Lure Coursing events take place as tests or trials. Tests are non-competitive and meant to test the instincts of a dog with a pass/fail outcome (i.e., AKC Junior Courser or Qualified Courser tests). Trials are competitive and have three stakes a dog can enter and earn points – Open (for non-titled dogs), Specials or Field Champion (for dogs that have earned their Field Champion Title), and Veteran (Ridgebacks over 7 yrs of age). A Singles stake may also be offered in which dogs run alone; hounds with breed disqualifications are eligible to enter this stake. 

There are two organizations that hold lure coursing events: AKC and ASFA. Most, but not all, coursing clubs hold both ASFA and AKC events and many judges are also licensed by both organizations. As far as your hound is concerned, there is no difference between the two coursing programs. Your hound gets to get out and run, have fun, and chase those elusive plastic bags. Whatever your preference, AKC or ASFA, check out the two sites and titling progression below for more information.

AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB LURE COURSING (AKC) 

Junior Courser (JC), dog running alone must complete this lure coursing test twice and receive a qualification after showing enthusiasm and no interruptions in each run from two different AKC judges.

Qualified Courser (QC), a certificate is issued by an AKC judge once a dog shows he/she can run with another hound of the same breed or similar running style and can complete the course cleanly with no interference with the other hound, with no interruption and enthusiasm. 

Senior Courser (SC), dog must earn qualifying scores (with competition) at four AKC lure coursing trials under three different judges.

Master Courser (MC), dog must have earned a SC and have earned an additional 25 qualifying scores (with competition) in either the Open, Veteran or Specials stakes.

Field Champion (FC), dog must earn 15 championship points including two majors.

Lure Courser Excellent (LCX), dog that has earned the title of Field Champion and has earned 45 additional championship points from the Special or Veterans Stake. The LCX is a cumulative title - each time a hound accrues an additional 45 championship points, it would be eligible to receive the next title level (LCX II, LCX III, LCX IV, etc.). 

AMERICAN SIGHTHOUND FIELD ASSOCIATION (ASFA)

Field Champion (FCh), dog must earn 100 points including two first placements or one first placement and two second placements.

Veteran Field Champion (VFCh), a dog must earn 75 points including two first placements or one first placement and two second placements.

Lure Courser of Merit (LCM), a dog that has earned an additional 300 points from the FCh stake and has received four first placements with competition. The LCM is a cumulative title.

Veteran Lure Courser of Merit (VCLM), a dog that has earned an additional 200 points from the Veteran stake and has received four first placements with competition. The VLCM is a cumulative title.

Title of Coursing Proficiency (TCP), a dog that has earned 100 proficiency points in Singles stake competition, including two first placements or one first placement and two second placements in competition. 

Title of Coursing Proficiency Excellent (CPX), a dog that has earned an additional 300 proficiency points from the Singles stake and has received four first placements with competition. The CPX is a cumulative title.

GETTING STARTED

The best way to get started is to attend a lure coursing trial!  Most clubs will hold practice runs to introduce new dogs to the sport. Check out the AKC event search and ASFA event calendars for an upcoming event in your area.