The 2024 AKC Diving Dogs Premier Cup was held in collaboration with North American Diving Dogs on September 19, in Aurora, Colorado. Dogs competed in three disciplines: Distance, Air Retrieve, and Hydro Dash, with a winner crowned in each category.
The competition aired on ESPN, and champions were announced for each discipline. In Air Retrieve, dogs competed to knock a bumper of an apparatus, which hangs at the middle of the dock’s width at the farthest distance. The rig moved out in one-foot increments and each dog had two attempts. In Distance, dogs competed for the farthest jump, which is measured from the end of the dock to the base of the dog’s tail when it breaks water. See the 2024 AKC Diving Dogs Premier Cup winners below!
Distance Jumping, Premier
First Place
Call Name: Stradale
Breed: Whippet
Handler(s): Arika Nester
From: Overland Park, Kansas
Age: 2 years old
Second Place
Call Name: Snap
Breed: All-American Dog
Handler(s): Susi Evans
From: Denver, Colorado
Age: 5 years old
Third Place
Call Name: Riley
Breed: All-American Dog
Handler(s): Josh Blount
From: Spring, Texas
Age: 2 years old
Distance Jumping, Elite
First Place
Call Name: Blackjack
Breed: German Shorthaired Pointer
Handler(s): Mike Moritz
From: Eastvale, California
Age: 3 years old
Second Place
Call Name: Lyta
Breed: Belgian Malinois
Handler(s): Marcella Ruhana
From: Lafayette, Indiana
Age: 3 years old
Third Place
Call Name: Siren
Breed: Belgian Malinois
Handler(s): Allison Hill
From: Caseyville, Illinois
Age: 2 years old
Distance Jumping, Lap
Winner
Call Name: BoomBoom
Breed: All-American Dog
Handler(s): Laura O’Donnell
From: Mars, Pennsylvania
Age: 7 years old
Second Place
Call Name: Cava
Breed: All-American Dog
Handler(s): Susi Evans
From: Denver, Colorado
Age: 2 years old
Third Place
Call Name: Little Miss
Breed: Jagdterrier
Handler(s): Joshua Flicek
From: Northfield, Minnesota
Age: 3 years old
Get Started in Dock Diving
If the AKC Diving Dogs Premier Cup seems intriguing and you have a dog that loves water, you’re already one step closer to competing yourself.
Like many dog sports, all dogs over 6 months, including mixed breeds, are eligible to compete in Diving Dogs (other than females in season.) Titles earned through North America Diving Dogs (NADD) will be recognized by The American Kennel Club. To apply, simply complete the Title Application.
The AKC Diving Dogs Premier Cup participants are making a splash! Catch all of the action on October 27 at 5:00pm ET on ESPN2!