Some of the speediest pups around were crowned the champions at The American Kennel Club (AKC) National Agility Championship, taking place March 26-28 at a livestock complex in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
According to the AKC, "The expo is an indoor, climate-controlled horse arena on dirt and has multiple rings set up for competition. After the pandemic canceled last year's event, top agility canine athletes are eager to participate in this year's event."
The championship included over 1,122 dogs from across the country, including 100 different breeds. All competitors competed in jumps ranging in height from 4" to 24" (based on size).
Biewer Terrier Earns AKC Recognition, Will Compete in Toy Group The two-hour competition aired last night on ESPN2, giving sports fans a real preview of the athletic ability of dogs. "We're glad we were able to have this year's championship with safety protocols in place, but with all the fun of an agility competition," said Carrie DeYoung, AKC's Agility Director.
For those folks that are new to the sport (or reading about a dog agility championship for the first time), here's a quick introduction. The AKC says that agility courses (or obstacle courses) usually have between 14-20 obstacles including jumps, dog ramps, weave poles, tire jumps, open tunnels, seesaw, A-frame, and a pause table. The course is timed and scored by judges.
Amos, AKA 'Hairy Pawter,' Wins AKC Trick Dog Competition According to the AKC, it's one of the fastest growing canine sports in the United States. "And as an extra bonus, even these basic skills can help build your dog's confidence, decrease his anxiety, increase his trust, and introduce him to new experiences," adds the organization.
As for final results of The American Kennel Club (AKC) National Agility Championship, winners were selected in each of the following six height divisions:
Courtesy of The American Kennel Club 8" Agility Champion
Winner: Lark the Papillon
Breed: Papillon
Handler: Betsey Lynch
From: Delaware, OH
Age: 4
Time:3
12" Agility Champion
Winner: Prix the Manchester Terrier
Breed: Manchester Terrier
Handler: Beth Mathews-Bradshaw
From: Haymarket, VA
Age: 5
Time: 43.648 seconds
16" Agility Champion
Winner: P!nk the Border Collie
Breed: Border Collie
Handler: Jennifer Crank
From: Columbus, OH
Age: 9
Time: 33.278 seconds
20" Agility Champion
Winner: Hallelujah the Border Collie
Breed: Border Collie
Handler: Jessica Ajoux
From: Wyncote, PA
Time: 33.462 seconds
24" Agility Champion
Winner: Kaboom the Border Collie
Breed: Border Collie
Handler: Amber McCune
From: Bedford, NH
Age: 7
Time: 38.070 seconds
24C" Agility Champion
Winner: Knack the Border Collie
Breed: Border Collie
Handler: Soshana Dos
From: Durham, CT
Age: 6
Time: 36.369 seconds
Also check out the Preferred Winners here.
