One of the first questions every new agility handler asks is: "What height does my dog jump?" It sounds simple — you just measure the dog, right? But the answer involves understanding how each organization defines measurement, what device is used, who is qualified to measure, and whether your dog needs a formal measurement card or can self-declare at their first trial.
Getting this right matters. An incorrectly measured dog competing at the wrong height may have their Qs invalidated — and if they're jumping too low, it's also a safety and fairness issue.
What You're Measuring
Every agility organization measures the dog's height at the withers — the highest point of the shoulder blades, not the head or the top of the back. The withers is the bony prominence at the base of the neck where it meets the back.
The dog must be standing squarely on a flat, level surface with all four feet on the ground and the head held in a natural, relaxed position (not stretched up or tucked down). Incorrect posture during measurement is the most common source of measurement disputes.
The Wicket
Official agility measurements use a wicket — a U-shaped measuring device with adjustable height. The wicket is placed over the dog's withers and the measurement is read where the dog's back contacts the crossbar (or where the bar sits just above the withers, depending on the org).
A soft tape measure is not acceptable for official measurement at most organizations. If you're getting your dog informally pre-measured at home, a wicket gives a more accurate result than a tape. Many training clubs have a wicket you can borrow.
Measurement by Organization
AKC
AKC requires official measurement by a licensed AKC judge for dogs who fall within certain ranges. Dogs outside all height brackets (clearly under or clearly over) may self-certify without formal measurement.
AKC height divisions and jump heights:
| Dog's Height at Withers | Jump Height |
|---|---|
| 11" and under | 8" |
| 14" and under | 12" |
| 18" and under | 16" |
| 22" and under | 20" |
| Over 22" | 24" |
AKC Preferred heights jump 4" lower than the regular division. A dog in the 24" regular division jumps 20" in Preferred.
Dogs who measure on the border between two divisions (e.g., exactly 14") jump in the lower height class at AKC — the measurement is "14 inches and under." If your dog measures 14.0" exactly, they jump 12". If they measure 14.1", they jump 16". Borderline dogs benefit most from careful, official measurement.
UKI
UKI uses a metric measurement system (centimeters) even in North American trials:
| Dog's Height | Jump Height | Division Name |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 35 cm (13.8") | 30 cm (12") | 35 cm |
| Up to 43 cm (16.9") | 35 cm (14") | 43 cm |
| Up to 52 cm (20.5") | 45 cm (18") | 52 cm |
| Up to 60 cm (23.6") | 55 cm (22") | 60 cm |
| Over 60 cm | 65 cm (26") | Large |
UKI offers a Select option — dogs jumping one height lower than their measured division, with no spreads and a lowered A-frame. This is a permanent option, not just for older dogs. See the UKI Select guide for full details.
UKI measurement can be done by a licensed UKI judge and a measurement card is issued. Dogs may self-declare at their first UKI trial and must get an official card within a set number of trials.
CPE
CPE measurement is straightforward. Dogs are measured and placed in the appropriate height division at their first trial. A CPE wicket official (who may be the trial secretary or a designated official) does the measurement — a full judge's license is not required.
CPE jump heights:
| Dog's Height | Jump Division |
|---|---|
| Up to 10" | 4" |
| 10" to 14" | 8" |
| 14" to 18" | 12" |
| 18" to 22" | 16" |
| 22" and over (regular) | 20" |
AAC
AAC (Agility Association of Canada) uses a similar measurement process with division heights set in inches. Official AAC measurement is done at a trial by an accredited official. AAC height divisions:
| Dog's Height | Jump Height |
|---|---|
| Up to 15" | 10" |
| 15" to 19" | 16" |
| 19" to 23" | 22" |
| Over 23" | 26" |
Getting Officially Measured
At most organizations, you can get your dog officially measured at any trial by requesting a measurement at check-in. Here's what typically happens:
- Tell the trial secretary you need your dog measured when you check in
- A judge or authorized official will measure your dog, usually before the day begins
- You receive a measurement card (or the measurement is recorded in the organization's database)
- That measurement follows your dog at all future trials with that organization
Bring the measurement card to every trial. Some trial secretaries check it; some don't. But if a height dispute arises, the card is your proof.
Dogs Who Measure on the Border
If your dog is close to a height division cutoff, consider getting measured multiple times on different days. Dogs' measurements can vary slightly based on whether they've been exercised recently (muscles more relaxed), their posture at the moment of measurement, and who is doing the measuring.
Some organizations allow a re-measurement if you believe the first measurement was inaccurate (dog wasn't standing squarely, was stressed, etc.). Know your organization's rules before requesting a re-measure.
Can You Jump Your Dog Higher Than Required?
Technically, most organizations allow dogs to jump higher than their measured division. In practice, this is almost never done except to compete for a preferred title while also maintaining a regular-height title track. There is no competitive or safety reason to jump your dog higher than required.
Dogs Who Grow After Measurement
Young dogs measured before they finish growing may measure into a different height division once they reach full size. AKI, CPE, and AAC all have provisions for re-measuring dogs who were measured before 18 months of age. If your dog was measured as a young dog and you suspect they've grown, request a re-measurement — competing at the wrong height can result in disqualified runs.
Barkloop stores your dog's height division as part of their profile, so run records are always associated with the correct jump height — no confusion when looking back at old results.