Earthdog Info

This page was last updated April 21, 2008

Learn about the the AKC earthdog tests from this page.	The Terrier Song

Ratting for Ratings Game
Eligibility	Introduction to Quarry
Junior Earthdog	Senior Earthdog
Master Earthdog	Glossary of Terms

The object of Earthdog trials is to test a dog’s ability to follow game and "work it". Either artificial or cage-protected live quarry is used for the tests. Dogs compete in three class levels in American Kennel Club tests: Junior (JE), Senior (SE) and Master Earthdog (ME). The Introduction to Quarry (IQ) level is a beginner’s instinct test, which is for practice only with no titles awarded.

Eligibility

Dogs must be six months of age or older and be registered with the American Kennel Club. Spayed and neutered dogs, dogs with Limited Registration, and dogs of an eligible breed that have been granted ILP (Indefinite Listing Privileges) are eligible to participate. The following breeds are classified as eligible to participate in Earthdog Tests: Dachshund and Terrier Breeds: Australian, Bedlington, Border, Cairn, Cesky, Dandie Dinmont, Fox (Smooth and Wire), Glen of Imaal, Lakeland, Manchester, Miniature Bull, Miniature Schnauzers, Norfolk, Norwich, Parson Russell, Rat, Russell, Scottish, Sealyham, Silky, Skye, Welsh, and West Highland White.

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Glossary of Earthdog Terms

FALSE DEN: Pile of bedding material, heavily scented to simulate the litter/bedding found in most natural dens

GO TO GROUND: Follow quarry, ranging from rats to badgers, into their dens.

HONOR: Wait quietly while another dog works.

QUARRY: Live quarry in the form of two rats is most commonly used. The rats are kept in a wire cage with food and water. The cage is kept separate from the dogs. Artificial quarry properly scented and capable of movement may also be used.

RELEASING THE DOG: For Introduction to Quarry, Junior and Senior tests, all collars and leads are removed from the dogs prior to entering the test area. Dogs may be placed on the ground before release or may be released from a point no higher than waist level. Throwing the dog in the direction of the den entrance is not permitted, and shall cause the dog to fail the test. The handler may at the time of release give the dog one short command with no penalty, but then shall stand quietly at the release point and shall not move until instructed by the judge.

SCENT LINE: An invisible line that has been scented with rat, fox or raccoon scent. The rat scent is usually obtained by soaking fouled rat bedding in water. This is popularly known as "Rat Tea"

TUNNEL: Test tunnels are dug so that a 9" by 9" wooden liner can sit flush with the surface of the ground. The liner covers the sides and top while the floor of the tunnel is bare earth, scented with rat.

WORKING: Working is defined as digging, barking, growling, lunging, biting at the quarry cage, or any other action which, in the opinion of the Judge, indicates the dog's interest in the quarry (two rats or an artificial quarry.) Staring does not count as work.

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