Borzoi Club of America, Inc.
Pamphlet Committee
Kathleen Kapaun, Chairman.
Our sincere thank you to the following contributors to this pamphlet: Gene Hill, Roger (David) Sheldon, Karen Ackerman, Lynn Green, Lita Bond. Additional edits provided July 2006, by K.C. Artley.
Prepared and Distributed As A Public Service by The Borzoi Club of America, Inc. May 1998; updated September 2000; updated July 2006
Lure Coursing with Borzoi
LURE COURSING
This pamphlet is intended to provide answers to some of the questions you may have about lure coursing with your Borzoi, and provide an overview of the sport.
WHAT IS LURE COURSING?
Lure Coursing is an ASFA (American Sighthound Field Association) or
AKC (American Kennel Club) sanctioned competition, where a minimum of
500 yard zigzag course is set up with pulleys staked to the ground to
form the turns. The lure is made of several plastic strips (usually white
garbage bags) attached to a line, which is run through the pulleys to
form the course. At the end of the line is a machine that will either
run in the line on a reel, or form a continuous loop to move the lure
at variable speeds up to 50 mph.
In order to simulate running game, the lure speed is controlled by the
lure operator with a switch that is wired to the lure machine. At the
signal of the huntmaster, the lure is started and the lure operator attempts
to keep the lure 10-30 yards in front of the hound(s) at all times. The
lure will be stopped at any time a hound becomes entangled in the line
or a dangerous situation develops.
HOW DID LURE COURSING BEGIN?
The Borzoi originated as a coursing hound (sighthound); a dog used for
the pursuit of running game, i.e. wolves, fox and hare, over the Russian
steppes. They followed game by sight and relied on speed, agility, endurance
and strength to hold or dispatch prey when caught. This form of hunting
reached its peak in the late nineteenth century. Borzoi have been used
to hunt various other types of game throughout the twentieth century.
In the early 1970s, lure coursing was developed to provide a forum for
sighthounds to compete, without the problems associated with coursing
live game. Although it artificially simulates coursing it does provide
a format to measure and develop the characteristics of sighthound breeds.
The individual who really believed in lure coursing and took the effort
to get the sport going was Lyle Gillette, who in 1971 went around the
country demonstrating the sport to groups of Borzoi owners interested
in coursing their dogs. These demonstrations were met with a great deal
of enthusiasm by the participants. In 1972 the National Provisional Committee
was formed, and this committee because the American Sighthound Field
Association (ASFA). In 1975, ASFA established rules regarding the conduct
of lure courses, judging and established a point and title system for
the sport.
As a response to those who wished to compete under the sanction of the
American Kennel Club, the AKC was petitioned to recognize lure coursing
as they do hunting tests, point trials and herding tests. Rules regarding
the conduct, judging, point and title systems for AKC sanctioned events
were adopted in September, 1991.
Today you may lure course your Borzoi in both ASFA and AKC events, and
earn titles from both organizations.
HOW DO I SELECT A BORZOI FOR LURE COURSING?
Many factors must be considered beyond those solely given for the selection
of a coursing Borzoi. These topics are addressed and discussed in the
Borzoi Club of America's Guidelines
for Breeders of Borzoi and So,
You Want A Borzoi.
When selecting a puppy as a potential courser, several things about the
puppy may give you a good indication as to a good prospect. Among the
more important traits to look for are:
(a) Is the puppy outgoing and active?
(b) Does the puppy seem to get along with littermates and other adult
dogs?
(c) When baited with a lure tied to a buggy whip, does the puppy show
a keen interest in the lure and try to chase and catch it?
(d) For its age, does it have a good attention span?
CAN MY BORZOI GET INJURED?
The possibility of injury exists in any competitive sport. However, every precaution is taken to minimize the risk to your Borzoi. In addition, as with all competition athletes, proper condition, nutrition, warm up and cool down will greatly minimize the possibility of injury.
HOW DO I GET STARTED IN LURE COURSING?
