Over 200 years ago the ancestors of today's Cairn Terrier earned
their keep routing vermin from the rock piles (cairns) commonly found on
Scottish farmland. This "earthdog" was developed to follow its quarry down into it's den and flush it to the surface. The purpose of an
AKC Earthdog Event is to test a dog's natural ability when exposed to a hunting
situation. "Going to ground" at an Earthdog test means that a
dog enters and navigates a man-made tunnel that has been "scented" to
simulate an animal's den. In order to make these tests as natural as
possible, live quarry, typically domestic rats, is placed in a cage at the end
of the tunnel. Upon locating the quarry the dog must work (scratch, bark
or dig at the cage) for the specified time.
There are several classes and titles available at an Earthdog
event:
Introduction to Quarry: Meant to introduce the dog and
handler to earthwork. The tunnel is 10 feet long with one 90 degree
turn and a readily visible entrance. No titles are earned and it is
not a prerequisite for advanced tests.
Junior Earthdog (JE): The Junior class is open to all
eligible dogs. The tunnel is 30 feet long with three 90 degree
turns. The tunnel has one readily visible entrance with a quarry area
at the opposite end. To be awarded the JE title, a dog must qualify in
the Junior Earthdog class at two different tests under two different Judges.
Senior Earthdog (SE): The Senior class is open only to
dogs that have acquired the JE title and to dogs that have earned the SE and
ME titles. The tunnel is 30 feet long with three 90 degree turns, a
secondary exit and a false den. The entrance is camouflaged by a 4
inch dirt mound providing a steep 45 degree entrance to the den. To be
awarded the SE title, a dog must qualify in the Senior Earthdog class at
three different tests under two different Judges.
Master Earthdog (ME): The Master class is open only to
dogs that have acquired the SE title. The tunnel is the same as Senior
with some modifications. (Obstacle placed in the tunnel and a portion
of the tunnel with constricted passage.) To be awarded the ME title, a
dog must qualify in the Master Earthdog class at four different tests under
two different Judges.
There are various other differences between the classes.
For more information refer to the Regulations for Earthdog Tests for Small
Terriers and Dachshunds available from the AKC, 5580 Centerview Drive, Suite
200, Raleigh NC 27606.
To find Earthdog trials near you consult the AKC Event
Calendar.
