Club Activities
Irish Wolfhound Specialty Show
The RMIWA holds an Irish Wolfhound Specialty Show annually. This show is held on the Friday prior to Labor Day in Colorado. Approximately 100 Irish Wolfhounds compete in the AKC breed ring, ASFA lure coursing and LGRA straight racing competitions.
Lure Coursing
Lure Coursing is a field trial competition that tests the athletic and hunting abilities of sighthounds. A white or black plastic bag is tied to a string on a motorized continuous loop machine and laid out on a course of 600 or more yards in an open field. Hounds are run in trios and scored by judges. The hounds are judged on speed, follow, enthusiasm, endurance and agility. Field Championships and other coursing titles can be earned from the American Sighthound Field Association (ASFA) or the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Straight Racing
The Large Gazehound Racing Association competition is straight racing where the hounds race 200 yards on a straight, flat track. All dogs must run with properly fitted muzzles and race blankets. Dogs are released from racing boxes or hand-slipped. The hounds receive their scores based upon the order they cross the finish line.
FastCat
Following is provided by AKC
Sure, you think your dog is fast. But have you ever wondered how fast? Can your dog outrun Usain Bolt, who has been called the fastest runner in the world? He just might: Usain’s fastest time has been clocked at almost 28 mph – yet dogs have been known to reach speeds of 35-45 mph.
Well, you no longer have to wonder how fast your dog can run. FAST CAT® – which stands for Coursing Ability Test – is a timed 100-yard dash where dogs run one at a time, chasing a lure. It’s over before you know it — and it’s nothing short of awe-inspiring to watch your dog run at top speed, ears back, eyes focused, legs strong. And if your dog is really fast, you might earn bragging rights if his name makes onto our list of top 20 fastest dogs by breed!
Although it is a relatively new sport, its popularity has spread like wildfire. No wonder. According to one AKC official, “The FAST CAT® provides a terrific opportunity to introduce new participants to the world of AKC sports as one of the few events where all that is needed to compete is a dog’s natural instincts.”
Festivals & Education Events
The RMIWA Irish Wolfhounds and their owners are invited to several Irish and other festivals throughout the year. This is our opportunity to educate the public about our wonderful breed. Dogs who loved to be petted and owners who can talk about the breed are welcome to attend.
St. Patrick’s Day Parades
The RMIWA ususally participates in one or more St. Patrick’s Day Parades in the Denver, Boulder or Colorado Springs area. Membership in the RMIWA is not required to participate; however, you will be asked to sign a participation agreement to march in the parade. All IWs must be on a 6 foot or shorter lead. Only one dog per handler (two handlers per dog OK). Friendly and healthy vaccinated dogs only please.
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