Terrier Racing
By Mike Turner
The American Hairless Terrier is a “Show Dog and a Go Dog”. While they can be wonderful lap dogs, they
are Terriers and Terriers like to do stuff. American Hairless Terriers have made their presence known in the
Conformation show ring, at Agility trials, in Weight Pull events and more recently, Terrier racing.
Where Did Terrier Racing Start?
There are indications that Terrier racing has been around for at least a hundred years. However, finding a de-
finitive history of Terrier racing is difficult, even in these days of online research. Rat Terriers and Jack Rus-
sell Terriers were bred as working dogs. Their primary job was to assist farmers in ridding themselves of ver-
min. Recognizing that Terriers were bred with instincts to chase down prey, it takes no great amount of
imagination to see several farmers bragging that their Terrier “is the fastest”. A bet is made, a course is set
up in a nearby field and the world of Terrier Racing is born.
Photo by Kim White
What is a Terrier Race?
Racing takes several forms. A more elaborate form is known as Lure Coursing. In this race a course is laid
out over a large area. The course consists of multiple pulleys and obstacles set out in a pattern designed to
represent the “broken field running” of prey. A motorized Lure Machine pulls a lure through the course. The
terrier is timed as the lure is chased around the course. The one with the quickest time wins.
Another form can be likened to a Drag Race. On the signal, the terriers are released from a starter
box. They race down a straight track to the finish line. This is the style of racing we find best suited to the
American Hairless Terrier. The racetrack is a straight course that is a minimum of 175 feet in length and a
maximum of 250 feet in length. The sides of the track are established with the orange plastic barrier material
of the type usually seen around construction sites. At one end is a set of starting boxes (usually 6). At the
other end is a catch area. In front of the catch area is a barrier with an opening. The opening is sized to allow
only one dog to pass through at a time. At the back of the catch area is a lure machine. The lure ma-
chine has a take-up reel on it. The reel is spooled with strong line (typically the type used to make
26 seine nets).
On the end of the line is tied a lure made of fabric or artificial fur. The lure is carried to the starting boxes
and waved in front of the dogs. Once their attention is on the lure, it is placed on the ground in front of the
boxes. At the signal, the doors to the boxes are opened and the lure machine begins pulling the lure down
the track. With their “if it moves – chase it” mind set, the Terriers are right behind it. The first through the
opening in the barrier is the winner.
Races are run in a series of elimination heats. The winner of each heat moves to the next heat. The
process continues until there is a Champion. To keep things
even, races are run with dogs of the same relative size. The
usual breakdown is for dogs less than 10 inches, 10 to 12 ½
inches, 12 ½ to 15 inches, and those over 15 inches.
The race can have two formats. There is a flat race,
which, is a run down an open course. There is also a steeple-
chase. In the steeplechase, hurdles are placed across the track
at designated intervals. The lure is pulled over the hurdles and
the pursuing terriers must jump the hurdles.
How Do You Know Who Won?
With so many Terriers looking alike, especially when they are
going as fast as they can, how do you know which dog came
through first? A neat and simple method has been devised.
The lids to the boxes are painted with different colors. The
dog that goes in the box wears a collar with a corresponding
color. The judge simply records the color he sees coming
through the end barrier first.
How Do I know if My AHT will Race?
A simple test can help determine if your AHT is a candidate
for racing. Tie an old sock (the one the sock monster didn’t
steal from the dryer) to a length of string. Pull it across the
floor or yard. Observe the reaction. An AHT with potential
will go after it. When the AHT goes after the lure let them
Photo by Electra Blair @ 3 bear farm chase it for a short distance. It is important to let them catch it.
They have to win, they need the positive reinforcement.
How Do I Train My Dog to Race?
You can train your American Hairless Terrier (or any other Terrier) in your back yard. You don’t need a
full-blown racetrack. Start with the old sock tied to a length of cord and pulled behind you. The prey drive
will be awakened. Next, set up a course of about
50 feet. Since you are in the confines of your
own back yard, you can practice without the side
barriers. If you decide that you need sideline bar-
riers, get a roll of barrier material from your lo-
cal home center. It normally comes in 100-foot
rolls, just right for a 50 foot run. Use some of the
step-in fence posts that are made for temporary
electric fence to hold it in place. An end barrier
can be made from a few bales of bedding, some
bales of straw or some cardboard boxes. Leave
the opening big. You want your dog to easily see
the lure and to get accustomed to going through 27
the opening. Lay some of the foam “noodles” that are sold for kids to play with in swimming pools
across the racetrack for hurdles. They are soft and provide a safe obstacle to jump over. Each training
exercise should be at least three runs in a row. Be careful not to sour your terrier by overdoing it. For a
lure, continue with the sock on the string. Once you decide you really want to get into racing, buy or
build a lure machine.
With the American Hairless Terrier, we have to take
some precautions. Since the typical race is outside, it is neces-
sary to keep them coated with sun block. Race activities can
cause the dogs to overheat. A wading pool with a few inches
of water provides a nice place to cool off. The most signifi-
cant hazard is the barrier. The barrier is often made by stack-
ing bales of hay or straw. With no hair, the AHT’s are ex-
posed to scrapes or punctures from the hay or straw. This is
particularly true when several hit the barrier at the same time.
There are alternatives to eliminate this. A moderately success-
ful approach is to place the bales of hay/straw in large plastic
bags. A better approach is the use bales of bedding that come
in bags. The best approach is to have a barrier fabricated from
foam rubber and covered in Marine Vinyl. By all means, al-
ways keep a muzzle on your AHT. Terriers being Terriers can
forget their manners in the heat of competition.
Here are a couple of tips for developing a successful
Terrier racer. Always make your dog go through the opening.
Never let them go over or around it. Never take your dog out
of the racecourse by lifting them over the barrier or by taking
them under the barrier. Either of these actions can lead to your
Photo by Cindi Walsh Terrier developing habits that will get them disqualified from
a race.
How can I find a Terrier Race?
Currently the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognizes 31 breeds of Terriers as eligible for Terrier rac-
ing. Among them is the American Hairless Terrier.
Check the UKC “Dog Events” web site and locate a Terrier race. Gather your AHT and go watch. Of-
ten clubs will have fun runs at the end of the competition. Put you dogs in a practice run and let them
have some fun. AHT’s are intelligent dogs. They are quick studies and learn by watching.
Because Terrier Races require so much room, they are typically run out doors. There is an exception to
this rule coming up in January 2007. The Metropolitan Ken-
nel Club of Detroit Michigan is sponsoring a major dog show
that will have an inside Terrier Race. The event and race will
be held at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, Michigan
January 19, 20, & 21, 2007. If you are looking for a Mid-
Winter break, this promises to be an exciting event.
There are many of you who have your hairless dog because
you cannot be around coated dogs. Unfortunately this means
that you cannot go to an all breed event. I suggest getting to-
gether with other owners of hairless dogs and having your
own fun matches.
We look forward to seeing you and your AHT’s at the races.