The Scottish Terrier Club of New England    Over 65 Years of service to the Breed         Copyright  © 2000 STCNE

Over 13,000 AKC Events Every Year The American Kennel Club (AKC) has recognized over 141 breeds of dogs. Each year, over 13,000 dog shows and performance events are held under AKC rules. These events give these purebred dogs and their owners/handlers the opportunity to perfect and demonstrate the unique looks, skills and instincts of each breed.  Although there are stories about Scotties being entered (and even winning) in a Hunting Test and some might even qualify at a Herding Trial, these AKC events will not typically draw very many Scotties or any of their other Terrier cousins.

All-breed and Specialty Shows

All-breed and specialty dog shows are the most popular and best-known AKC event. Scotties are often seen in the show ring where their conformation (appearance, structure and movement) is evaluated against the breed's AKC standard. Dogs that appear in the show ring are competing against other dogs of the same breed and the winners are awarded points that are accumulated towards their Championship title. For more information, select the "Conformation" link to the left.

Agility Events

Agility events always have a strong spectator appeal. They blend training and athletic ability in an event that demands teamwork between the dog and the handler. The AKC offers four titles in three levels of difficulty.

Obedience Trials

Although Terriers and Obedience are not often used in the same sentence, Scotties are often seen at AKC Obedience trials. One appeal of the Obedience ring is that the dog's conformation or appearance has absolutely no bearing on whether it will win. Earning an Obedience title requires dedication and good training skills. The AKC currently offers four Obedience titles and the events are open to any AKC registered purebred dog.

Earthdog Tests

Small Terriers and Dachshunds are the primary focus for AKC Earthdog Tests. These breeds were originally bred to seek out and eliminate small vermin. These tests offer a simulated real-life hunting situation where the dogs can demonstrate their natural talents. The dogs can earn three AKC titles by demonstrating their ability to locate and underground den with a safely caged quarry. This year, we anticipate hosting both a practice dig in July and an AKC-sanctioned Trial in October. See our calendar of events for more details.

Canine Good Citizen

The AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test is one event that is open to both AKC-registered purebred as well as other mixed-breed dogs. The test demonstrates the degree to which dogs can be excellent companions and upstanding members of the general community.