Superintendent: Jen Smith; Assistant Superintendent: John Croghan
All Classes Check-in: Sunday, Aug. 3, 10 a.m. (South Hall)
Dogs must be over 6 months old to be exhibited.
Dogs do not need to be registered or pure bred. Dogs do not need to be spayed or neutered; however, no dog in season will be allowed to show. A dog crate/kennel must be brought for dogs to be placed in when not being shown or handled.
Online registration is required for all classes (see Animal Entries Must Be Submitted Online on page 54). NO DAY OF SHOW ENTRIES.
4-H member must submit proof of immunizations (rabies, DHL and Parvo) to the Extension office prior to fair. Dog will NOT be eligible to compete if proof is not provided.
OFFICIAL 4-H ATTIRE IS REQUIRED of all 4-H dog 4-H members. Acceptable attire includes:
- White shirt with 4-H emblem printed or attached
- Solid, dark blue jeans without holes
- Closed-toed shoes (no cowboy boots or crocs)
For proper show collars and leashes and additional guidelines and tips, refer to “Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Rules” (4-H 421) https://go.unl.edu/dog-rules.
A 4-H member may borrow a dog for their project but must train and work with the dog on a regular basis.
Aggressive dogs will be asked to leave the South Hall at the discretion of the superintendent. No dogs are allowed around the show arena. Baiting (giving treats or using toys/clickers/etc.) is not allowed.
Soiling in the ring: If a dog has an accident in the show ring, the handler will be asked to stop, clean up and disinfect the area with supplies provided at the show. Ring stewards will assist by holding the dog’s leash. The 4-H member will finish their class and will be lowered a ribbon placing.
- Special Award: Any 4-H member who enters the same dog in obedience, showmanship and agility classes in the same year and receives a minimum of a red ribbon in each of the three classes will receive a Dog Versatility certificate. (To be given out at Achievement Celebration — usually held in February)
OBEDIENCE
- Show: Sunday, Aug. 3, starts at 11 a.m. (South Hall)
A 4-H MEMBER NEVER MOVES DOWN A CLASS, UNLESS STARTING A NEW DOG.
LONG SITS AND DOWNS AT BEGINNING OF CLASS.
Handler and dogs must have previously won 2 years of purple ribbons or a Grand Champion to advance to the next obedience class. There is no limit on the number of years a dog may be shown in the utility or open classes.
- Premiums: Purple $6, Blue $5, Red $3; White $0
- Special Awards: Trophies will be given to top 4-H member in each Dog Obedience class*
*Must have earned at least a blue ribbon
G700101 Beginning A — handler and the dog being shown are both in their first year of 4-H experience. All exercises performed on leash. Dogs must heel including figure 8; come on recall; stand for examination; long sit for 1 minute and long down for 3 minutes. The leash may lay on the floor in front of the dog or be held by the handler.
G700102 Beginning B — other beginning dogs or beginning handlers, beyond the first year of experience. All exercises performed on leash. Dogs must heel including figure 8; come on recall; stand for examination; long sit for 1 minute and long down for 3 minutes. The leash may lay on the floor in front of the dog or be held by the handler.
G700103 Novice — dogs must heel; stand for examination; come on recall with finish; long sit for 1 minute and long down for 3 minutes — all off leash.
G700104 Graduate Novice — dogs must heel; including figure 8; come on recall with finish; drop on recall; stand for examination — all off leash. Long sit for 3 minutes and long down for 5 minutes; off leash with handler out of sight.
G700105 Open — all exercises off lead. Heel free and figure 8; come on recall with finish; drop on recall; retrieve on flat; retrieve over high jump; broad jump. Long sit for 3 minutes and long down for 5 minutes, both with handler out of sight.
G700106 Utility — all exercises off lead. Signal exercises; scent discrimination leather article; scent discrimination metal article; directed retrieve; moving stand and examination; directed jumping.
TEAM OBEDIENCE
4-H members don’t need to compete individually. Each 4-H member will receive premiums. Teams must have previously won 2 years of purple ribbons or Grand Champion to advance to the next team obedience class.
- Premiums: Purple $6, Blue $5, Red $3; White $0
- Special Awards: Trophies will be given to top team in each Team Obedience class*
*Must have earned at least a blue ribbon
G700107 Level A — for beginning teams. Consists of 2 to 4 dogs, each dog must have its own handler. Each team performs, in unison, the same exercises as in Beginning A and B obedience. All exercises are preformed on leash, consideration is given for uniformity.
G700108 Advanced – Level B — consists of 2 to 4 dogs. Each dog must have its own handler. Each team performs, in unison, the same exercises as the novice obedience class.
G700109 Most Advanced – Level C — most challenging. Each team performs, in unison, the same exercises as in Graduate Novice obedience.
SHOWMANSHIP
- Show: Sunday, Aug. 3, 11 a.m. (South Hall)
4-H members must advance to the trophy class after winning 2 purple ribbons 2 years in a row or Grand Champion in Senior Showmanship at the Lancaster County Super Fair. For examples of showmanship patterns refer to “Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Rules” (4-H 421) at https://go.unl.edu/dog-rules.
