Small-dog partnerships have a specific change to consider when planning next year’s agility. The Royal Kennel Club’s October news index links to approved 2027 agility rules introducing a Micro height category, effective from 1 January 2027.
Use the dog’s official measurement
The approved amendments place dogs measuring 280 mm or less at the withers in Micro; Small covers dogs above 280 mm and up to 350 mm. The revised rules require an official measurement before competing in any height category. A breed name or a home estimate is not a substitute for that process.
Read the obstacle rules together
For Micro dogs, the document specifies 200 mm hurdle and wall heights and excludes the rising spread jump. These are competition specifications, not a recommendation to build a course or start jumping without suitable instruction. The complete rules include other equipment and show arrangements, so a short summary cannot replace them.
Keep the January start date clear
The Royal Kennel Club’s media centre lists these amendments under October 2026. Their stated effective date is 1 January 2027. They are rules for the organisation’s sport, rather than a new UK law or a change that can be assumed at every independent event. This report does not establish entry availability, fees or eligibility for a particular show.
Make the planning useful for your dog
Owners can take the document to their club and ask how measurement and class selection will work for their partnership. Suitability for activity is an individual question, not something a height band settles. Grooming also needs that individual conversation: our first-appointment questions and groomer directory help owners discuss current services directly.
Sources checked 12 October 2026: Royal Kennel Club October index and approved 2027 amendments. Corrections: support@groomnear.com.
