Introducing the Outstanding UKC Cur Nite Hunt Dog of the Year Program
April 30, 2020
Source: Allen Gingerich
Job Title: Director of Hunting Ops
Email: agingerich@ukcdogs.com
The Program
The program is established to promote UKC Cur Nite Hunt events, recognize those winning dogs competing in them throughout the year, and to ultimately name a Dog of the Year. The program is herein referred to as "DOY."
Cur Dog Eligibility
Any UKC Registered Cur, noted as an eligible breed below, may compete for points towards DOY. Any dog listed as pending registration will not be credited with any points until the dog has been permanently registered at United Kennel Club office. Those dogs recognized by United Kennel Club as one of the Cur breeds are the only breeds eligible for DOY points.
Those Cur breeds eligible for DOY points are as follows:
- Black Mouth Cur
- Mountain Cur
- Stephens Cur
- Treeing Tennessee Brindle
- Treeing Cur
Points System
A dog receives one (1) point for each cast win earned at UKC Licensed Nite Hunts. A cast win earned and credited towards a dogs degree is a point towards DOY. Any cast win that is not credited towards a dogs degree is not considered for DOY points.
Points may be earned at any UKC Licensed Nite Hunt. Points are tabulated throughout the calendar year beginning on January 1st and ending on December 31st of each year. The Inaugural Dog of the Year race will begin on January 1, 2020. Points will be awarded to any eligible dog that has earned cast win(s) on that beginning date. Standings will be listed and updated on a monthly basis. Standings will be posted on the UKC website and in Full Cry magazine.
National Runoff
At the conclusion of each year, a National Runoff will ultimately determine the Outstanding UKC Cur Dog of the Year. The location of the runoff will be determined and held the following spring. Those dogs eligible for the runoff and competing for the title are those who finished in the top seven placements in the Final Standings.
The dog who earned the most points throughout the year will receive a first-round bye at the National Runoff. This dog will automatically advance to the Final Cast at the National Runoff. Those dogs who finished second through seventh in the Final Standings (six dogs) will be drawn out in two casts in Round 1 at the National Runoff. The two cast winners in Round 1 will advance to the Final Cast and compete against the top points recipient for the title of Outstanding UKC Cur Nite Hunt Dog of the Year.
Any ties associated with first through seventh place in the Final Standings, will be determined as follows:
- The dog who earned its points in the most different states.
- The dog with the most first-place overall event wins at those events where points were earned.
- The dog who earned the most combined first, second, or third-place overall wins at those events where points were earned.
- The dog who earned those final total points first.
Guided by the belief that dogs make a difference by being the best partner a human can have in the field, on the job, or in a competition event, UKC is a community for people and dogs to pursue excellence together. Founded in 1898, UKC has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of Dogs That Do More, and their owners, by providing essential resources to help owners and breeders make informed decisions. The dog-human bond is celebrated through family-friendly programs highlighting the instincts and heritage of purebred and mixed-breed dogs alike at over 15,000 licensed events annually.