[Michael Romanos]

Bobbie - I agree with a lot of the things you said but my Pem, Taylor is 3.75 years and we have been going in agility since he was 2 and he jumps 380mm which is 15 inches - because that is the standard height for mini dogs in New Zealand. I believe it will be reduced to the more international standard of 300mm (11.8in) at some stage in the future. But Taylor can easily accomplish 15 inch jumps so long as he is not carrying any extra weight. In one sense I look forward to the day the 11.8in heights for jumps are introduced but quite frankly these would not be challenging enough for Taylor - and that is coming from a guy who would like to see separated mini competitons in NZ where Taylor could easlily hold his own. NZ (and now I believe Australia) have the A-frame at maxi dog height for mini dogs such as Corgis. That means Taylor climbs around two metres from the ground before the journey down. A-frames are a peice of cake even for toy dogs in Nz because of the pin ball, thick rubberised surface that most of them now have which provides excellent grip. But the trip down the A-frame could be the danger point for Corgis if they decide - through incorrect handling or on their own steam - to jump off the frame well before the contact zone - something like a one metre jump. But I have a theory: because the Corgi is geared to make the leap and is actually propelling forward and not just a downward plunge, the action is not nearly as dangerous as it would seem. Taylor has been prematurely jumping off A-frames quite recently in reverting back to what he was doing several months ago (and I thought I had corrected the problem) much to my annoyance.

But a 4 inch jump. Now that's a real joke even for a toy poodle.

PS I just learnt today that in France the mini size dogs ( and what would be termed micro) have to jump 35cm (13.8 inches).