Rollback of ADCH Title Requirements
Following a review by the Rules & Competition Standards Board, the previously announced changes to the requirements for the Agility Dog Champion® (ADCH) title that were to become effective in 2026 have been rescinded. Instead, current 2025 requirements will continue through 2026.
To better align the ADCH title with other Versatility titles, beginning in 2027 the ADCH will require the Standard Agility Champion℠ title. This reinforces the importance of demonstrating proficiency in the Standard Agility class that lies at the core of the versatility title at each level.
Under current regulations, the Standard Agility Champion℠ title requires five qualifications in addition to the Standard Agility Master℠ title. The 5 additional Qs may be earned in any of the following classes:
- Masters Standard Agility class, or
- Masters Challenge Biathlon℠ Standard Agility class (scored for titling purposes), or
- Masters Challenge Standard Agility class when held separately for titling purposes
Qualifications earned previously in the Standard Agility class of the Masters Challenge Biathlon℠, or Masters Challenge titling classes held separately, count towards the Standard Agility Champion℠ title, even if earned prior to the Standard Agility Masters℠ title. (See chapter 12 of regulations.)
The following table shows the current regulations and the new regulations to become effective in 2027:
By having these pathways to meet the Standard Agility Champion title requirement, the impact for competitors is minimized through the flexibility in how they achieve this milestone while enhancing the qualitative standard of accomplishment represented by the ADCH title.
Chapter 2 of USDAA Rules & Regulations is being updated to reflect these amendments.