NAWP Dog Divisions
For Dogs 12-24 MonthsPuppy Beginner Novice
12 months and older.
Empty Pack
Total miles hiked 10, hikes 1-3 miles
*No hike may be repeatedBeginner Novice Dog
Age of dog not to be under 18 months.
Pack weight should be 4%-8% of dogs weight (dog weighs 30 lbs, weight of pack and contents will be 1.2-2.4 lbs)
Total miles hiked 25, hikes between 1-3 miles.
*No Hike May Be Repeated
For Dogs 24 months and olderNovice Dog
Age of Dog not to be less than 24 months
Pack weight should be no less than 10% of dog’s weight (40 lb dog would carry 4 lbs), and can be increased to 15% as stamina builds.
Total miles hiked: 50, with no more than two hikes between 3-5 miles, and remainer over 5 miles.
*No Hike May Be RepeatedIntermediate Dog
Age of dog not to be less than 24 months
Pack Weight should be 10-15% of dog’s weight.
Total miles hiked: 80, with no hike less than 5 miles, and to include two 10 mile hikes (may be overnight), and a minimum of 10 miles backcountry hikes.
*No Hike May Be RepeatedAdvanced Dog
Age of dog not to be less than 24 months
Pack Weight should be 15% and no more than 20% of dog’s weight.
Total miles hiked: 150, with no hike less than 5 miles. Must include two hikes 15 miles, can be overnight, and a minimum of 40 miles back country hikes. No hike less than 5 miles. One hike with elevation gain of 1500’.
*One Hike May Be Repeated
For Dogs 36 months and OlderExcellent Trail Dog
Age of dog not to be less than 36 months
Pack Weight should be 15% and no more than 25% of dog’s weight.
Total miles hiked: 200, with no hike less than 5 miles. Must include two backcountry hikes of 20 miles (no service roads), may be overnight. Must include two hikes 40 miles with 50% back country. One hike with elevation gain of 1500’.
*Two Hikes May Be RepeatedSupreme Trail Dog
Age of dog not to be less than 36 months
Pack Weight should be 15% and no more than 25% of dog’s weight.
Total miles hiked: 250 miles, with no hike less than 5 miles. Must include two hikes of 40 miles backcountry, two overnight hikes (separate from 40 mile hikes), one elevation gain of 1500’ feet and one elevation gain of 2000’.
*Two hikes may be repeatedSupreme Excellent Trail Dog
Age of dog not to be less than 36 months
Pack Weight should be 15% and no more than 25% of dog’s weight.
Total miles hiked: 500 miles, with no hike less than 5 miles. Must include two hikes of 40 miles backcountry, two overnight hikes (separate from 40 mile hikes), one elevation gain of 1500’ feet and one elevation gain of 2000’.
*Three hikes may be repeated.
This Division must be completed within 12 calendar months!