How to Earn the AKC Herding Champion (HC)
Herding trials score a dog moving livestock around a course. After the Herding Excellent (HX) title, placements in the Advanced classes earn championship points toward the Herding Champion.
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What the HC takes
- The Herding Excellent (HX) title first
- 15 championship points from placements in Advanced classes
- Two first places in Advanced classes, under different judges
- One of those firsts worth 3 points or more
Step by step
- Earn HS, HI and HX: 3 qualifying scores each, from at least two judges, on the same course and stock.
- Compete in Advanced. A Q needs 60 or more points with no category under half.
- Placements earn points by the dogs in the combined Advanced classes: 2 points for a first with 3 to 6 dogs, up to 5 with 20 or more.
- Reach 15 points with the two firsts.
The titles around it
HS - Herding Started
Needs 3 qualifying scores.
HI - Herding Intermediate
Needs 3 qualifying scores.
HX - Herding Excellent
Needs 3 qualifying scores.
HC - Herding Champion (this page)
Needs 2 first places with points under different judges, one worth 3+ (after the HX) and 15 championship points in Advanced classes.
Requirements from the current AKC regulations. AKC records a title once it processes the results; check your dog's AKC record. Every AKC title, A to Z.
Common questions
Do points count at the trial where my dog earns its HX?
No. Championship points start at the next trial, in the Advanced class (course and stock) where the HX was earned.
How many dogs does a 5-point first place take?
Twenty or more dogs in the combined Advanced classes. With 10 to 19 dogs a first earns 4, with 7 to 9 it earns 3, and with 3 to 6 it earns 2.
What is a Dual Champion in herding?
A dog that is both a conformation Champion and a Herding Champion.