There were 100 of the speediest dogs invited to compete at the 2022 AKC Agility Dogs Premier Cup on July 9, 2022, in Columbus, OH, at Historic Crew Stadium. Only 50 advanced to the finals after two preliminary rounds, with the top 10 winners named in each height class.
“This year’s Agility Dog Premier Cup was a thrilling event to watch, and we’re glad that the ESPN broadcast shared the excitement of the sport with a large audience,” said Doug Ljungren, Executive Vice President of Sports & Events. “The competition was fierce, and we’d like to congratulate the winners and all of the participants.”
All the action was aired on ESPN2 on July 23, and champions were announced in each of the five height divisions (8″, 12″, 16″, 20″, and 24″).
8″ Winner
Finn the Papillon
Call Name: Finn
Registered Name: MACH3 Pasun’s See U At The Finish Line MXC MJB2
Breed: Papillon
Handler: Jesse Westover
From: North Braddock, PA
Age: 6
Time: 36.31 seconds
Our 8 inch champion is Finn the Papillon! 🏆 The agility action continues on ESPN2! #AKConESPN pic.twitter.com/jFUhdHHTVk
— American Kennel Club (@akcdoglovers) July 23, 2022
12″ Winner
Swindle the Shetland Sheepdog
Call Name: Swindle
Registered Name: MACH Trinity Run Like You Stole It MXS MJS OF
Breed: Shetland Sheepdog
Handler: Abigail Beasley
From: Centerburg, OH
Age: 7
Time: 31.94 seconds
Victory lap for Swindle the Shetland Sheepdog in the 12 inch class! 🏆 We’ve got one more class left so don’t go anywhere! #AKConESPN pic.twitter.com/20NRfrj6T0
— American Kennel Club (@akcdoglovers) July 23, 2022
16” Winner
Lucky the Shetland Sheepdog
Call Name: Lucky
Registered Name: MACH4 PACH Bare Cove On A Roll RN MXC PAD MJB2 MXPB MJP3 MJPB PAX XF
Breed: Shetland Sheepdog
Handler: Jennifer Crank
From: Pickerington, OH
Age: 10
Time: 36.38 seconds
Lucky takes the 16 inch class! 🍀 The agility action continues on ESPN2! #AKConESPN pic.twitter.com/yyoL9fLQn2
— American Kennel Club (@akcdoglovers) July 23, 2022
20” Winner
Hallelujah the Border Collie
Call Name: Hallelujah
Registered Name: NAC Pride Creek’s Now We’Re Talking MX MXB MXJ MJB
Breed: Border Collie
Handler: Jessica Ajouix
From: Wyncote, PA
Age: 5
Time: 30.23 seconds
Hallelujah is our final winner of the day AND holds the fastest score of 30.23! #AKConESPN pic.twitter.com/foxGoZzp9k
— American Kennel Club (@akcdoglovers) July 23, 2022
24” Winner
Wit the Border Collie
Call Name: Wit
Registered Name: MACH Pride Creek’s Walk It Like I Talk It MXB MJB
Breed: Border Collie
Handler: Perry DeWitt
From: Wyncote, PA
Age: 5
Time: 31.92 seconds
Our first winner of the day is Wit the Border Collie in the 24 in class! 🏆 The Agility Premier Cup continues on ESPN2! #AKConESPN pic.twitter.com/evzSZadfK4
— American Kennel Club (@akcdoglovers) July 23, 2022
Get Started in Agility
Any breed — including mixed breeds — can participate in Agility. The first step is making sure your dog is registered. Mixed breeds can register as Canine Partners.
A great first step is working toward your ACT title. The Agility Course Test (ACT) is an entry-level agility event designed to introduce and welcome beginning dogs and their handlers to the AKC sport of agility. Any dog 15 months or older can participate and the title can now be earned virtually.