DEPARTMENT DOG
Superintendent: Theresa Wiiest
Assistant Superintendent: Carol Croghan
Ribbons P. B. R. W.
$6.00 $5.00 $4.00 $3.00
DOG SHOW RULES
A. SHOW SCHEDULE-The 4-H Dog Show will be held Saturday, July 18, beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Custer County Farm Bureau Show Ring on the fairgrounds.
B. 4-H entries must be made according to the printed 2026 Custer County Fair Premium Book and entered online by 5:00 p.m. on June 26. Instructions for online entries will be emailed to 4-H families on approximately May 15. The Nebraska Certificate of Vaccination (for dogs) is due in the Extension Office by 5:00 p.m. on June 26. Please turn in the original vaccination form with original signatures - no photocopies or email copies. This form is available at the Extension Office. (See more information below.)
C. PROCEDURE-Those procedures described in “Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Guidelines 4-H 421. It is the dog exhibitor’s responsibility to pick up after their dogs at all times. Dogs soiling in the show ring (during a class) will be lowered one ribbon placing.
D. DOG ELIGIBILITY-Exhibitor should provide primary care and training for the dog. The dog should reside with the exhibitor or be cared for by the exhibitor the majority of the year.
E. VACCINATION-
***The Nebraska Certificate of Vaccination MUST be turned in to the Extension Office by 5:00 p.m. on June 26, for dogs which will be shown***. Please turn in the original vaccination form with original signatures - no photocopies or email copies. This form is available at the Extension Office.
All dogs must be immunized for distemper, hepatitis, parvo, and rabies. The Nebraska 4-H Certificate of Vaccination for Dogs Form must be filled out and signed by a veterinarian and turned in to the Extension Office by 5:00 p.m. on June 26. The Nebraska 4-H Certificate of Vaccination for Dogs Form 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 county 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.
F. ENTRIES-At the county level, an exhibitor may have the following entries:
- One entry in Showmanship classes. A 4-H member can be entered in only one showmanship class.
- Two entries in Obedience classes…one entry per dog. Dogs handled by the same exhibitor may not be shown in the same obedience class. A dog can be entered in only one obedience class.
- One entry per dog in Agility classes.
- One entry per dog in Rally classes.
- Exhibitors who are entered with 4-H and FFA exhibits must not show the same dog in both 4-H and FFA.
G. ADVANCEMENT LEVELS IN OBEDIENCE CLASSES-The following applies to progression within obedience classes:
- Experienced handlers are those showing for the second year or more at any dog show, including AKC, fun matches, etc.
- Handlers and beginning dogs may show only one year in Division A. If continuing as a team, both must advance to Division B.
- Dog and handler in Division B will advance according to the following. 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 more 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.
- Dogs with AKC degree will show as follows:
"CD" Degree must show in graduate novice or higher.
"CDX" or "UD" degree must show in utility.
- There is no limit on the number of years a dog may be shown in the utility class.
H. ADVANCEMENT IN SHOWMANSHIP CLASSES-Purple ribbon winners in Intermediate Showmanship move to the Advanced Class the following year. Exhibitors move to the Trophy Class after winning the Advanced Class. Exhibitors enter equal to or above the class level of participation, except for Trophy Class.
I. DISQUALIFIED DOGS-Females in season will not be permitted to be shown. Overly aggressive dogs may be dropped one ribbon placing at the discretion of the judge and/or superintendent. Lame or crippled dogs will not be permitted to show if it is determined by the show superintendents that it is affecting the health of the dog.
J. AGE OF DOGS-A dog that is exhibited must be 6 months or older.
K. DRESS CODE-Exhibitors are required to wear white “button-up-the-front” dress shirts with 4-H chevrons and solid blue jeans when showing their dogs; no white t-shirts.
L. BAITING-Baiting with food or a toy is not permitted and is cause for disqualification. Handlers may use baiting action without food or toys. The judge has the authority to disqualify violators.
M. EXHIBITOR'S RESPONSIBILITY-Cleanup shall be the exhibitor's responsibility. This includes all areas while on the fairgrounds.
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%).
CLASS G700010 BEGINNING SHOWMANSHIP - Handler is in the first year of county or state 4-H or any other dog show experience.
CLASS G700020 INTERMEDIATE SHOWMANSHIP - Handler is beyond first year's experience of county, State Fair, or other dog show experience.
CLASS G700030 ADVANCED SHOWMANSHIP - Handler previously winning a purple ribbon in Intermediate Showmanship.
CLASS G700040 Trophy - Handler previously winning the championship trophy in Advanced Showmanship.
OBEDIENCE
BEGINNING NOVICE-All exercises must be performed on a six-foot leash. Dogs must heel including figure 8; come on recall; stand for examination; long sit for one minute, and long down for three minutes.
CLASS G701010 BEGINNING NOVICE DIVISION A - Handler and the dog being shown are both in their first year of county, state 4-H, or any other dog show experience (started Dog Project after October 1, 2025). Dog being shown may not have completed an AKC "leg" toward a "CD" degree. For example, an exhibitor in their second year of county competition is not eligible for Division A.
