A tiny Yorkshire terrier sailed over hurdles.

Two low-slung dachshunds dashed through nylon tunnels.

A Jack Russell terrier jumped through a hoop and then ran up a steep ramp and down the other side.

The feats drew applause and cheers of "Good dog!" as 25 dogs competed last weekend at the Keystone Canine Training Club in Bethel Park.

Unlike other dog shows, however, all of these canine competitors had one thing in common: They were small -- some were downright tiny -- in the event sanctioned by the Teacup Dogs Agility Association.

Agility competitions are popular crowd-pleasers at any dog show. The sport has attracted new fans over the years because agility feats often are shown on cable channels that broadcast shows for animal lovers.

At typical agility trials, hurdle heights usually are raised or lowered to suit the size of the dog.

Other equipment on the obstacle course remains unchanged and generally is scaled to suit large dogs.

But at trials for dogs that are teacup size, all of the equipment has been built to a smaller scale to accommodate the little light-weights.

"In the TDAA, the little dog will have his day," states the Web site of the Teacup Dogs Agility Association, formed in 2002.

The A-frame at teacup trials, for example, is smaller. The dog walk is closer to the ground, and the seesaw is shorter and lighter. The entire course covers a much smaller area, so that little dogs and their handler/owners do not have to run at top speed over a large area.

Among the competitors last weekend were three West Highland white terriers, two Havanese, a Chihuahua, two small poodles and a cockapoo.

Sadie, a 14-pound Jack Russell terrier, has been going to training classes at Keystone for three years but had entered only one agility competition before last weekend.

"We both had so much fun," said owner Lori Miller, of North Fayette. "She had two first-place finishes, four second place and one third place. I am just so pleased," said Ms. Miller, who is a volunteer instructor at Keystone.

Sadie's accomplishments are especially noteworthy because Ms. Miller got her from a Maryland shelter four years ago. Sadie needed a lot of loving care and gentle training to overcome apparent abuse and neglect.

In addition to being a well-adjusted pet, Sadie is a therapy dog and makes regular visits to nursing homes.

A Yorkshire terrier named Tiffany showed her versatility last weekend by competing enthusiastically and successfully. She was handled by Tom Bandi, of Upper St. Clair, while his wife, Phyllis, cheered them on from the sidelines.

Most dogs wagged their tails while competing, and some barked and yipped with apparent glee.

But a couple of novice competitors were not so enthusiastic.

An 8-pound Chihuahua fled the indoor ring, squeezing his body through a tiny hole in the fence. A gray cockapoo named Lovey declined to run the course.

Owners of both dogs merely chuckled and cuddled their dogs. Agility is supposed to be fun and dogs aren't forced to run a course if they don't want to.

Lovey has had other successes at Keystone, though. She regularly dons a lavender dress and plays a bridesmaid in the popular dog weddings that Keystone Club members stage at local nursing homes.

Lovey, 7, is owned by Phil and Caroline Chapman, of McMurray. Their other dog, a collie-mix named Peaches, is the bride at those weddings.

Tiffany is the flower girl.

The Keystone Canine Training Club is a not-for-profit club that offers an array of training classes taught by volunteers, including basic training for dogs and people who are not interested in competing. For information, go to www.keystonecanine.com or call 412-833-2211.