Endurance Test



Pictured above:  Michael Stuart judging the Endurance Test for the GSDCV, June 2012

 

 

 ENDURANCE TEST

 


One of the disciplines that we can compete in here in Australia is the “E.T.” or Endurance Test.

Endurance Tests are a really enjoyable activity in which you and your dog can participate.  You don’t have to have a “show” dog to do it, the only requirements are that you be a member of Dogs Victoria (or interstate equivalent), and that your dog is registered with Dogs Victoria (or interstate equivalent) .  Also, your dog can be no younger than two years of age, and no older than eight years of age.

The Endurance Test, or “ET” as it is known, is a twenty kilometre run for the dogs to test their ability to work over a long distance.  The run is broken up into three sections of 8 kilometres, 6 kilometres and 6 kilometres again. There is a fifteen minute break between the first and third sections and a twenty minute break after the second. Handlers may jog or cycle.

All participants are arranged into catalogue number order and must proceed in that order behind a pacesetter who rides a bicycle at a steady speed of 10 kilometres per hour. You are not allowed to move out of line, or pass the pacesetter.

Prior to the commencement of the run, the dogs must undergo a basic willingness test. This is really basic, and the dogs do not have to perform to obedience trial standard.  The idea behind it is to ensure that the dog is capable of listening to you and following direction. The same willingness test is performed at the end of the 20 kilometre circuit as well.

There is a veterinary team on hand that checks the dogs for temperature, heart rate and pad condition prior to the commencement of the test, during each rest period between the three sections of the run, and again on the completion of the run.

The willingness test and 20 kilometre run is to be completed within 2 hours and 35 minutes, including the two intermediate breaks not including the final rest break . The test is conducted over three varying surfaces such as bitumen, unsealed roads, dirt tracks, grass etc.  The test will be cancelled if the ambient temperature exceeds 24 degrees © at any stage.


The Endurance Test proceeds as follows:

1.    Veterinary check
2.   Willingness test performed on or off lead including recall
3.    8 km run
4.    15 minutes rest including veterinary check
5.    6 km run
6.    20  minutes rest including veterinary check
7.    6 km run
8.    15 minutes rest
9.    Veterinary check
10. Willingness test performed on or off lead including recall. (If first test was off lead, then this test must also be off lead).

If the entire test including the obedience test and the run are completed successfully, the dog is awarded the “E.T.” or “Endurance Test” title.

 

 

MICHAEL STUART    -   ANKC Licenced Judge for Endurance Tests since 2003.

Michael Stuart has been involved in canine working disciplines for over forty years.  He is a qualified obedience instructor and has competed with great success in obedience trials, conformation dog shows and endurance tests since 1983. Michael breeds Hungarian Vizslas under the internationally renowned “Abbiestar” prefix and he has enjoyed tremendous success with his Vizslas in many canine disciplines.  His Abbiestar Vizslas have gained titles in conformation and working disciplines in Australia, the USA, Canada, Japan and New Zealand.

Michael has bred Vizslas that have gone to exceptional homes throughout Australia, and the U.S.A., Canada, New Zealand, UK, Switzerland, Belgium, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.
 
Two of Michael’s Vizslas have achieved the positions of “Australia’s # 1 Obedience Vizsla”, one in 1994 and another in 1997.  Since then, Michael has concentrated on conformation events and proudly owns Australia’s # 1 Vizsla show bitch of 1996/97, Australia’s # 2 Vizsla Show bitch of 1996/97 & 1997/98, Australia’s # 2 Vizsla Show bitch of 1999 and 2001, and Australia’s # 1 Vizsla show bitch of  2004/05.  Michael has bred two all breeds best in show winners, three Best Exhibit in Specialty Show winners, and five runner up Best Exhibit in Specialty Show winners.  He has handled Vizslas in the show ring with success in Australia, the USA and Canada.
 
All owner, breeder handled, his Vizslas have won many Best Exhibit in Specialty Show awards as well as Runner up Best Exhibit in Specialty Show, Best in Group, Runner up in Group and many Class in Group/in Show awards as well as many Best in Trial awards.
 
Michael served as President of the Hungarian Vizsla Club of Victoria from 2002-2005 and Vice President from 1999-2002.
 
In 1992, Michael was awarded with an Honorary Life Membership to the Mornington Obedience Dog Club in recognition of his services to the club and to canine obedience.  As well as being a foundation member of this club, he served on the committee from 1983 to 1995.
 
The Hungarian Vizsla Club of Victoria awarded Michael with an Honorary Life Membership in 2004 in recognition of his services to the club and to the Vizsla breed.
 

Michael has competed in nine endurance tests gaining titles for all his Vizslas.  He also designed the original course used by the HVCV for their inaugural endurance test at KCC Park in 2003.

 

Michael has judged Endurance Tests since 2003 in Victoria and interstate. His judging assignments include:

 

 

  • Hungarian Vizsla Club of Victoria - 2004
  • Australian Capital Territory Canine Association - 2008
  • Dalmatian Club of Victoria - 2009
  • DogsACT Australian Capital Territory - 2010
  • German Shepherd Dog Club of Victoria - 2011
  • German Shepherd Dog Club of Victoria - 2012 
  • German Shepherd Dog Club of Victoria - 2013
  • Dalmatian Club of Victoria - 2013
  • German Shepherd Dog Club of Victoria - 2014
  • American Staffordshire Terrier Club of Victoria - 2014
  • Rottweiler Club of Victoria - 2015
  • American Staffordshire Terrier Club of Victoria - 2015
  • American Staffordshire Terrier Club of Victoria - 2016
  • Rottweiler Club of Victoria - 2016
  • American Staffordshire Terrier Club of Victoria - 2017
  • Rottweiler Club of Victoria - 2017
  • Hungarian Vizsla Club of Victoria - 2024
  • German Shepherd Dog Club of Victoria - 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Contact Details

Michael & Sandra Stuart
Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Phone : 0407887553
Email : [email protected]