Tampa Bay Area Shetland Sheepdog Club, Inc.
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TBASSC Sponsored Events
TBASSC hosts a variety of events including Conformation, Agility, Obedience, Rally, and fun matches. Below are some of the types of AKC events we sponsor. Upcoming Events are listed on our HOME page. We would love to have you join us. ​
AKC Event Search is a great way to find upcoming AKC events around the United States.
Conformation
Conformation is the official term for dog shows. Dogs are not being compared to each other; they’re being measured by how closely they conform to the standard of their particular breed. Why? The closer a dog’s appearance is to the breed’s standard, the better that dog’s ability will be to produce puppies that meet the standard. As one of the most popular AKC events, conformation events range from large all-breed shows, with over 3,000 dogs entered, to small local specialty club shows that feature only one breed.
Agility
Agility is a dog sport where dogs race against a clock as they navigate an obstacle course with strong concentration and speed. It is considered an AKC Companion event that is open to all dogs, whether purebred or mixed breed.
Obedience
Developed in the 1930s, Obedience is one of the AKC’s oldest sporting events, and it’s open to all dogs. From walking on- and off-leash to retrieving and jumping, or demonstrating your dog’s ability to stay, Obedience trials feature dogs that are well-behaved at home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs. It is essential that the obedience dog demonstrates willingness and enjoyment while it is working with the handler.
Rally
Started in 2005, AKC Rally is a fun family sport and participation increases each year. All dogs are welcome to participate in AKC Rally, whether purebred or mixed breed. Think of an AKC Rally event as any team sport: You and your dog navigate a course, side-by-side, as you steer him through a course of 10-20 different signs. Each of these signs provides instructions regarding the next skill that is to be performed. The dog and handler move continuously throughout the course with the dog under control at the handler’s left side. There is a clear sense of teamwork between the dog and handler both during and between the numbered signs. Although each performance is timed, having a good race time is not the goal; it’s all about working as a team while performing the skills, with the dog under control.