Official Rules
Course and Objectives
All dogs are placed into one of two divisions – mini or standard. Standard dachshunds are considered 12lbs and above, according to AKC Standards. Within these two divisions, dogs will be divided into heats based on weight. Each heat will contain no more than six dogs. Upon release from the starting boxes, the dogs chase a rabbit pelt the full length of the course (100 ft). Each heat consists of two trials. The racer with the lowest cumulative score from the two heats will advance to the semifinals (see scoring below). In the event of a tie after the two trials, a run-off will be held to determine the winner.
Note: No dogs other than those participating will be allowed in the pavilion at any time. The only exception will be service dogs with identification.
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Finishing
Each dog must run the entire course from the starting box to the finish line, while crossing the finish line tape. All dogs will be given a “reasonable time” (as determined by the judges) to cross the tape and finish the race. Non-finishing dogs will be considered to have finished last in the heat. In the event that no dog crosses the tape, the heat will be rerun.
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Scoring
In each trial, points will be assigned to the racers as follows:
1st place 1 point 2nd place 2 points 3rd place 3 points 4th place 4 points 5th place 5 points 6th place 6 points
This means that racers with the LOWEST cumulative scores will advance to the next heat.
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Disqualification
Without refund of entry fee:
Breed: Only purebred dachshunds are allowed to compete. Disqualification based upon breed are at the discretion of the judges.
Health: If any dog is deemed unhealthy or unfit to race as determined by the track veterinarian, he/she will be disqualified. This applies to females in heat.
Vaccination: Any dog presented without proof of current vaccination for rabies, canine distemper, and canine parvovirus will not be permitted to enter the race or the racing area.
Unleashed dogs: Dogs must be kept on leash at all times, except when racing. Failure to comply is grounds for immediate disqualification. The owner is also responsible for keeping their dog on the main floor of the Pavillion at ARC (formerly Recreation Hall).
Owner Interference: During the race, owners are allowed behind the starting box or can stand behind the finish line and call their dog after the race has begun. They are not permitted along the sides of the course.
Aggressive Dogs: If, as determined by the judges, a dog exhibits aggressive behavior towards any person or another dog, the dog will be disqualified.
Aggressive Owners: Ruling by the judges are final and are not subject to negotiation or excessive discussion. Remember, they volunteer for their positions and everyone is here to have fun.
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Reruns
Reruns will be held in the following situation:
1. Any dog catching the rabbit pelt before crossing the finish line.
2. Excessive dog interference: slight incidental contact in which the outcome of the race is unaffected will not be cause for rerun.
3. Mechanical problems with the starting box.
4. No dog crosses the finish line.
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Awards
The awards table will be located on the Arena Level, at the North end near the judges table. Each heat winner will receive a blue ribbon, standard and mini champions will receive a dog collar, and the grand champion will be given a trophy!
All dogs are placed into one of two divisions – mini or standard. Standard dachshunds are considered 12lbs and above, according to AKC Standards. Within these two divisions, dogs will be divided into heats based on weight. Each heat will contain no more than six dogs. Upon release from the starting boxes, the dogs chase a rabbit pelt the full length of the course (100 ft). Each heat consists of two trials. The racer with the lowest cumulative score from the two heats will advance to the semifinals (see scoring below). In the event of a tie after the two trials, a run-off will be held to determine the winner.
Note: No dogs other than those participating will be allowed in the pavilion at any time. The only exception will be service dogs with identification.
--
Finishing
Each dog must run the entire course from the starting box to the finish line, while crossing the finish line tape. All dogs will be given a “reasonable time” (as determined by the judges) to cross the tape and finish the race. Non-finishing dogs will be considered to have finished last in the heat. In the event that no dog crosses the tape, the heat will be rerun.
--
Scoring
In each trial, points will be assigned to the racers as follows:
1st place 1 point 2nd place 2 points 3rd place 3 points 4th place 4 points 5th place 5 points 6th place 6 points
This means that racers with the LOWEST cumulative scores will advance to the next heat.
--
Disqualification
Without refund of entry fee:
Breed: Only purebred dachshunds are allowed to compete. Disqualification based upon breed are at the discretion of the judges.
Health: If any dog is deemed unhealthy or unfit to race as determined by the track veterinarian, he/she will be disqualified. This applies to females in heat.
Vaccination: Any dog presented without proof of current vaccination for rabies, canine distemper, and canine parvovirus will not be permitted to enter the race or the racing area.
Unleashed dogs: Dogs must be kept on leash at all times, except when racing. Failure to comply is grounds for immediate disqualification. The owner is also responsible for keeping their dog on the main floor of the Pavillion at ARC (formerly Recreation Hall).
Owner Interference: During the race, owners are allowed behind the starting box or can stand behind the finish line and call their dog after the race has begun. They are not permitted along the sides of the course.
Aggressive Dogs: If, as determined by the judges, a dog exhibits aggressive behavior towards any person or another dog, the dog will be disqualified.
Aggressive Owners: Ruling by the judges are final and are not subject to negotiation or excessive discussion. Remember, they volunteer for their positions and everyone is here to have fun.
--
Reruns
Reruns will be held in the following situation:
1. Any dog catching the rabbit pelt before crossing the finish line.
2. Excessive dog interference: slight incidental contact in which the outcome of the race is unaffected will not be cause for rerun.
3. Mechanical problems with the starting box.
4. No dog crosses the finish line.
--
Awards
The awards table will be located on the Arena Level, at the North end near the judges table. Each heat winner will receive a blue ribbon, standard and mini champions will receive a dog collar, and the grand champion will be given a trophy!