The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce the names of the handlers that will represent the AKC and the United States at the Agility World Championships in Basel Switzerland on October 6, 7 & 8, 2006.

The Mini Dog Team

• Melanie Del Villagio & Dara
  Shetland Sheepdog
  Team and Individual
• Dee Anna Gamel & Kelsi
  Shetland Sheepdog
  Team
• Barb Davis & Rock-It
  Shetland Sheepdog
  Individual
• Barbara Bicksler & Sydney
  Shetland Sheepdog
  Team

The Medium Dog Team

• Lori Michaels & Skye
  Shetland Sheepdog
  Team
• Jennifer Crank & Guess
  Shetland Sheepdog
  Team and Individual
• Karen Holik & Sizzle
  Shetland Sheepdog
  Individual
• Jean Lavalley & Taz
  Shetland Sheepdog
  Team

The Large Dog Team

• Linda Mecklenburg & Stellar
  Border Collie
  Team and Individual
• Ann Braue & Spree
  Border Collie
  Team and Individual
• Carrie Jones & Jive
  Border Collie
  Team and Individual
• Marcus Topps & Juice
  Border Collie
  Individual
• Gerry Brown & Sterling
  Border Collie
  Individual

The first 2 team members won their team spots at the AKC Agility World Team Tryouts, which was held on May 6, & 7, 2006. The 3rd, 4th & 5th team members respectively were chosen using a point system calculated from the dogs' scores at both the AKC Agility World Team Tryouts and the AKC National Agility Championship, which was held January 13, 14 & 15, 2006.

We are extremely excited to be sending such a high caliber team of dogs and handlers. All of these team members earned their way onto the team by being both fast and reliable, and we know they will represent the United States of America and the American Kennel Club to the best of their abilities.

Click here for more World Agility Championship information.