Performance Events
We all love Basset Hounds, and the fact is that they have a natural ability to use their nose. Performance events are designed for your dog to display the skills it has, most of which come naturally to him.
Basset Hounds that are AKC Registered may compete in all of the below events. Basset Hounds with a PAL number may compete in all of the below events, with the exception of Field Trials.
Field Trials
The Basset Hound Club of America was formed primarily by Field Trial enthusiasts in 1935. Field Trials were developed as a test of the Basset Hound's hunting ability. A great event for those who enjoy the outdoors, the Bassets love working in the field, using their nose and voice as it should, demonstrating their unmatched hunting ability.
Hunting Performance Test
The Basset Hound was bred to drive small prey such as rabbit and hare from dense brush into open terrain to awaiting hunters. The Hunting Performance Test provides a great opportunity for our Bassets to show their natural hunting ability and give them the chance to participate in an event which is based on the original purpose of the scent hound. Hunt Performance Tests are a great way to spend the weekend with other Basset owners, watching hounds doing what they have been bred to do for centuries.
Scent Work
One of the newest performance events is NoseWork or Scent Work. Based on the training developed for scent detection dogs it is a fun way for your dog to put its nose to good use as he learns to find “hides” with specific scents in rooms, outside, and even under ground.
CAT & Fast Cat
This is an event designed for newcomers to dog sports. While Basset Hounds are not sight hounds, don’t count them out. Many Basset Hounds and their owners truly enjoy this sport! This is a sport which encourages that your dog be physically fit, a great thing for the Basset Hound.
Barn Hunt
Barn Hunt tests the nose, agility, speed and sureness of foot of the dogs participating. Bassets can be quite successful at Barn Hunt. Hunting and teamwork are the skills required. Dogs and their handlers must work as a team to locate and “mark” rats (located safely in aerated tubes) within the maze of straw or hay bales.
PAL Program
The American Kennel Club Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) is an opportunity for all purebred dogs of registerable breeds and their owners to participate in many of AKC’s most popular events. A PAL is not the equivalent of AKC registration, but makes it possible for eligible breeds to compete in the following events:
Agility Trials - Canine Good Citizen - Coursing Ability Test - Earthdog - Herding Tests and Trials - Hunt Tests - Junior Showmanship - Lure Coursing - Obedience Trials - Rally - Scent Work - Therapy Dog - Tracking Tests