Quote:
Originally Posted by ironmike86  14" the jump or ht of the dog? I thought it was the jump?. Mokie is ~10 tall and he can jump . He will clear eighteen inches easy |
I guess what I am saying is just because they can jump that high, it doesn't mean they should. My 4lb dog stands about 7" at the withers and can definitely jump more than twice his height, but it's not good for them. To be honest, I think my dog looks much cooler
jumping 8" than 4" and you loose some opportunities to compete jumping a shorter height, but it is just not worth the possible risk to a dog's health. Plus, a dog that is required to jump higher than they should is going to loose some speed and that puts them at a disadvantage in competition too.
Actually, I had to make the choice about jump heights this weekend at a three day trial where the lowest jump height eligible to compete was 8". I started the first day with that and he did fine, but I thought about it a lot and realized that my desire to have him compete should not outweigh my desire for him to stay feeling well and healthy. I moved him down to 4" and could still run him, but the runs were only allowed for fun and practice at the 4" height, so you couldn't earn ribbons or q's. Doesn't mean I might not jump him at 8" every once and awhile, but it's not good long term and it's not as appropriate for him.
Doesn't really seem fair that a tiny dog should not be able to get ribbons just because he happens to be small. The trial secretary told me they talked about my dog afterwards and the choice I had to make to move him and that there should be some change. I think there may be opportunities to compete with 4" height with other organizations, but, in AKC for example, it still limits the road you choose to take as far as titles and working towards a championship.
Here are some examples of how jump heights are measured in the different major agility associations...
Jump Heights