AN EXHIBITION OF DOCK DIVING AT WESTMINSTER
Dock Diving is a canine sport in which dogs are enticed to run the length of a dock and leap as far out into the water as possible to compete for height or distance . They ’ re motivated to fly with a prized toy , which is thrown just out of reach to help them keep their momentum and get the best launch angle possible .
Similar to numerous other canine sports , Dock Diving is open to participation from all dogs ages 6 months or older , including All-American ( mixed breed ) dogs .
The sport of Dock Diving is comprised of two different disciplines :
• Distance Jumping : Dogs compete for the farthest jump
• Air Retrieve : Dogs compete to knock a bumper of an apparatus at the farthest distance
A Dock Diving team consists of a single dog and one handler , though some teams opt for an additional handler to assist in controlling the dog . Handlers are permitted to use one or two toys to encourage the dog to leap into the water .
There are five distance divisions : Novice , Junior , Senior , Master , and Elite . Additionally , there are two placement classes : Open ( 16 tall and over ) and Lap ( under 16 tall ). The Veterans class is designated for dogs over 8 years old .
One Qualifying score jump per Splash or Air Retrieve entry counts toward NADD Titles and AKC Titles if the dog is registered with AKC .
36 THE WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB 2024