CLASS G701020 BEGINNING NOVICE DIVISION B - Beginning dogs with experienced handlers and dogs that have not earned advancement to the next level.
CLASS G701030 NOVICE-Dogs must heel on leash including figure 8; heel free; stand for examination off leash, come on recall off leash, long sit for one minute off leash, and long down for three minutes off leash.
CLASS G701040 GRADUATE NOVICE-Dogs must heel on leash; heel free including figure 8; drop on recall; stand for examination off leash; long sit for three minutes and long down for five minutes both with handler out of sight.
CLASS G701045 ADVANCED GRADUATE NOVICE-Dogs must heel on leash and figure 8 (off leash), drop on recall, dumbbell recall, recall over high jump, recall over broad jump, and long down.
CLASS G701050 OPEN-All exercises off leash. Heel free and figure 8; drop on recall; retrieve on flat; retrieve over high jump; broad jump; long sit for three minutes and long down for five minutes, both with handler out of sight. Refer to 4-H 421, Guidelines for Nebraska 4-H Dog Shows for jump heights/distances.
CLASS G701055 GRADUATE OPEN-Includes signal exercise, scent discrimination, directed retrieve, moving stand and examination, go out, and directed jumping.
CLASS G701060 UTILITY-The dog will perform five exercises; the signal exercise; the scent discrimination exercise with leather and metal objects; the direct retrieve; directed jumping; and the group stand for examination. Exhibitors must supply their own scent articles and gloves for the directed retrieve.
CLASS G701070 BRACE CLASS-The Brace class shall be for braces of dogs that are eligible under these regulations and capable of performing the Novice exercises. The dogs need not be owned by the same person, but must be handled by one handler. Dogs may be shown unattached or coupled, the coupling device to be not less than six inches over-all length; whichever method is used must be continued throughout all exercises. Exercises, performances and judging shall be as in the Novice class. The brace should work in unison at all times. Either or both dogs in a brace may be entered in another class or classes at the same trial.
CLASS G701080 AN ARTICLE MADE FOR YOUR DOG. Examples include pet beds, feed/water dishes, collars, toys, mazes, etc. Be creative! Enter these exhibits on Wednesday, July 22. Interview judging will be held at the 4-H Exhibit Hall, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Entries not eligible for State Fair.
AGILITY CLASSES
A. The agility classes will follow the Guidelines for Nebraska 4-H Dog Shows, with the following exceptions:
- Dogs must be 16 months of age or older to enter the agility classes.
- All dogs and handlers must have completed one year of 4-H obedience training.
B. All dogs must wear a flat collar; no other type is allowed.
C. Each dog may be exhibited by only one handler in agility competition.
D. No baiting, toys, or training devices are allowed on the course during competition.
E. A 6-foot leash is used for Level 1 and Level 2.
F. 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.
G. ADVANCEMENT IN AGILITY CLASSES - Follow rules in Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Guidelines 4-H 421. 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. 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 more 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.
CLASS G702010 LEVEL 1 - Dog and handler are in their first year of agility. The course must be run on leash. The course will consist of six obstacles. Bar jump, bar jump, dog walk, pause box, open tunnel, and bar jump. Course time is 45 seconds.
CLASS G702020 LEVEL 2 - Dog and/or handler beyond first-year agility. The course will consist of 10 obstacles. Competitors will score faults for a tight leash. The obstacles will be set as follows: bar jump, bar jump, open tunnel, dog walk, hoop jump, pause box, collapsed tunnel, solid jump, bar jump, and bar jump. Course time is set at 60 seconds.
CLASS G702030 LEVEL 3 - 10 obstacles - same obstacles as Level 2 but dogs run off leash for Level 3.
CLASS G702040 LEVEL 4 - The course will consist of 13 obstacles. Dogs shall have received a purple ribbon in Level 3. The course should be slightly more challenging such as a figure 8 and run off leash. Obstacles may be set in any order but must include six jumps, open tunnel, pause box, six weave poles, hoop jump, dog walk, and seesaw. Course time is set at 75 seconds.
CLASS G702050 LEVEL 5 - The course will consist of 15-20 obstacles. Dogs shall have received a purple ribbon in Level 4.
RALLY CLASSES
A. Rally will follow those procedures and classes described in the Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Guidelines 4H421.
B. Refer to Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Guidelines to determine class entry for each level of competition.
C. 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.
CLASS G703010 BEGINNING RALLY - Both dog and exhibitor are in their first year of competition. Dog is on leash and there are 5-10 stations.
CLASS G703020 RALLY 1 - Exhibitor and/or dog are beyond their first year of competition. Dog is on leash and there are 10-15 stations.
CLASS G703030 RALLY 2 - Exhibitor and dog have received a purple in Rally 1. Dog is off leash and there are 12-17 stations.
CLASS G703040 RALLY 3 - Exhibitor and dog have received a purple in Rally 2. Dog is off leash and there are 15-20 stations.