Following approval by the Activities Committee and the Board, the Royal Kennel Club is pleased to confirm that Micro will be introduced from 1 January 2027 as a new fifth height category for agility competitors. This is being introduced following a period of consultation with the agility community where feedback has shown strong and consistent support from competitors, with many highlighting the challenges faced by very small dogs when competing in the current Small category.
The introduction of a Micro height category is a positive development for the discipline, and it is hoped that this change will support smaller dogs by providing a safer and more appropriate jumping height, while maintaining the enjoyment and competitiveness of agility.
The Micro category will be open to dogs measuring 280mm or under at the withers, with hurdle and wall heights set at 200mm. Obstacle specifications have been carefully reviewed and amended to ensure they are suitable for Micro dogs, including the exclusion of rising spread jumps.
Measuring for the new Micro height category is expected to begin later this year, with dates and further details to be confirmed as soon as possible. Micro dogs cannot be measured until official measurers have been able to purchase and receive the appropriate equipment and the approved supplier of measuring hoops has advised of a minimum 3-month timeframe to fulfil the requirement. In order to speed up the process, individuals who are not official measurers are requested not to order a Micro measuring hoop for the time being until measures have been supplied with their new hoops.
Following feedback from the public consultation it was noted that there were concerns around compulsory remeasurement and, as a result, there will be no mandatory requirement for dogs currently measured into Small to remeasure, but handlers will have the option to elect for remeasurement if they wish. Dogs requiring a first or second official measure after the introduction date will be measured in line with the standard measuring process, with Micro included as a recognised height category.
As a newly introduced height, Micro will initially operate without Championship or Prestige Event qualifiers, and the Royal Kennel Club Prestige Working Party will continue to explore how Micro could be carefully and appropriately integrated into Championship and Prestige events in the future.
The approved regulatory changes will come into effect from 1 January 2027 and mark an important step forward in supporting dog welfare.
The Royal Kennel Club would like to thank all those who contributed their views during the consultation process and helped shape this positive development for the discipline.
You can find more information on the new Micro height category here: Agility measuring | Events and Activities | Kennel Club