Judges Eligibility

Herding Tests & Trials – Judges’ Eligibility Requirements

For all Judges Information, please review Chapter II Section I. Judges of the AKC Herding Regulations

Prior to any judging for Herding:

Minimum age: 21

Seminar: Yes – must attend seminar within the past 18 months

Written Test: Yes – must pass the Herding General exam found online in Canine College in the past 18 months.

Sport Experience: Five years of herding experience including work with the dogs and stock.

Handling Experience: Must have trained and handled 2 dogs which have earned an AKC Herding Excellent (HX) title.

Prior to judging a Herding Test:

There are three levels in Herding Tests –

- - Herding Instinct (Certificate)
  - Herding Tested (HT)
  - Pre-Trial Tested (PT)

Apprenticeship: Must apprentice judge or serve as a judge’s scribe at each test level to be judged at least three times.

Written Test: Yes – must pass online test called Herding Tests-HT/PT

Prior to judging a Herding Trial:

There are four course types in Herding Trials –

Apprenticeship: Must apprentice judge or serve as a judge’s scribe on each course to be judged at least three times.

Written Test: Yes – must pass online test for the specific course

To Maintain Ability to Judge:

Seminars: Must attend a seminar every 4 years

Written Test: Yes – must pass applicable exam(s) online

Frequency of judging: No requirements

Judges Liability Insurance:

AKC Judges Liability Insurance Flyer