Tracking Dog (TD)

• The basic tracking title that establishes a dog's ability to follow a scent trail.

• The track is 440 to 500 yards long, aged 30 minutes to 2 hours, and has 3-5 turns.

• The track is laid in a grassy or natural terrain.

• The dog must locate and indicate an article at the end of the track.

Sunday October 12th

Tracking is a canine sport that tests a dog's ability to recognize and follow a human scent trail. It simulates real-life search-and-rescue scenarios, relying on a dog's natural scenting ability. The American Kennel Club (AKC) offers several tracking titles, including Tracking Dog (TD), Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX), Variable Surface Tracking (VST), and Tracking Dog Urban (TDU).

Tracking is an excellent sport for developing a dog's confidence and teamwork with its handler. It also taps into the dog's natural scenting abilities, making it a rewarding activity for working breeds and scent hounds like Basset Hounds.

Judges: Connie Austin & Ule James

Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX)

• A more advanced tracking test that includes additional challenges like obstacles and cross-tracks (intentional scent distractions).

• The track is 800 to 1,000 yards long, aged 3 to 5 hours, and has 5-7 turns.

• The terrain is more varied and may include cover changes, ditches, or woods.

• The track includes two cross-tracks made by another person to test the dog's ability to stay on the correct scent.

• The dog must find four articles placed along the track.

Variable Surface Tracking (VST)

• The highest level of tracking that introduces urban settings and multiple surfaces.

• The track is 600 to 800 yards long, aged 3 to 5 hours, and has 4-8 turns.

• The track crosses paved surfaces, gravel, grass, and other urban elements.

• The dog must find four articles placed along the track.

• Successful completion of VST, TD, and TDX earns the Champion Tracker (CT) title.

Tracking Dog Urban (TDU)

• Designed as an urban version of the TD title.

• The track is 400 to 500 yards long, aged 30 minutes to 2 hours, and has 3-5 turns.

• At least two surfaces (such as grass and pavement) must be included.

• The track is in urban areas such as parks, campuses, or business centers.

• The dog must find one article at the end of the track.

Tracking Titles and Their Requirements