Judging Criteria:
- HANDLERS APPEARANCE (10%)
- GENERAL HEALTH AND CONDITION — hair, teeth, toenails, ears, etc. (20%)
- KNOWLEDGE OF DOGS (20%) — all questions are referenced from the 4-H dog 4-H project book as per appropriate level. Judge will ask question about general dog knowledge and specific dog daily care.
- COORDINATION OF THE DOG AND HANDLER — baiting (giving treats or using toys/clickers/etc.) is not allowed (50%)
🔎 RESOURCE: A YouTube video, “4-H Dog Clinic: Showmanship,” is linked at https://go.unl.edu/lan4h-dog
- Premiums: Purple $4; Blue $3; Red $2; White $0
- Special Awards: Trophies will be given to top 4-H member in each class*
*Must have earned at least a blue ribbon
G700201 Beginning Showmanship — handler is 8–10 years of age (by Jan. 1)
G700202 Intermediate Showmanship — handler is 11–13 years of age (by Jan. 1)
G700203 Senior Showmanship — handler is 14–18 years of age (by Jan. 1)
G700204 Trophy Showmanship — handler and dog have previously won 2 purple ribbons 2 years in a row or Grand Champion in senior showmanship.
PET CLASS
- Check-in: Sunday, Aug. 3, 10 a.m. (South Hall)
- Show: Sunday, Aug. 3, 11 a.m. (South Hall)
4-H members in this class are not eligible to enter either the obedience, showmanship or agility classes. 4-H members are judged on the cleanliness/proper grooming of their dog, knowledge of their dog and the 4-H members appearance. Dogs in this class are also eligible for Costume Contest and Kennel Contest.
- Premiums: Purple $3; Blue $2; Red $1; White $0
- Non-trophy class. Rosettes awarded.
G700211 Groom and Care
COSTUME CONTEST — “FAMOUS PEOPLE”
- Show: Sunday, Aug. 3, following Pet Class (South Hall)
A 4-H member is limited to 1 of the costume categories but may use more than a single dog in the entry for that class. Dress your dog in a costume that is related to “Famous People” Judged 50% on originality and 50% on effort. Costumes do not need to be handmade. Must follow the theme or will be lowered a ribbon placing.
- Special Award to Top Exhibits
- No Premiums, Ribbons Only
G700221 Costume 1 — dog(s) only in costume.
G700222 Costume 2 — both dog(s) and 4-H member in costume.
CREATIVE KENNEL CONTEST — “FAMOUS PEOPLE”
- Judged on Sunday, Aug. 3, following Costume Contest (South Hall)
4-H members are encouraged to design and decorate their dog kennel using the theme “Famous People.” Entries will be judged on originality, creativity and decorations. Must follow the theme or will be lowered a ribbon placing.
- Special Award to Top Exhibits
- No Premiums, Ribbons Only
G700223 Creative Kennel
AGILITY
- Show: Sunday, Aug. 3 following Creative Kennel Contest (South Hall)
A 4-H member is not limited to 1 dog in agility, but must show each dog in its respective class. All 4-H members are eligible to participate. It is not required to participate in showmanship or obedience at least 1 year prior.
A 4-H MEMBER NEVER MOVES DOWN A CLASS, UNLESS STARTING A NEW DOG. Handler and dogs must have previously won 2 years of purple ribbons or a Grand Champion to advance to the next agility class. DOGS MUST BE 18 MONTHS OF AGE OR OLDER TO SHOW. NO EXCEPTIONS. Dog may wear a plain-buckle collar, but the collar must have no tags attached. Entry is subject to superintendent’s approval.
Dogs must be standing in a normal stand when being measured for what hurdle height they jump in. You measure the dog at the highest point of the withers of the dog. All obstacles must be completed to get a purple. Handlers may not touch dogs or equipment during competition.
Hurdle Heights:
- Dogs 11 inches or less — jump 4 inches
- Dogs over 11 inches and up to 14 inches — jump 8 inches
- Dogs over 14 inches and up to 18 inches — jump 12 inches
- Dogs over 18 inches — jump 16 inches
🔎 RESOURCE: Four YouTube video examples, “4-H Dog Agility Trophy (Level 6) Example,“ 4-H Dog Agility: Level 1 Pre-beginning Agility B Example 1,” “4-H Dog Agility: Level 1 Prebeginning Agility B Example 2,” and “4-H Dog Agility: Level 1 Pre-beginning Agility A Example,” are linked at https://go.unl.edu/lan4h-dog
- Premiums: Purple $5, Blue $4, Red $3; White $0
- Special Awards: Trophies will be given to top 4-H member in each class*
*Must have earned at least a blue ribbon
G700301 Level 1 Pre-Beginning Agility A — the course will consist of 6 obstacles. Dog and handler are in their first year of agility. The course is set in a circle and must be run on leash. Competitors will score faults for a tight leash. The obstacles will be set as follows: bar jump, bar jump, low/short 8-inch tall maximum dog walk, pause box, open tunnel and bar jump. Course time is set at 45 seconds. Handler and dog will be allowed a walk-through prior to competition.