The best way to get started in lure coursing is to attend a couple of lure coursing trials or practices and ask questions. The people who participate in this sport are more than willing to help out newcomers. By attending a few times without competing you will have an opportunity to watch what goes on, and get pointers on how to get started.
HOW DO I BEGIN GETTING MY BORZOI READY TO COMPETE?
When conditioning the young dog, you should use good judgement and not
over train the puppy. Borzoi are still growing, maturing up to 18 months
of age and beyond. A good aerobic training program that starts out easy
(brisk walks) and is gradually increased in time and distance works as
well on dogs as it does on people. Use care and not over train your dog.
Try to avoid rough surfaces such as pavement and frequently check the
dog's pads for wear or injury.
Take time to get your puppy properly acclimated to lure coursing by taking
him to matches, practice courses and lure courses where he is not going
to compete. This will give the puppy an opportunity to get used to all
of the excitement, and to be around dogs of many different breeds and
temperament, without the pressure of having to compete. After lure coursing
events the host club may offer to run the lure for practice. It is a
good idea to take advantage of these opportunities to practice, and also
get some good advice on getting your dog ready to compete. Start out
with a short straight-away. Gradually introduce your Borzoi to a course
where the lure turns. Do not practice your Borzoi when he is tired or
when the weather is uncomfortable for your Borzoi. Make lure coursing
fun for your Borzoi.
IS ANY EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR LURE COURSING?
A slip lead made of leather or webbed strap with a wide collar and double or single rings is the minimum equipment you should have. Clubs usually have slip leads as well as coursing blankets, you can use. Once your Borzoi is chasing the lure and ready to compete in events, you will find it more convenient to have a bright yellow blanket, bright pink blanket and a bright blue blanket that fit your Borzoi. Properly fitted muzzles are strictly optional. No other collars or other paraphernalia will be permitted on your Borzoi while he is running.
IS MY BORZOI ELIGIBLE TO COMPETE?
For both ASFA trials and AKC tests and trials, your purebred Borzoi must be one year of age and be registered with the AKC, an AKC recognized foreign registry or have been granted an Indefinite Listing Privilege (ILP). Spayed and neutered Borzoi are eligible to compete. Monorchid and cryptorchid Borzoi cannot compete in AKC events.
HOW CAN MY BORZOI EARN AKC COURSING TITLES?
To earn the Junior Courser (J.C.) title, enter the Junior Courser test.
Your Borzoi has to run alone and compete at least a 600 yard course with
a minimum of 4 turns, chasing the lure with enthusiasm and without interruption.
Your Borzoi has to pass the Junior Courser test twice, under two different
judges.
The additional AKC titles are earned at AKC trials, by entering the Open
stake. If your Borzoi is 6 years or older, he can be entered in the Veteran-open
stake. To enter the Open stake (or Veteran-open stake) for the first
time, the Borzoi must be an AKC Junior Courser and have successful practice
experience running with other Borzoi. Borzoi who are disqualified from
AKC, ASFA or CKC field trials may not be entered.
All hounds of the same breed run in either the Open stake, the Veteran-open
stake or the Specials stake in trios, if possible, or braces for a preliminary
course and a final course. The scoring and placing of winners is based
on the following qualities: Overall Ability - 10 points, Follow - 10
points, Speed - 10 points, Agility - 10 points and Endurance - 10 points
for a maximum of 50 points for each course the Borzoi runs. The score
for the preliminary course and the score for the final course are added
together for a total score that determines the placements in that stake.
If two or more hounds are tied for a placement, there will be a run-off
to determine the winner, or an owner can forfeit the placement.
To earn the Senior Courser (S.C.) title, your Borzoi must run, at 4 trials,
with at least one other hound, and get qualifying scores. A qualifying
score is 50% or more of the total available points from the judges.
