In July 2011 the AKC announced the creation of the Preferred Agility Championship (PACH) title. The requirements for this championship are the same as for the MACH (20 double qualifying scores and 750 points/seconds under course time for qualifying runs). The difference between the regular class leading toward the MACH and the preferred class that would earn the PACH is that in the preferred class, the dog jumps one jump height under his measured jump height.

 

After earning his agility championship (MACH) in January 2012 we made the decision for Kanzu to continue in agility at the preferred height moving from the 24 inch jumps to 20 inch jumps. In the preferred class, dogs are also given a time advantage with slightly greater time to qualify on the course. Kanzu is a big boy and all the jumping can eventually take a toll on a dog’s body. Jumping at 20 inches instead of 24 takes stress off of his back and joints and extends the length of time he can enjoy running and jumping with his friend Vicki.

 

Following a couple months of rest after receiving his MACH, Kanzu restarted his agility career in March 2012. He was visibly happy to get back into the ring with Vicki. It took Kanzu and Vicki only 3 trials to earn his Novice Preferred Standard (NAP) and Preferred Jumpers (NJP) titles. Three trials later they earned his Open Standard title (OAP) along with another High Scoring Ridgeback Open Dog in Trial at the San Diego Rhodesian Ridgeback Club trial on March 24, 2012. He earned his Preferred Open Jumpers title at his next trial. And after 4 more trials Kanzu completed his Excellent A titles (AXP) and (AJP). He has now moved back into Excellent B Preferred where he has started accumulating the 20 double Qs and 750 points needed for his Preferred Agility Championship. Along the way, AKC also awards a PAX suffix title when the 20 double Qs are earned. Meanwhile, Kanzu and Vicki are having lots of fun running together. The titles will be ‘icing on the cake’ and additional rewards for the fun he is having being able to continue to run and play in the agility ring.

 
 
Click here for more information on the AKC Preferred Agility Championship Title