If you go
› What: Hyperflite Skyhoundz World Canine Disc Championships› Where: Coolidge Park, 200 River St.› When: Qualifying rounds begin at 9 a.m. Friday-Sunday, Sept. 22-24› Admission: Free› For more information: www.skyhoundz.com
Chattanooga will become the center of the disc dog universe this weekend when the Hyperflite Skyhoundz World Canine Disc Championship is held Friday through Sunday, Sept. 22-24, in Coolidge Park.
Skyhoundz is the big dog in canine championships with U.S. and European champions named. Sponsored by Hyperflite Flying Discs, the Skyhoundz series features more than 100 disc dog competitions held around the world.
The championship series consists of local, state and last-chance qualifiers leading up to the world championship. Last-chance qualifiers began earlier this week at Camp Jordan in East Ridge. The final last-chance qualifier is Friday in Coolidge Park. No on-site registrations will be accepted; pet-handler teams must have already registered.
Frisbee dogs, also known as flying dogs and disc dogs, are canine athletes who demonstrate impressive vertical leaps as they chase down Frisbees thrown several yards by their handlers.
The microdog division is for canines less than 17 inches from ground to withers; the macrodogs are 18 inches and taller. Both divisions compete in categories of distance/accuracy and freestyle. Elimination rounds will begin at 9 a.m. each day.
According to Skyhoundz organizers, more than 200 teams from around the world have qualified to compete in this weekend's World Championship. Most of them have come to Chattanooga to battle for championship trophies.
The championship rounds are open to the public. Bring a chair. Sit. Stay.