Four dogs and their handlers from Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Lancashire and Scotland have won one of the country’s most prestigious agility competitions after triumphing in The Kennel Club Agility Championships at Crufts on Thursday 10 March and Sunday 13 March.
Large, intermediate, medium and small dogs and their handlers who had won an Agility Challenge Certificate at a championship show in 2021 took part in the Championships, competing against the top dogs from around the country.
Boost, a Border Collie cross, and owner Dave Munnings from Bicester, Oxfordshire, won the Kennel Club Agility Championships for small dogs on 10 March.
Proud Dave said: “I am extremely happy to win! To be back competing at last is a great feeling. Coming here is like coming home and we love it here. It is our favourite event.”
Roo, a Spaniel cross, and owner Blyth Fox from Bulkington, Warwickshire, won the Kennel Club Agility Championships for medium dogs on 10 March.
Thrilled Blyth said: “It is an amazing feeling to be back. Stepping back on to the carpet to compete is a fantastic feeling and there’s a great atmosphere to it. We really enjoy coming here!”
Zest, a Border Collie, and owner Nicola Wildman from Leyland, Lancashire, won the Kennel Club Agility Championships for intermediate dogs on 13 March.
Pleased owner Nicola said: “It is an incredible moment to come to Crufts and be crowned Champion! It is a huge achievement!
“She is not the fastest out there and I have to help her pick up time in other ways. She did fantastically well and played her part brilliantly.”
Crazee, a Border Collie, and owner Euan Paterson from Stonehaven, Scotland, won the Kennel Club Agility Championships for large dogs on 13 March.
Delighted Euan said: “It was literally so close and on another day it could have been so different. I knew I had to give it everything. We just love running at Crufts, in front of the crowds and against the others. Crazee is a loyal and loving companion. She a really good dog to have around the home.”
Vanessa McAlpine, Crufts Show Manager, said: “All four winners performed very well in the main arena and achieved brilliant results. The team all demonstrated a great enthusiasm for agility.
“All of the finalists that have taken part in the Agility Championships this year should be extremely proud of all their accomplishments in reaching this stage in the most prestigious of all the agility competitions at Crufts and all showed high level of skill in their performances.”
Crufts took place from 10 – 13 March 2022 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.
