DOG
PREMIUMS: Purple-$3.00; Blue-$2.00; Red-$1.50; White-$1.00
PROCEDURE - Those procedures described in “Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Guidelines” 4-H 421. 4-H exhibitors are expected to read and follow the information in the Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Guidelines. It is the dog exhibitor’s responsibility to pick up after their dogs at all times.
DOG ELIGIBILITY: 4-H members should provide primary care and training for the dog. The dog should reside with the 4-H member or be cared for by the 4-H member the majority of the year.
VACCINATION - All dogs must be immunized for distemper, hepatitis, parvo and rabies. Please have your vaccination record form with you at the Boone County Fair Dog Show. Dog owners are encouraged to visit with their veterinarian to determine if other vaccinations are recommended for their area (such as Bordetella). The Nebraska State Fair Dog Show Vaccination Record Form (SF 263) must be filled out and signed by a veterinarian and returned as part of the Advanced Entry. The Nebraska State Fair Show Vaccination Record Form (SF 263) must document all vaccinations within 1 year or 3 years depending on the vaccine given. All required vaccinations must be given within 1 to 3 years of the show date based on label guidelines. All vaccinations must be in effect at the time of the State Fair Dog Show. Explanation: Some vaccinations are viable for one year and some vaccinations are viable for three years but are specifically designed and administered according to their label. It is not acceptable nor allowed to vaccinate a dog with a 1 year vaccine and plan to have it in effect for 3 years.
NUMBER OF ENTRIES PER EXHIBITOR - An exhibitor may make no more than two entries in obedience or showmanship classes. For example, an exhibitor may make two entries in obedience, or one entry in obedience and one entry in showmanship. A dog can be entered in only one obedience class. A 4-H member can be entered in only one showmanship class. Exhibitors may also enter one agility class for a total of three entries in the dog show. For State Fair: Youth may enter one showmanship class, two agility classes (using different dogs and in different level of classes), two obedience classes (using different dogs and in different level of classes), and two rally classes (using different dogs and in different level of classes). If a youth member has two dogs that reach the highest class level in Obedience, Rally, or Agility, they may show both dogs in the highest class level.
ADVANCEMENT IN OBEDIENCE, RALLY, AND AGILITY CLASSES - Follow rules in “Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Guidelines” 4-H 421. A youth will move up to a ‘transition year’ after they receive 2 purples in a specific class at county or state level competition. Youth will finish their 4-H year at the same level if the second purple ribbon occurs in the middle of their 4-H year. Youth do not have to move up in the middle of a 4-H year. Youth will then have the option to stay in their current class for one additional year (after receiving 2 purple ribbons) called the ‘transition year’. During the transition year, youth will practice the move advanced class (gaining skills such as off leash work) but may compete in their same level. Youth may advance up to the next level more quickly with advice/assistance from a leader and parent to help evaluate skill and readiness of youth and dog. This may especially occur if the youth has had previous dog handling experiences.
ADVANCEMENT IN SHOWMANSHIP CLASSES - Classes are divided into age divisions. All 4-H dog exhibitors must show their own animals to be considered as participants in the Showmanship Contest. Showman will be allowed to compete in a division each year based on their age or until they win that particular age group. Winners must advance to the next age group. Winners of the Senior division will be ineligible in future dog showmanship contests.
DISQUALIFIED DOGS - Females in season will not be permitted to be shown. Overly aggressive dogs may be disqualified at the discretion of the judge or superintendent. Lame or crippled dogs will not be permitted to show if it is determined by a show superintendent that it is affecting the health of the dog.
AGE OF DOG - A dog that is exhibited must be 6 months or older. Agility dogs must be 18 months or older to participate in competitions.
Non-entered dogs and puppies are not allowed in the grooming area, ring waiting area, or on the arena floor.
DRESS CODE - Exhibitors must be dressed at all times in official dress (See Dress Code—Page 6) during the contest. 4-H members will be judged on the neatness of their appearance. This includes but is not limited to: shirt tucked in, appropriate size of clothing, tied shoelaces, etc. Individuals not meeting these requirements will be lowered one (1) ribbon placing in showmanship. For concerns, contact the superintendent in advance. Solid blue jeans are required. No headgear is worn in the show ring. Exhibitors shall not display local, county, commercial or other identification while showing. Closed toed shoes with a non-slip sole are required. No flip flops or sandals are allowed.
BAITING - Baiting with food or a toy will not be permitted in any class and is cause for disqualification. Handlers may use baiting action without food or toys in showmanship. The judge or superintendent has the authority to disqualify violators.
EXHIBITOR RESPONSIBILITY- CLEANUP shall be the exhibitor’s responsibility. This includes all areas while on the fairgrounds. Dogs should use the designated dog run area, which must also be cleaned by the exhibitor.
GROOMING - Only exhibitors are allowed to groom or work dogs at the show, both in and out of the ring.
SUBSTITUTIONS - A dog may be substituted for showmanship classes only if it is injured or dies following the entry deadline. Substitutions are generally not allowed in obedience and agility classes however, substitutions may be considered at the discretion of the fair superintendents. A substitute can be selected from the exhibitor’s household family or from the household where the originally entered dog resides. Dog(s) may be substituted only if a superintendent is directly consulted prior to the show date. A Nebraska State Fair Dog Show Vaccination Form (SF 263) must be completed for all substitution dogs and received by the superintendent prior to the show date. All dogs must remain on a leash held by the exhibitor or a responsible adult at all times. Practicing patterns or other skills outside of the rings is not allowed.
