United Kennel Club Weight Pull Performance Events

On January 1, 2002 the United Kennel Club established Weight Pull as a new performance event. Performance events are where the dog is judged on the basis of performance rather than conformation. Weight pull, agility, obedience, go-to-ground and racing are typical performance events.

Jose Cintron with Sampson

UKC Weight pull competitions tests a dog's strength and stamina based on the dog's ability to pull a maximum amount of weight on a sled or cart over a prescribed distance within a prescribed amount of time. Scores are based on the amount of weight pulled and the amount of time required to complete the pull. The type of weight vehicle may vary according to the surface of the pull area. Also known as the "course" or "track," the chute is a rectangular area at least 10 feet wide and 35 feet long, consisting of the 16 feet between the start line and the finish line, the additional area required behind the start line where the competing dog and the weight vehicle stand prior to the start of the pull, and the additional area required beyond the finish line where the competing dog and handler stand when the pull is complete.
Weight Pulling has evolved over the past two decades from its original form (sled dog racing) into a national competitive sport. Thousands compete their dogs with organizations like the International Weight Pull Association, whom the UKC has turned to for guidance in establishing their weight pull program. Weight Pull dogs are harnessed in a similar manner as sled dogs. The harnesses are specially made to support the dog in pulling an extreme amount of weight. If interested in a harness, please go to our weight pull links for a list of suppliers.
This program is open to all breeds spayed/neutered or not including the following, provided they are spayed/neutered: mixed breed dogs, purebred dogs of unknown pedigree, and purebred dogs with disqualifying faults as described in the U.K.C. breed standard. All Limited Privilege-listed dogs are eligible for weight pull and other performance events. All Limited Privilege-listed purebred dogs of the Gun Dog Group are eligible for Hunting Retriever events. Eligibility for future events will be determined and published in U.K.C. publications and on the U.K.C. web site.
A Temporary Listing (TL) number may be issued to:
1. Any purebred dog that is eligible for registration with U.K.C.
2. Any spayed/neutered purebred dog that is ineligible for registration with U.K.C.
3. Any spayed/neutered mixed-bred dog eligible to participate in U.K.C. performance events.
This "temporary" number may be used to enter a dog in U.K.C. events before the dog is registered or listed with U.K.C. A TL number expires after 60 days. Points or legs earned during the 60-day period expire unless the dog is permanently registered with U.K.C. or issued a Limited Privilege listing on or before the 60th day. Temporary Listing numbers may be purchased and issued on the same day by calling the Dog Events Department at U.K.C.
If you decide to compete your dog in this event, please contact me for equipment resources, training guidelines and other information.
Written by
Jose A. Cintron
UKC Weight Pull Judge
APBT Inspector
Member of TDPC
757-495-4077
Photo at bottom of page is UWPCH 'PR' Phoebus Blues Alexis, WD, WDX, WDS.