UKC
WEIGHT PULLING
Beginning January 1, 2002 the United Kennel Club introduced weight pulling to their
ever growing list of performance events. Since we had so much fun competing in IWPA
weight pulls both of my boys decided to come out of retirement and give it a try. The people
at UKC who worked to get this program off the ground did a great job! They obviously
spent some time in researching other pulling events. They took all the best parts of IWPA
and ADBA and then added some unique things to come up with the UKC weight pull rules.
Like most pulling events dogs are divided up into classes based on their weight. Winners
at individual events are either the dog that pulls the most weight in it's class or the dog
who pulls the most weight per pound of body weight. Events can be held using a wheeled
cart, a sled on snow, or a rail system. Titles are earned by pulling a specified percentage of
the dog's weight at three different events. There are currently 2 weight pull titles offered by
the UKC: The UWP (United Weight Puller) and UWPCH (United Weight Pull Champion).
To become a weight pull champion a dog must first earn a UWP and then must earn a
minimum of 100 points. Points are earned based on the percentages that a dog pulls.
Both Aky and Cito had the honor of competing at the very first UKC weight pull event.
It was held in Missoula, MT on Feb. 9-10, 2002. The following weekend we traveled to
Ridgefield, Washington and got to see what it is like to pull on a rail system. That was very
exciting and fun and we sure learned allot and meet a ton of nice people. As with any new
program I am sure there will be a few changes and improvements as everyone figures out
what works and what does not; But I see only lots of fun to be had by all, and the future of
UKC weight pulling looks bright.