At these same trials, if your Borzoi also wins a placement, he can earn
points towards his Field Champion title. If your Borzoi wins first place,
you can run him for Best of Breed competing with the first place winners
of the other stakes. If your Borzoi is tired, you can choose to forfeit
Best of Breed. If your Borzoi wins Best of Breed, you can, if you choose
to, run him in the Best of Field run. If your Borzoi wins Best In Field,
he gets points towards his Field Championship based on the largest breed
entry that day. To earn a Field Champion (F.C.) title, your Borzoi must
earn 15 points, and have 2 first placements worth 3 points or more under
2 different judges or judging panels.
Points are earned for first, second, or third place depending on the
number of Borzoi competing in the stake. When there are 10 or more Borzoi
competing, the first place Borzoi earns a 5 point major, the second place
Borzoi earns 3 points (but not a major) and the third place Borzoi earns
2 points. When there are 8 or 9 Borzoi competing, the first place Borzoi
earns a 4 point major, the second place Borzoi earns 2 points and the
third place Borzoi earns 1 point. When there are 5, 6 or 7 Borzoi competing,
the first place Borzoi earns a 3 point major and the second place Borzoi
earns 1 point. When there are 3 or 4 Borzoi competing, the first place
Borzoi earns 2 points. When there are 2 Borzoi competing, the first place
Borzoi earns 1 point. The Borzoi awarded Best of Breed (by winning the
Best of Breed runoff or by forfeit) gets points equal to the total number
of Borzoi competing in the Open stake, the Veteran-open stake and the
Specials stake.
A Borzoi who has earned his Field Championship can be entered in the
Specials Stake where he can compete for the Senior Courser, Master Courser
and Lure Courser Excellent titles. To earn the Master Courser (M.C.)
title, your Borzoi must complete the Senior Courser title, and then run
at 25 additional trials (in either Open, Veteran-Open or Special stake),
with at least one other hound, and get qualifying scores. The Junior
Courser, Senior Courser and Master Courser titles go after the dog's
registered name. The Field Champion title goes in front of the dog's
registered name.
A hound who has earned 45 championship points after being awarded the
title of Field Champion, would be awarded the suffix title of Lure Courser
Excellent. The title would additionally be a cumulative title each time
the dog accrued 45 champion points (LCX II, LCX III, etc.).
HOW CAN MY BORZOI EARN ASFA TITLES?
To be eligible to enter the Open stake for the first time, the owner
must submit the ASFA Certification form. An ASFA Certification form is
signed by a licensed judge who watched the Borzoi complete one course
of at least 500 yards, running with another Borzoi (or another breed
with a similar running style). Your Borzoi must chase the lure and demonstrate
no inclination to interfere with the other hound. Your Borzoi must be
at least 11 months old for this certification test, which can be done
at a coursing practice. Your Borzoi does not need this test if he already
has a lure coursing or racing title requiring competition from another
recognized organization (such as an AKC Senior Courser title). The owner
signs the "Waiver of Requirement" part of the ASFA Certification
form listing what lure coursing or racing title his Borzoi has earned,
a copy of the title certificate and submits these forms along with his
entry form at the Borzoi's first trial. To be eligible to enter the Veteran
stake, the Borzoi must be at least 6 years old, and have competed in
the Open stake, or the owner must submit the ASFA Certification form.
All hounds of the same breed run in either the Open stake, the Veteran
stake or the Field Champion stake in trios, if possible, or braces for
a preliminary course and a final course. The scoring and placing of winners
is based on the following qualities: Enthusiasm - 15 points, Follow -
15 points, Speed - 25 points, Agility - 25 points and Endurance - 20
points for a maximum of 100 points for each course the Borzoi runs. The
score for the preliminary course and the score for the final course are
added together for a total score that determines the placements in that
stake. If two or more hounds are tied for a placement, there will be
a run-off to determine the winner, or an owner can forfeit the placement.
Championship points are awarded to the first through fourth placements
in Open, Veteran and Field Champion stakes. First Place is worth 4 times
the number of Borzoi competing in the stake with a maximum of 40 points.
