.

  Determining your Dog's Jump Height

First measure your dog: 
Measuring him from the ground to the top of his "withers", or shoulders (which is the highest point  at the nape of the neck, where the bottom of the neck meets the back).  Measure him from the side, and use a yardstick or measuring tape.

The agility organizations have the following jump height divisions:

AKC

For dogs 10" and under at the withers:   8" jump height
over 10" and under 14" at the withers:    12" jump height
over 14" and under 18" at the withers:    16" jump height
over 18" and under 22" at the withers:     20" jump height
over 22" at the withers:                            24" jump height
Other jump divisions: Dogs over 22” may be entered in a 26” jump class at the owner’s discretion.  Also some small breeds may be allowed to enter a “preferred” 4” class.  Older dogs may also be entered into “preferred” classes for lower height jumping.

USDAA

For dogs 12" and under at the withers:    12" jump height
over 12" and under 16" at the withers:     16" jump height
over 16" and under 21" at the withers:     22" jump height
over 21" at the withers:                             26" jump height

CPE

          For dogs 8” or less:       4” jump height

          For dogs 12” or less::    8” jump height

For dogs 16” or less::    12” jump height

For dogs 20” or less::    16” jump height

For dogs 24” or less::    20” jump height
For dogs over 24”::        24” jump height

UKC

For dogs 14" and under at the withers::     8" jump height
over 14" and under 20" at the withers:      14" jump height
over 20" at the withers:                              24" jump height

NADAC

          For dogs’ 11’’ and under::   8” jump height

          For dogs 14” and under::    12” jump height

          For dogs 18” and under::    16” jump height

          For dogs’ 20” and under::   20” jump height

          For dogs’ over 20”:             20” jump height

Jump heights have often changed over the years, so check with the different trial organizations to get their current rules.  Their address, phone, and websites are listed on our fun page.