Dog Agility Contest to Begin Friday

Quick-footed and high-jumping dogs from around the world will be in Ventura Friday through Sunday to compete in the ninth annual Pedigree Grand Prix of Dog Agility.

The 200 contestants qualified for the event, to be held at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, at competitions in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. They represent many breeds--including mixed breed--and champions will be named in four categories: dogs jumping 12, 18, 24 and 30 inches.

Dog agility is patterned after equestrian show jumping. The human teammate guides and encourages his or her canine partner to jump through hoops, scale ramps and jump over hurdles in a timed obstacle course.

Junior dog handlers have their own competition, organized in conjunction with 4-H clubs, to give school-age children the opportunity to put their dogs through the paces.

The event is sanctioned by the Texas-based United States Dog Agility Assn., organized in 1986 to introduce international standards for the sport in the U.S.

Friday’s competition is from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday’s, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday’s, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Admission is free. Parking is $1.