Second Place is worth 3 times the number of Borzoi competing in the stake
with a maximum of 30 points. Third Place is worth double the number of
Borzoi competing in the stake with a maximum of 20 points. Fourth Place
is equal to the number of Borzoi competing in the stake with a maximum
of 10 points. A hound who wins the Best of Breed run-off, is awarded
points equal to the points awarded the highest placing hound in that
breed which it defeated, and is credited with a first placement in a
stake.
To earn the Field Champion (F.CH.) title, the Borzoi must have earned
100 points and two first placements or one first placement and two second
placements in the Open Stake. A placement counts only if the Borzoi defeated
another Borzoi who received a qualifying score. To earn the Lure Courser
of Merit, the Borzoi must be a Field Champion and have earned 300 points
and have won 4 first placements (over placing hounds) in the Field Champion
Stake. After earning a LCM, the Borzoi may continue to earn additional
titles (LCM II, LCM III, etc). To earn the Veteran Field Champion (V-FCH)
title, the Borzoi must have erned 75 points and two first placements
or one first placement and two second placements, in the Veteran Stake.
To earn the Veteran Lure Courser of Merit (V-LCM) title, the Borzoi must
first earn the Veteran Field Champion title and continue to compete and
receive 4 first placements (over placing hounds) and 200 more points
in the Veteran Stake. All ASFA titles go after the Borzoi's registered
name.
If your Borzoi wins first place in his stake, you can, if you choose
to, run him for Best of Breed competing with the first place winners
of the other stakes. If your Borzoi wins Best of Breed, you can, if you
choose to, run him in the Best of Field run (if the all-breed club is
offering it). No championship points are awarded; however the hound who
wins Best In Field is credited with a first placement in a stake.
WHO DO I CONTACT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT LURE COURSING OR THE LOCATION OF PRACTICES OR TRIALS IN MY AREA?
Contact one of the regional Borzoi Clubs listed on the Borzoi Club of America's web site http://www.borzoiclubofamerica.com. Schedule of AKC coursing events lists of coursing clubs and lure coursing rules & regulations are available on the American Kennel Club web site http://www.akc.org and from the AKC, 5580 Centerview Drive, Raleigh NC 27606-3390.
Schedule of ASFA events and lists of coursing clubs are available on the American Sighthound Field Association web site http://www.asfa.org and in the American Sighthound Field Association bi-monthly published Field Advisory News, P O Box 399, Alpaugh CA 93201.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS:
BLANKET - A solid colored cloth worn by each hound during competition.
Approved colors are bright yellow, bright pink and bright blue.
COURSE - Is the actual pursuit of the lure over a selected course by
one, two or three hounds. Courses begin when the huntmaster receives
an affirmative response to "Are you ready?" by the handlers,
and ends when the hounds are back under their handlers control.
COURSE DELAY - A course delay will be called when handlers hounds delay
the beginning of a course by breaking away before the signal "Are
you ready?" or avoid their handlers after the command, "Retrieve
your hounds."
DRAW - A random drawing to determine the order in which hounds will be
run.
HUNTMASTER - The official in the hunt who sounds the release and is in
charge of all hounds and their handler.
INTERFERENCE - The intentional disruption or impeding of a hound in the
course by another hound. Bumping to get at the lure is not interference.
NO COURSE - A course that terminates prior to the end of the course.
This ruling also includes any situation in which the judges deem that
a hound did not receive the opportunity for a fair evaluation.
PRE-SLIP - When a handler slips the hound prior to the "T" in "Tally-Ho" being
given by the huntmaster.
QUALIFYING SCORE - Fifty per cent (50%) of the total possible combined
points from the preliminary and final courses.
RUNOFF - A competition to determine a final placement in the event of
a tie.
STAKE - Separation of entries within a breed, based on specific qualifications.
REFERENCES:
REGULATIONS OF LURE COURSING TESTS & TRIALS, American Kennel Club,
5580 Centerview Dr, Raleigh NC 27606-3360.
REGULATIONS FOR LURE COURSING TRIALS, American Sighthound Field Association.
THE COMPLETE BORZOI, Lorraine Groshans, 1981, published by Howell
Book House Inc.
