The 2022 AKC Diving Dogs Premier Cup, held in collaboration with North American Diving Dogs, took place on April 2 at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. Top dogs made a big splash competing in Distance and Air Retrieve, with the top three in each receiving prize money.
The competition aired on ESPN2 on May 16, and champions were announced for both Distance and Air Retrieve.
Distance Jumping
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.
First Place
Call Name: James
Registered Name: TNT’s Epic Black Tie Affair OA OAJ
Breed: Border Collie
Handler(s): Brenda Kelly and Ela Zalo
From: Flower Mound, TX
Age: 4
Final Jump: 26 feet 9 inches
Second Place
Call Name: Ryder
Registered Name: White’s Wicked Ryder
Breed: All American
Handler(s): Brianna White and Kyle Devauld
From: Colonial Heights, VA
Age: 3
Final Jump: 24 feet 10 inches
Third Place
Call Name: Finn
Registered Name: Sovereign’s Fetching Finnigan “Finn” DE DM
Breed: Brittany
Handler(s): John Van Allen and Leanne Van Allen
From: Hudson, WI
Age: 3
Final Jump: 24 feet 4 inches
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.
First Place
Call Name: Mako
Registered Name: Metloff’s G-Mako CGCA CHCU TKN
Breed: Belgian Malinois
Handler(s): Serena Ghosio and Nick Glance
From: Tampa, FL
Age: 4
Longest Distance: 21 feet
Second Place
Call Name: Cane
Registered Name: BlackFoot’s Storm Warning CD BN RA SH NA MXF MFP FCAT DE DMA AMA HDMA CGC TKI
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Handler(s): Lindsay Hill
From: Oakland Park, FL
Age: 7
Longest Distance: 20 feet
Third Place
Call Name: Reid
Registered Name:Reid CA BCAT AM
Breed: German Shepherd Dog
Handler(s): Kayleigh Casey
From: Orange City, FL
Age: 7
Longest Distance: 19 feet
Get Started in Diving Dogs
If you think your water-loving dog would love competing, it’s easier to get involved than you think.
Like many dog sports, all dogs including mixed breeds (6 months and older) 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.