Rally obedience dog breeders in the UK

About rally obedience dog breeders in the uk

Rally obedience UK competitions are one of the friendliest ways into dog sport. Handler and dog work a course of signs at a brisk pace, and the handler can talk to the dog throughout. This page explains how Kennel Club rally works, who trains rally dogs, which breeds take part and what to ask a breeder.

What this work involves

Rally, known as Rally O in the USA, is derived from the heelwork elements of competitive obedience. Each course is a set of signs, and each sign calls for one of 80 preset exercises, such as halts, turns, circles and changes of pace; the judge chooses the exercises and designs the course. There is no direction from a judge or steward; the signs are all the guidance you get. Handlers walk the course without their dogs first, and a round takes about three minutes.

Every team starts with 200 points and loses points for inaccuracies. The qualifying score is 175 at Levels 1 to 4 and in veteran classes, and 180 at Levels 5 and 6; 190 or more is an Excellent score. Progression depends on the scores a partnership achieves, not on beating other competitors: six qualifying scores under four different judges, or three Excellent scores under three different judges, move a dog up a level. Unlike in obedience, handlers may give verbal commands and encouragement throughout, although food and toys are not allowed as incentives in the ring.

There are six levels. Levels 1 and 2 are worked on lead, with the emphasis on a loose lead, and the higher levels are off lead. Dogs can compete at Levels 1 and 2 from six months old, and at Level 3 and above from 12 months. Titles run from RL1 to RL6, with Excellent versions for dogs that progress on Excellent scores and RV for veterans, and a dog that adds three more Excellent scores at Level 6 after its RL6 Excellent title can claim the Rally Warrant (RW).

Who trains and supplies these dogs in the UK

Rally dogs are family dogs trained by their owners, usually at a local club. Canine Breeder does not sell, train or certify them.

The Royal Kennel Club runs rally in the UK: it writes the regulations, licenses competitions and awards the titles. The rally dog sport is open to any dog registered on the RKC Breed Register or Activity Register, so crossbreeds compete alongside pedigrees and pedigree registration is not required. To get started, the Royal Kennel Club suggests finding a training club through its Find a Club search and keeping a Rally Record Book to track qualifying scores. Crufts includes inter-regional rally competitions covering Levels 1 to 6.

Breeds and lines

Kennel Club rally is genuinely open to any breed or crossbreed, and plenty of dogs that would struggle with the precision of top-level obedience do well here. Breeds often seen at the higher levels include:

• Border Collie: quick to learn a large repertoire of exercises and keen to work.
• Labrador Retriever: steady, food-motivated and eager to please.
• Golden Retriever: attentive and biddable, with a calm temperament that suits the on-lead levels.

Because progression depends on your own score, a sound, confident dog of any breed can reach the top levels. When choosing a puppy, temperament and health count most: look for a line that is relaxed around other dogs and people in a busy hall, from parents with hip and elbow scores under the BVA/Royal Kennel Club schemes, eye tests and the relevant breed DNA tests.

What to ask a breeder

1. Do the parents do rally, obedience or another sport, and at what level?
2. How do the parents cope with busy halls, other dogs and strangers?
3. What health tests have both parents had, and can I see the results?
4. Is this line bred mainly for work, show or companionship, and how much drive should I expect?
5. What socialisation and early training do the puppies get before they leave?

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between rally and obedience?

In rally the dog and handler follow a course of signs with no instructions from a steward, the handler may talk to and encourage the dog throughout, and progression depends on your own scores. In obedience the judge or steward directs each exercise, and dogs move up by winning classes or gaining progression points.

Can any dog do rally?

Yes, provided it is registered on the Royal Kennel Club Breed Register or Activity Register. Crossbreeds are welcome, and veteran classes for dogs aged seven or over let older dogs keep competing.

How old must my dog be to start Kennel Club rally?

Six months for Levels 1 and 2, and 12 months for Level 3 and above. Training can start earlier with short, reward-based sessions at a club.

If your dogs compete in rally, or your lines produce the steady, biddable dogs the sport rewards, list your kennel on Canine Breeder so handlers looking for their next rally dog can find you.