Dog Agility Jump Height Calculator
Every dog in agility competes at a jump height set by its size. Enter your dog's height at the withers and pick a class, and this free dog agility jump height chart calculator instantly shows the jump height your dog would run — in both the AKC Regular and Preferred classes.
Enter your dog's details
The withers is the highest point of the shoulder blades.
Your results
AKC jump height chart
| Height at withers | Regular jump | Preferred jump |
|---|---|---|
| 11″ and under | 8″ | 4″ |
| Over 11″ to 14″ | 12″ | 8″ |
| Over 14″ to 18″ | 16″ | 12″ |
| Over 18″ to 22″ | 20″ | 16″ |
| Over 22″ | 24″* | 20″ |
* Dogs measuring over 22″ may enter the optional 24 Choice (26″) division at the owner's discretion. Preferred dogs must run their proper eligible height.
How to use this calculator
First, measure your dog at the withers — the highest point of the shoulder blades, where the neck meets the back. Have your dog stand square on a level surface with its head in a natural position, then measure from the ground up to that point. A wicket or a hardcover book and a tape measure both work at home.
Type that measurement in inches into the calculator (decimals like 17.5 are fine), then choose the class you plan to run: Regular or Preferred. The result updates instantly as you type, and the chart below highlights the exact bracket your dog falls into.
How it works
This calculator follows the AKC Regular class agility jump height chart, which assigns jump heights from four withers cutoffs. Dogs 11 inches and under jump 8 inches; dogs over 11 and up to 14 inches jump 12 inches; dogs over 14 and up to 18 inches jump 16 inches; dogs over 18 and up to 22 inches jump 20 inches; and dogs over 22 inches jump 24 inches. Because the brackets are cumulative ("up to" each cutoff), a dog that measures exactly 18 inches falls in the over-14-to-18 bracket and jumps 16 inches in Regular.
The Preferred class simply drops one height: each bracket jumps one level lower than Regular (4, 8, 12, 16, or 20 inches instead of 8, 12, 16, 20, or 24). Preferred also gives dogs slightly more standard course time, which is why many handlers of older, small, or less athletic dogs choose it.
Other agility organizations use different charts — USDAA's Championship divisions, for example, top out at a 22-inch jump for dogs over 21 inches, with its own Performance program offering lowered heights. Rulebooks change over time, so always confirm your venue's current jump height rules before entering a trial.
Frequently asked questions
How do AKC and USDAA jump heights differ?
They use different charts. AKC Regular agility jump heights are 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 inches based on withers brackets of 11, 14, 18, and 22 inches. USDAA uses a different set of divisions — for example, dogs over 21 inches jump 22 inches in Championship, and its Performance program mirrors AKC-style lowered heights. Always check your venue's rulebook before a trial.
What is the difference between Regular and Preferred class?
In AKC agility, Preferred class dogs jump one height lower than Regular — 4, 8, 12, 16, or 20 inches instead of 8, 12, 16, 20, or 24 inches. Preferred also allows slightly more standard course time. Handlers may enter a dog in a higher Regular height division than measured, but Preferred dogs must run their proper eligible height.
How do I measure my dog at the withers?
The withers is the highest point of the shoulder blades, at the base of the neck. Have your dog stand square on a level surface with head in a natural position, then measure straight down to the ground (or up from the ground to the withers) with a wicket or tape measure. AKC trials measure dogs without a valid jump height card, so get an official measurement before competing.
Should puppies jump full agility height?
No. Puppies should not jump full competition height — or do repetitive high-impact jumping — until their growth plates close, which is typically around 12 to 18 months depending on breed and size. Train foundations with jumps at or below elbow height and ask your veterinarian before starting full-height agility training.
Can my dog jump higher than the chart requires?
Yes, in AKC Regular class handlers may choose to run their dog in a higher height division than the measured one — for example, jumping 20 inches when the chart assigns 16. Dogs measuring over 22 inches may also enter the optional 24 Choice (26 inch) division. In Preferred, dogs must run their proper eligible height.