The Danish civilian Dog Handlers Association – Nearly 90 Years of Dog Sports and Community

The Danish Civilian Dog Handlers Association (DcH) was founded in 1937 and has since been a driving force in the development of dog sports in Denmark. From the first local dog handler clubs, DcH has grown into Denmark’s largest dog sports organization, with local clubs located throughout the country. Over the generations, thousands of dog handlers have found fellowship, education, and challenges within the organization.

DcH is built on the values of community, openness, and quality, with the partnership between dog and handler always at the heart of its activities. Today, the organization offers everything from puppy training and family dog classes to national and international championships at the highest level, under the motto “An Active Dog in DcH.”

The Nordic Program in DcH

The Nordic Program became part of DcH in the late 1990s and is founded on proud Nordic traditions in working dog sports. The program includes the four international FCI disciplines Tracking, Search, IGP, and Skydd, all of which place high demands on the dog’s enthusiasm for work, cooperation, and independence, as well as the handler’s ability to understand and support their dog.

Nordic Tracking and Search test the dog’s ability to solve demanding tracking and search tasks in natural environments, while Skydd combines tracking, search, field search, obedience, and protection work in a versatile five-part competition for working dogs. Skydd represents the branch of Nordic dog sports where control, courage, cooperation, and precision go hand in hand.

Over the years, the Nordic disciplines have developed into a strong community connecting Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Each year, the best teams gather at the Nordic Championships (NOM), where tradition, sportsmanship, and working dogs performing at the highest level come together across national borders.

Welcome to NOM 2026

It is with great pleasure and pride that DcH welcomes you to the Nordic Championships 2026 in Vejle, Denmark. Here, the finest teams from across the Nordic countries come together to celebrate what has been at the heart of Nordic dog sports for decades: the partnership between dog and handler, friendships across borders, and the joy of experiencing working dogs perform at the highest level.

We wish all competitors, officials, volunteers, and spectators a wonderful championship and a memorable stay in Denmark.

Welcome to NOM 2026 – and welcome to DcH.