? 

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.

19. What will happen if after all the heats there are two teams of the same breed on equal points? 

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. 

20. What will happen if after all the heats there are more than three teams from the same breed group in the top 10? 

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.

21. Can the dogs be different for each heat within the same team?

Yes.

22. Can the handlers be different for each heat within the same team?

Yes.

23. My team has qualified for Crufts. Who decides who is to compete within the team?

It is down to the team manager's discretion as to who competes within the team invited to compete at Crufts.

24. Can we swap the team after the closing date? 

No, the team must remain the same after the closing date.

25. I have two separate breeds (Dalmatian and Beagle). Can I compete in both teams at the same heat? 

Yes, you can compete with two separate breeds at the same heat but not two teams of the same breed.

1. What is the size of the ring required?

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)).

2. Who can judge the competition? 

An experienced judge, preferably one who has experience of judging a variety of breeds.

3. How many teams can enter a heat?

There is no maximum.

4. How can our club apply to hold a heat?

Any registered club or listed status club can apply to hold a heat by completing the application form and returning it to us.

5. We are a breed show, can we hold an obreedience heat?

Yes, all clubs and shows are invited to hold a heat.

6. We are an obedience show, can we hold an obreedience heat?

Yes, all clubs and shows are invited to hold a heat.

7.  I already have my licence for my show, can I still apply to hold a heat?

Yes, obreedience heats can be applied for even if you already have your licence.

8. Do I need to add obreedience to my licence?

No, obreedience will be run as a special class held under your existing licence.

9. Is there a set entry fee for an obreedience heat?

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. 

10. Do I need to add the obreedience heat to my schedule?

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. 

11. Do I need an entry form for obreedience?

Yes you will need an entry form which includes space for all the team dogs and reserves. 

12. Where can I find the obreedience rules?

The obreedience rules can be found further down this page.

13. Are there any judging guidelines?

Yes, the guidelines for judges can be found above under 'judges' information'.

14. Can a steward compete in a licensed event hosting an obreedience heat?

Obreedience is under The Kennel Club's G Regulations, so this would not be allowed.

15. Can a steward's team enter an obreedience heat (the steward would not be competing)?

This would not be an issue. They would need to ensure that they steward their team the same as all the other teams.

16. If an active member of a team is judging, is their team allowed to compete under them?

No, this would not be allowed as it would not be considered fair or ethical.

17. Where can I find the heelwork patterns?

The heelwork patterns are available to download above under 'competitor information'.

18. Can the set exercises change? 

No, the set exercises must be those detailed in the rules.

19. Do the set exercises need to be performed in a square as per the example?

No, as long as the exercises are performed then these can be organised by the judge. 

20. What will happen if after all the heats there are teams on equal points?

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. 

21. What will happen if after all the heats there are two teams of the same breed on equal points?

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. 

22.  What will happen if after all the heats there are more than three teams from the same breed group in the top ten?

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.