Some dogs were born to run. If yours lights up at the sight of a tunnel and takes jumps like they're flying, AAC Steeplechase might be your new favorite class. It's fast, it's exciting, and it strips away the slow-down elements to let speed dogs do what they do best.
What Is Steeplechase?
Steeplechase is an AAC class built around jumps and tunnels. There are no contact obstacles — no A-frame, no dog walk, no seesaw, and no table. The course is designed to flow, with sweeping turns and sequences that reward a fast, confident dog.
The concept is similar to UKI's Speedstakes class if you're familiar with that. Both share the same idea: strip the course down to the speed elements and let teams race.
How Is It Scored?
Steeplechase uses time-plus-faults scoring. Your dog's finishing time is the base, and faults are added on top as time penalties. Common faults include:
- Knocked bars — Each dropped bar adds fault time to your score.
- Refusals — Hesitating or turning away from an obstacle adds fault time.
- Wrong courses — Taking obstacles out of order results in faults or elimination, depending on the level.
The fastest total time (run time plus any fault time) wins. This means a slightly slower but clean run can beat a blazing fast run with knocked bars. Accuracy still matters, even in a speed class.
Why Dogs and Handlers Love It
There are several reasons Steeplechase has a loyal following:
- It plays to speed. Dogs that are naturally fast get to show off. There's nothing slowing them down between obstacles.
- Shorter courses. Without contacts, the courses tend to be quicker to run. Less time on course means less chance for things to go wrong.
- Great for dogs with contact issues. If your dog struggles with A-frame or seesaw performance, Steeplechase lets them compete without those obstacles. It's a confidence builder.
- Exciting to watch. Fast dogs running flowing courses make for great spectating. Steeplechase runs are often the crowd favorites at a trial.
Tips for Running Steeplechase
- Plan for speed, not just accuracy. Because everyone is trying to go fast, your handling needs to be efficient. Extra steps or wide turns cost you time.
- Keep your crosses tight. Front crosses and rear crosses need to happen smoothly. A sloppy cross at speed can send your dog off course.
- Know your dog's stride. Jumping sequences at speed require good spacing. Walk the course with your dog's stride length in mind.
- Don't sacrifice bars for time. A knocked bar adds enough fault time to drop you in the standings. Clean and fast beats reckless and fast every time.
Steeplechase in the AAC Program
Steeplechase has its own title track within AAC, following the same Starters → Advanced → Masters progression as other classes. You earn titles specifically for Steeplechase, which means dedicated speed teams can build an impressive title record in this class alone.
It's also a class that's offered at many AAC trials, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to enter throughout the season.
Fast runs deserve fast results. Barkloop helps trial secretaries post Steeplechase scores quickly and accurately — so handlers can see where they placed before they've even caught their breath.