Scoresheets, forms, contest study materials, and additional resources can be found at: https://go.unl.edu/ne4hdog
DIVISION 700 - SHOWMANSHIP
Each class will be judged on handler’s appearance (10%), grooming and conditioning of dog (20%), coordination of the dog and handler (50%), and general knowledge (20%). Classes are divided into age divisions.
Each exhibitor can show only in one division for each SPECIES of livestock. An animal can be shown only once in a showmanship class.
G700010 JUNIOR SHOWMANSHIP - (Ages 8-10 before January 1 of current year)
G700020* INTERMEDIATE SHOWMANSHIP - (Ages 11-13 before January 1 of current year)
G700030* SENIOR SHOWMANSHIP - (Ages 14-18 before January 1 of current year)
G700031 DOG SCRAPBOOK (To be entered on Wednesday, July 9)
G700032 DOG POSTER (To be entered on Wednesday, July 9)
DIVISION 701 - OBEDIENCE
OBEDIENCE CLASSES—Follow rules in Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Guidelines 4-H 421 to determine class entry.
PRE-BEGINNING NOVICE - All exercises must be performed on a 6-foot leash. Dogs must heel; figure 8; sit for examination; come on recall-no finish; long sit for one minute. During the sit exercise, the leash must be held by the handler.
BEGINNING NOVICE - All exercises must be performed on a 6-foot leash. Dogs must heel including figure 8; stand for examination; come on recall; long sit for one minute and long down for one minute.
G701000 PRE-BEGINNING NOVICE EXERCISES A - Both handler and dog are in their first year of county, state or any other dog experience. Dogs being shown may not have completed an AC “leg” toward a “CD” degree.
G701005 PRE-BEGINNING NOVICE EXERCISES B - Exhibitor or dog are beyond first year of competition. This class also includes dogs that have been shown previously by others but have not moved past the pre-beginning novice level.
G701010* BEGINNING NOVICE DIVISION A - Exhibitor and dog is in first year of competition (started Dog Project after 10/1/2024). Exhibitors incorrectly entered will be moved to Beginning Novice Division B or C.
G701020* BEGINNING NOVICE DIVISION B - Exhibitor or dog is beyond first year of competition.
G701025* BEGINNING NOVICE DIVISION C - Exhibitor and dog are beyond first year of competition.
G701030* NOVICE A - Exhibitor and dog have received a purple in Beginning Novice and are in first year of Novice Class competition (started after 10/1/2024).
G701035* NOVICE B - Exhibitor and dog are beyond first year of Novice Class competition.
G701040* GRADUATE NOVICE - Exhibitor and dog have received a purple in Novice.
G701045* ADVANCED GRADUATE NOVICE - Exhibitor and dog have received a purple in Graduate Novice.
G701050* OPEN - Exhibitor and dog have received a purple in Advanced Graduate Novice.
G701055* GRADUATE OPEN - Exhibitor and dog have received a purple in Open.
G701060* UTILITY - Exhibitor and dog have received a purple in Graduate Open.
DIVISION 702 - AGILITY
PREMIUMS: Purple-$5.00; Blue-$3.00; Red-$2.00; White-$1.00
PROCEDURE - Agility will follow those procedures and classes described in “Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Guidelines” 4-H 421. Refer to “Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Guidelines” to determine class entry and obstacles for each level of competition. Wither heights of all agility dogs must be included with advanced entries.
Any dog and/or 4-H exhibitor that has not shown in Agility previously should start in Level 1 and advance based on the two purple rule. The exhibitor may choose to start at a higher level, but cannot go back once they have exhibited in that level.
Agility Jump Heights - measure dogs at withers to determine jump height:
Dogs 11 inches or less - 4 inches
Dogs over 11 inches up to and including 14 inches - 8 inches
Dogs over 14 inches up to and including 18 inches - 12 inches
Dogs over 18 inches - 16 inches
G702010* LEVEL 1 - 6 obstacles
G702020* LEVEL 2 - 10 obstacles
G702030* LEVEL 3 - 10 obstacles
G702040* LEVEL 4 - 13 obstacles
G702050* LEVEL 5 - 15-20 obstacles
DIVISION 703 - DOG RALLY
PREMIUMS: Purple-$5.00; Blue-$3.00; Red-$2.00; White-$1.00
Rally will follow those procedures and classes described in “Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Guidelines” 4-H 421.
Refer to “Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Guidelines” to determine class entry for each level of competition.
Any dog and/or exhibitor that has not shown in Rally before should start in Beginning Rally and advance based on the two purple rule. The exhibitor may choose to start at a higher level but cannot go back once they have exhibited in that level.
G703010* BEGINNING RALLY - Both dog and exhibitor are in their first year of competition. Dog is on leash and there are 5-10 stations.
G703020* RALLY 1 - Exhibitor and/or dog are beyond their first year of competition. Dog is on leash and there are 10-15 stations.
G703030* RALLY 2 - Exhibitor and dog have received a purple in Rally 1. Dog is off leash and there are 12-17 stations.
G703040* RALLY 3 - Exhibitor and dog have received a purple in Rally 2. Dog is off leash and there are 15-20 stations.