Not every dog needs to jump at the highest height to have a fulfilling agility career. AKC's Preferred heights division offers a lower-impact alternative that comes with its own title track, letting dogs compete at reduced jump heights while still earning meaningful recognition.
The Five Preferred Height Categories
AKC Preferred uses the same measurement process as the regular division, but each dog jumps at a lower height. The five Preferred height categories are:
- 4”P — For the smallest dogs
- 8”P — Small to medium-small dogs
- 12”P — Medium dogs
- 16”P — Medium to large dogs
- 20”P — Large dogs
Each Preferred height is lower than the corresponding regular height for the same-sized dog. For example, a dog that would jump 20 inches in the regular division would jump 16”P in Preferred. The “P” suffix indicates Preferred in all results and title designations.
A Separate Title Track
Preferred has its own set of titles, distinct from the regular division. Two key title designations are:
- PAD — Preferred Agility Dog, earned through qualifying runs in Standard classes at the Preferred height.
- PJD — Preferred Jumpers Dog, earned through qualifying runs in Jumpers With Weaves at the Preferred height.
These titles follow the same structure as regular titles but carry the Preferred designation. Dogs can continue to earn higher-level Preferred titles as they accumulate more qualifying runs, just like in the regular program.
Who Benefits from Preferred?
- Older dogs — As dogs age, jumping at full height can put extra stress on joints and muscles. Preferred lets them keep competing comfortably.
- Dogs with structural concerns — Some dogs have builds that make jumping at the top of their height range risky. Preferred reduces that risk.
- Handlers who want a lower-pressure option — Preferred course times are slightly more generous, and the overall atmosphere tends to feel more relaxed.
- Dogs returning from injury — Preferred provides a structured way to ease back into competition without the full physical demands.
How AKC Preferred Compares to UKI Select
Both Preferred and UKI Select let dogs jump lower, but they work differently:
- Title track: AKC Preferred has its own separate title track (PAD, PJD, etc.). UKI Select dogs earn the same titles as regular-height dogs — there is no separate designation.
- Switching: In UKI, you can switch between Select and regular at any trial with no restrictions. In AKC, moving between Preferred and regular is possible but involves more consideration since the title tracks are separate.
- Equipment changes: UKI Select removes spreads and lowers the A-frame. AKC Preferred primarily changes jump heights and allows more course time.
- Competition pool: In AKC, Preferred dogs compete against other Preferred dogs. In UKI, Select dogs compete in the same pool as regular-height dogs.
Getting Started with Preferred
If you think Preferred might be right for your dog, the process is simple. When you enter a trial, you select the Preferred division instead of the regular division. Your dog will be measured (if not already on file) and assigned to the appropriate Preferred height category. From there, you run the same courses as everyone else — just at a lower jump height and with a bit more course time.
Barkloop supports AKC Preferred heights alongside the regular division, making it easy for trial secretaries to manage entries, results, and title tracking for both. Whether your entries are all Preferred, all regular, or a mix, Barkloop keeps everything organized.