CPE stands for Canine Performance Events, an agility venue founded in the Midwest and expanding across the country. CPE offers a variety of games, some of the sequential course type and some of the point accumulation type. It also features a variety of obstacles not used in NADAC, plus dog friendly jump heights and generous course times. CPE has 6 levels at which to earn titles and allows mixed breed dogs.
To learn more about CPE at their website, click here.
Here is a list of CPE games with some information about each:
| Game |
Type |
Description |
Possible Obstacles |
| Standard |
sequential |
Similar to NADAC Regular.
Your dog must correctly complete the numbered obstacles in order. |
15-20 obstacles. Bar jumps, tire jump, spread jump, tunnels, weave poles, A-frame, dog walk, teeter. |
| Jumpers |
sequential |
Similar to NADAC Jumpers.
Your dog must correctly complete the numbered obstacles in order. |
15-20 obstacles. Bar jumps, tire jump, spread jump, tunnels. |
| Colors |
sequential |
Your dog must correctly complete one of two intertwined numbered mini-courses. During walk-through, you decide which course you wish to perform. |
9-12 obstacles. Bar jumps, tire jump, spread jump, tunnels, weave poles, A-frame, dog walk, teeter. |
| Wildcard |
sequential |
Your dog must complete a numbered course of obstacles. At three different locations on the course, you must choose to do either obstacle A or obstacle B. Your level determines how many As and Bs you must perform. |
14-18 obstacles. Bar jumps, tire jumps, spread jump, tunnels, weave poles, A-frame, dog walk, teeter. |
| Snooker |
point accumulation |
In Snooker, there is an opening sequence where you must: (a) do a red, non-numbered jump then a numbered obstacle; (b) a different red, non-numberd jump then a numbered obstacle-it could be the same one as before; and (c) a third red jump and then a numbered obstacle. After completing the opening, you must then do the closing: a numbered sequence of 6 obstacles.
The time to accumulate points and the number of points needed to qualify vary based on dog height and level entered. |
Bar jumps, spread jump, tunnels, weave poles, A-frame, dog walk, teeter, table (used only to stop time, sit/down is not required). |
| Jackpot |
point accumulation |
Similar to NADAC Gamblers and AKC FAST.
In Jackpot, there is an opening where you accumulate points for correctly performing any obstacle on the field. You may do the obstacles in whatever order you wish and you do not have to do every obstacle. At the end of the opening, a whistle will sound and you must attempt the gamble: a 4 obstacle sequence where you must remain outside the gamble area while your dog does the obstacles.
The time to accumulate points and the number of points needed to qualify vary based on dog height and level entered. |
Bar jumps, spread jump, tunnels, weave poles, A-frame, dog walk, teeter, table (used only to stop time, sit/down is not required). |
| Fullhouse |
point accumulation |
Similar to Jackpot, but at the end of the opening, you must run to the table to stop your time instead of doing a gamble.
The time to accumulate points and the number of points needed to qualify vary based on dog height and level entered. |
Bar jumps, spread jump, tunnels, weave poles, A-frame, dog walk, teeter, table (used only to stop time, sit/down is not required). |
The rules for the games may sound a bit confusing but are actually easy to learn and Judges are very good about briefing competitors.
How do I become registered to compete in CPE?
Before you enter a CPE trial, you must apply for an annual CPE membership. The cost is $17 for one dog, plus $5 for each additional dog. It takes about 2 weeks to receive your membership ID from the CPE office.
What are the jump heights for CPE?
Jump Height table – no dog will jump lower than 4”
| Measurement |
Regular |
Veterans |
Enthusiast |
Specialist |
| 8" and under |
4" |
4" |
4" |
4" |
| 8+" to 12" |
8" |
4" |
4" |
4" |
| 12+" to 16" |
12" |
8" |
8" |
4" |
| 16+" to 20" |
16" |
12" |
12" |
8" |
| 20+" to 24" |
20" |
16" |
16" |
12" |
| over 24" |
24" |
20" |
20" |
16" |
What is a CPE trial like?
Short answer: FUN!
CPE trials are similar to NADAC ones. Typically there is no check-in, and you usually only have to be measured at your very first trial. Whe you arrive, get your copy of the course maps, volunteer to do some trial jobs, and relax and have fun!
Other CPE info:
- Dogs run without collars.
- Dogs may run in up to 5 events per day. Most clubs only offer 5 but some offer more so you will have to pick your favorites.
- In the sequence-based games, at the lower levels, you may accrue 1 or 2 minor faults and still have a qualifying run.
- In the point accumulation games, if your dog does not perform the obstacle correctly then you receive no points-basically you are just using up time.
- It is possible to place even if you do not qualify.
Where is CPE being played?
CPE is very popular in the Midwest and Northeast, but is quickly catching on in other regions too! Here is a list of clubs hosting CPE trials within 5 hours of Tidewater:
| Club |
Location |
State |
Trial Dates |
| C2P2 - Carolina Canine & Pet Performance |
Chapel Hill |
NC |
November |
| Wiggle Butts |
Mebane |
NC |
January
February
May
July
October |
| Teamworks |
Youngsville |
NC |
May
August |
| Breakaway Action Dogs |
Frederick |
MD |
February
November |
| Artful Dodgers |
Westminster |
MD |
March
August |
| Periland Agility |
Knoxville |
MD |
April
May
September
October |
|