G700302 Level 1 Pre-Beginning Agility B — same as Pre-Beginning Agility A except dog and/or handler are beyond first year of agility. Handler only will be allowed a walk-through prior to competition.
G700303 Level 2 Beginning Agility A — the course will consist of 10 obstacles (any combination of bar jumps, low/short 8” tall maximum dog walk, pause box, open tunnel and solid panel jump. Dog and handler have received a purple in Pre-Beginning Agility. The course must be run on leash. Competitors will score faults for a tight leash. Course time is set at 60 seconds. Handler only will be allowed a walk-through prior to competition.
- Premiums: Purple $6, Blue $5, Red $3; White $0
G700304 Level 3 Intermediate Agility — the course must be run off leash. Dog must have received a purple ribbon in Level 2. Course time is set at 60 seconds. Handler only will be allowed a walk-through prior to competition. Obstacles listed below.
G700305 Level 4 Intermediate Agility — the course must be run off leash. Dogs must have received a purple ribbon in Level 3 or dogs that have earned a U-AGI, Novice or starter Agility titles from any form of agility. The course should be slightly more challenging, such as a figure 8. Course time is set at 75 seconds. Handler only will be allowed a walk-through prior to competition. Obstacles listed below.
G700306 Level 5 Advanced Agility — the course must be run off leash. Dogs have received a purple ribbon in Level 4 or dogs that have earned a U-AGII, Advanced or Open title in any form of agility. The course will need to be measured for total distance around it and the times for that course will be set as follows: course time is set a 2 yards per second for small dogs, 2.25 yards per second for medium dogs and 2.5 yards per second from large dogs. 5 seconds will be added to each of these for the pause box. Handler only will be allowed a walk-through prior to competition. Obstacles listed below.
G700307 Level 6 (Trophy agility program) 18–20 Obstacles — the course must be run off leash. The level 6 agility program is for handler and dog teams that have earned a trophy in the level 5 advanced agility program or for dogs who have a masters, elite, excellent or U-ACH title in any form of agility. Once the dog is in this level, it must show here as long as you show that dog. The course is of a more complex design and should be challenging with at least 1 lead out advantage and at least 1 right hand handle advantage. Tunnels may be placed under the A-frame or under the dog walk. The obstacle course is run as single round. Handler only will be allowed a walk-through prior to competition. Obstacles listed below.
Level 3–6 Agility Obstacles
Level 3: 10 obstacles — several bar jumps, short dog walk, pause box or table, tunnel (open) and solid panel jump.
Level 4: 13 obstacles — bar jumps, pause box or table, tunnel (open), solid panel jump, teeter totter (seesaw) and weave poles (single set with 6 poles).
Level 5: 15–20 of any of the following obstacles such as: bar jumps, pause box or table, tunnel (open), solid panel jump, A-frame short, teeter totter (seesaw), weave poles (single set with 6 poles), weave poles (double set with 12 poles), broad jump, triple bar jump, swing bridge, crawl, etc.
Level 6: 18–20 obstacles — bar jumps, pause box or table, tunnel (open), solid panel jump, A-frame short, teeter totter (seesaw), weave poles (single set with 6 poles), weave poles (double set with 12 poles), broad jump, triple bar jump, swing bridge, crawl, etc.
DOG STATIC EXHIBITS
- Static Exhibit Check-in: Tuesday, July 29, 4–8 p.m. (Ag Society Hall)
- Static Exhibits Released: Monday, Aug. 4, 7–11 a.m. (Ag Society Hall)
Projects must have been constructed during the current 4-H year. Only 1 entry per class. A great way to show knowledge gained in the Virtual 4-H Dog Trivia Contest — for example, a poster of dog breeds or body parts.
See page 21 for more information about 4-H static exhibits. Animal exhibits are in the “General Areas” and may be interview judged.
- Special Award: Trophy to Top Dog Static Exhibit
- Premiums: Purple $3; Blue $2; Red $1; White $0
- No state fair entry
G700901 Homemade Care Item — crate, house, grooming table or box, first-aid kit, etc.
G700902 Homemade Fabric Item — bed, clothing, toy, etc.
G700903 Homemade Food or Training Item — dish, treat container, treat (include recipe), scented articles, etc.
G700904 Homemade or Decorated Collar or Leash
G700905 Homemade Other
G700906 Miscellaneous Educational Exhibit — maximum size of 2 feet x 2 feet. Judged on creativity, presentation, educational value and 4-H member’s knowledge of dogs.
G700907 Poster — Related to dog project (i.e. favorite breed, care, parts, dog groups). Poster can be 22 inches x 14 inches OR 28 inches x 22 inches either vertical or horizontal. Poster will be judged on educational content and visual presentation/design.
G700908 Favorite Dog Photo Exhibit Print or Photo Display — entry will consist of an exhibit print or photo display of the favorite picture(s) of a dog the 4-H member has taken during the current project year. Refer to photography print exhibit and photo display guidelines on pages 28–29 of this Fair Book.