Outdoor Canine Competition Areas
Purina Farms is a spectacular place to host outdoor canine activities including agility, lure coursing, herding, conformation, tracking, flying disc and earthdog. Six outdoor competition areas on the property are free for competitions and exhibitions.
The 130' x 140' lighted main show field accommodates breed conformation groups of all sizes, and an adjacent field can be used for obedience trials. Groups ranging from local and regional breed clubs to parent breed clubs are frequent users of the Main Show Field along with special events such as the national finals for the Purina Dog Chow® Incredible Dog Challenge™. Sponsorship packages that include breed prizes and mementos are available when groups hold their national specialties at Purina Farms. The Main Show Field features two, 40' x 80' tented concrete pads and manicured lawn areas equipped with a sprinkler system. Located on a second level (and off to one side) is another show area, which also features a 40' x 80' tent so obedience or agility can be situated away from the conformation rings. A lawn area with parking and another 40' x 80' tented concrete pad is also available near the Main Show Field if needed along with amenities like RV parking, spectator seating and competition equipment to complete the show experience.
Agility Field
Located near the front of the property across from the Incredible Dog Arena, the 100' x 110' Agility Field features a 22' x 45' covered pavilion, a full set of agility equipment and ring-gating. Note: During National Specialties, the outdoor field can only be used for breed-specific trials. Also, other events, outside of agility, can be held in this area.
Herding & Trial Field
With a spacious 10 acres, the Herding & Trial Field accessed off of MM makes a superb location for herding competitions, lure coursing or for oval or straight-track whippet races. Developed specifically for field and test competitions, the field is well suited to accommodate sanctioned events.
The Herding & Trial Field has three fenced-in areas that can be used for herding. The areas include a lighted A-Course 100' x 200', a completely fenced B-Course approximately 10 acres with holding pens, and a lighted round pen for beginning dogs and instinct testing. Gravel parking is provided, along with tents and equipment.
Purina Farms also supplies more than 150 Katahdin/Barbados Cross sheep that are herded on a regular basis. There is no fee for use of the sheep or the field. Although the ducks are not supplied, the Herding & Trial Field also features a 60' x 100' duck arena.
Tracking & Lure Coursing Field
Purina Farms offers grounds to accommodate lure coursing trials as well as tracking trials with a gallery of spectators. Tents and equipment can also be supplied upon request.
Working Dog & Flying Disc Competition Field
Set off to the West side of the Purina Event Center, the Working Dog & Flying Disc Competition Field 180' x 400' flat grassy area is perfectly situated on the property for easy access and use.
Go To Ground / Earthdog Dens
Permanent dens, suitable for all levels, are built to AKC Standards and located near the Main Show Field. Available for use by Terrier and Dachshund enthusiasts, the six earthdog tunnels are maintained jointly by the Missouri Earthdogs, the Dachshund Club of St. Louis, and the Gateway Terrier Association.
Diving Dog
The Incredible Dog Arena at the Visitor's Center features a 18'x50'x (4'deep) heated pool and a ramp that measures 8'wide x 45'long. The pool, along with the Purina Farms trainers, is available upon request when time and schedules permit.
Other Items to Note:
- Crating is allowed ringside 15 minutes prior and 15 minutes after the scheduled class in which handlers and their dogs are competing. Exercise pens are allowed on all parking areas. Grassy areas outside the show field can also be used.
- Tents ranging in size from 10' x 10' to 40' x 80' are available on-site and can be used for show tents, superintendent's area, grooming, food service, etc.
- Other support equipment available includes flagging, portable sound systems, tables, chairs, fans, ring gating and signs.
- Portable toilet facilities can be brought to the site (at host club's expense.)