ABIDS
All Breed International Dog Shows
and Performance Events
Urban Rat Race and Country Rat Race
Welcome to our website
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Urban Rat Race Rules
Country Rat Race Rules
Learn more about what it's all about.
URR Urban Rat Race
The history of this sport is very short; it is a new sport that has been developed by ABIDS for all breeds of dogs that enjoy rat sports and would like a rat sport all year round.
URR is essentially Nosework for RATS
· Elements of Barn Hunt, Earth Dog, Trailing and Locating, and Tracking have been used in the development of this new sport.
In the higher levels we would attempt to replicate an Urban city environment where rats would be located.
Purpose of Urban Rat Race (URR)
· The purpose of URR is to demonstrate a dog’s vermin-hunting ability in an Urban Environment.
URR tests the dog’s hunt drive, combined with the ability to work effectively with a handler as a team.
CRR Country Rat Race
The history of this sport is very short; it is a new sport that has been developed by ABIDS for all breeds of dogs that enjoy Rat Sports and would like a rat sport with hunting in the country.
CRR is essentially Tracking or Trailing to locate RATS
Elements of Barn Hunt, Earth Dog, Trailing and Locating, and Tracking have been used in the development of this new sport.
The purpose of CRR is to demonstrate a dog’s vermin-hunting ability in a Country Environment.
CRR tests the dog hunt drive, combined with the ability to work effectively with the handler as a team.
Team participation is the goal, and a day out with your dog is the essence of this sport.
Our URR and CRR; a brief history
It all started a few years ago...
We managed to develop a really fun sport!
2021
Spring 2021,
the start of CRR
Sean and François were looking for a rat sport for dogs that was different from what was available at the time.
ODS let the the Barn Hunt license lapse over time.
We wanted something that did not involve using straw (expensive, messy, difficult to maintain); that was open to all breeds of dogs (Some rat sports limit the breeds of dogs permitted to participate); that was as safe for the rats as much as possible; that was fun for both the dogs and the handlers; that was more based on the dog's skills and the handler's skills; and that was promoting a better relationship between the handler and the dog. The dog and the handler work as a team to find the rat.
Chikki (Gloria) Mair helped us develop CRR Country Rat Race.
2021-2022
Fall 2021/Winter 2022
URR was soon developed by Sean Kent and is sanctioned by ABIDS All Breed International Dog Shows
2022 until today
Spring 2022 until today
CRR and URR were developed at first as an open concept where we would encourage feedback from a small group of customers and friends of ODS.
We worked on what was fun or not so much; rules; care of the rats, points, levels of competition, ...
For at least the first year, we learned more about the rats, the smell of a rat, the dog's ability to locate the rat and how the dog could successfully communicate to the handler where the rat is located.
December 2025
ABIDS All Breed Independent Sports Incorporated is the new name of All Breed International Dog Shows!
Why the Name Change From All Breed International to
All Breed Independent Dog Sports?
Because We’ve Become So Much More!
Our new name reflects who we truly are today. We are far more than an organization that hosts dog shows.
ABI began in 2011, offering all-breed dog shows, and that foundation will always be part of our story, and we will continue to offer Conformation Dog Shows.
However, when we purchased ABI in 2019, we came with big dreams and an even bigger vision: to build a home for All‑Breed Friendly Sports.
We are incredibly proud to say that we’ve done exactly that.
Since 2021, ABI has launched a series of new and innovative programs:
2021: Country Rat Race
2022: Urban Rat Race
2022: S.T.A.R. Test (Socialization Temperament Assessment Review)
2025: Scent Dog Games
2025: Lost & Found
All of these sports are sanctioned by ABI, and both CRR and URR are now offered in multiple locations. And we’re not slowing down.
In the first half of 2026, we will introduce three new sports and another Test/Title program, with four additional sports already in development.
An Independent Alternative
ABI proudly stands as an independent organization—an alternative to CKC, UKC, and AKC—where exhibitors can show, compete, and earn titles in both conformation and sports.
A Welcoming, Supportive Environment
Our goal has always been to create a space where newcomers feel welcome and where both people and dogs can learn, grow, and succeed.
We work hard to offer a safe, encouraging, and competitive environment—one that feels reminiscent of dog shows from 30‑plus years ago: warm, inviting, and focused on the dogs.
We also recognize that the cost of showing and trialing has become challenging for many.
At ABI, we are committed to staying mindful of this and keeping our events as accessible and competitive as possible.
ABI is a place where kindness matters, good sportsmanship is expected, and poor behavior is not tolerated.
Above all, it is a community built around the dogs we love and the people who care for them..
January 2026
BIG NEWS COMING!
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Spring 2026
Spring 2026 changes coming soon for CRR
We are planning to add another level of difficulty to CRR.
URR and CRR is expanding!
We offer URR and CRR Classes, Workshops, and Trials at ODS.
Our friends at Focused Dog Training/Bacon Unleashed, Bluewater Dog Sports, and Maple Leaf Kennel Club are now offering classes in URR and CRR, and Trials as well!
Bacon Unleashed
and
Focused Dog Training Niagara
[email protected]
905 321 4005
Arlene Bacon
Wendy Walker
Offering URR and CRR classes and Trials in Welland/Port Colborne.
Bethel Community Center
2703 Chippawa Road
Port Colborne,
Ontario,
Canada
Bluewater Dog Sports
Pat Stewart
Marcia Case
Offering URR and CRR classes and Trials in Sarnia
Lockiel Kiwanis Building, Upper floor (Controlled entry - Register for codes)
180 College Avenue,
Sarnia, Ontario,
Canada
ABIDS URR Trials at Bluewater Dog Sports:
March 8th 2026
June 14th 2026
ABIDS CRR Trials at Bluewater Dog Sports:
May 17th 2026
Maple Leaf Kennel Club
Mary Ann Nemisz
COMING SOON:
URR and CRR classes and Trials.
Please be advised:
If you are interested in joining our Team at ABIDS and ODS to offer Workshops, Classes, and eventually Trials in URR and CRR...
Welcome to the ABIDS URR Urban Rat Race and ABIDS CRR Country Rat Race!
Oxford Dog Sports Incorporated / All Breed International Dog Shows (ABIDS) is the sole proprietor of Urban Rat Race & Country Rat Race. This includes, but is not limited to, classes, workshops and trials. All rights are reserved. To enquire about offering classes, workshops, and/or trials for Urban Rat Race and/or Country Rat Race, please contact [email protected].