What on earth is Earthdog?

Many Terriers and Dachshunds were bred originally to hunt,

chase, go to ground and bolt quarry of one kind or another,

usually fox, otter and badger. Today, the sport of Earthdog allows these dogs to use their natural instincts in a safe, simulated hunting environment. They can have lots of fun, and earn titles too.

Earthdogs are tested on their ability to enter the den, find their way to the ‘quarry’ through a series of turns and tunnels, and work the quarry. These challenges become increasingly difficult at each stage.

Dens are constructed as a series of trenches dug in the earth, into which 3-sided liners are fitted. The liners are in sections and have wooden roof and sides, the floor is exposed dirt. This means that tunnels are totally safe and cannot collapse and also that they can be configured in any manner. In Introduction to Quarry the total length of the den is only 3 metres, with one turn; but by Masters level there are over 15 metres of tunnel, with multiple turns, exits, false dens, a constriction and an obstruction!

There are three titles available for Earthdogs; NE (Novice Earthdog), SE (Senior Earthdog) and ME (Master Earthdog).

Which dogs?

"Dogs six months of age or older and registered with the ANKC are eligible to participate in earthdog tests, as are spayed and neutered dogs with Limited Registration provided they are classified as eligible breeds.

The following breeds are classified as eligible to participate in ANKC earthdog tests:Dachshunds, Australian Terriers, Australian Silky Terriers, Bedlington Terriers, Border Terriers, Cairn Terriers, Dandie Dinmont Terriers, Fox Terriers (Smooth and Wirehaired), German Hunt Terriers, Glen of Imaal Terriers, Jack Russell Terriers, Lakeland Terriers,
Manchester Terriers, Miniature Pinschers, Norfolk Terriers, Norwich Terriers, Parson Russell Terriers, Scottish Terriers, Sealyham Terriers, Skye Terriers, Tenterfield Terrier, Welsh Terriers and West Highland White Terriers.

Dogs on the Associate Register that are of earthdog type are also eligible to participate. These dogs must have successfully completed the Introduction to Quarry test on at least one occasion prior to being eligible to enter tests for titles."

Extract from ANKC Regulations Part 11 Earthdog Tests for Small Terriers and Dachshunds

Effective from 1st January 2009 1.4 Eligibility of Dogs

Where does it happen?

All Earthdog tests are held at the Bill Spilstead Complex for Canine Affairs, 44 Luddenham Road, Erskine Park. The terrier den area is down the back, behind the sheep herding

How can I get involved?

Border Terrier Club of NSW Contact: Penny Mead, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; (02) 9686 9316 Jack Russell Terrier Club of NSW Contact: Sarah Gaffikin, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; 0429 419 964

Results: Recent Earthdog winners

Committee: Key contacts

Shows & Trials Guide: What's on the event calendar?