Dogs that catch discs aren’t just here for the fun, they’re serious dog athletes! Also known as UpDog, Disc Dog is an exciting, fast-paced, fun sport that all dogs and people can enjoy on many different levels. The 2023 Disc Dog Challenge, presented by The Farmer’s Dog, took place on May 21 in Rock Hill, South Carolina, airing on ESPN2 on June 17.
These competitions have taken the basic game of fetch with a flying disc and expanded it into a whole bunch of fun games. Four of those games — Frizgility, Time Warp, Spaced Out, and Far Out — are played as part of the AKC Disc Dog Challenge, presented by The Farmer’s Dog, to figure out which dog was the best with the flying disc.
Dogs jumped, ran, and caught discs in a variety of UpDog Challenge games to be named the best in each game, and one dog was crowned the overall winner.
2023 Disc Dog Challenge Presented by The Farmer’s Dog Winners
Overall Winner
Call Name: Pete
Breed: Border Collie
Handler: Steven Smith
From: Great Village, Nova Scotia
Frizgility Winner
Call Name: Mamba
Breed: All-American Dog
Handler: Lily Martinez
From: Fernandina Beach, Florida
Time Warp Winner
Call Name: Style
Breed: Border Collie
Handler: Tiffany Long
From: Rochester, MN
Spaced Out Winner
Call Name: Mamba
Breed: All-American Dog
Handler: Lily Martinez
From: Fernandina Beach, Florida
Far Out Winner
Team Name: Team Orange
Want to Get Involved in Disc Dog?
If you love throwing a disc with your dog, consider giving Disc Dog and its many games a try! The best way to get involed is to find clubs near you that offer classes, and try out each game to figure out what you like best. If you’re not ready to go to a class, many clubs host online classes and seminars, and you can try practicing throwing a disc at home. Who knows, you and your dog might be the next duo showcasing your skills on ESPN2!
For more information about UpDog and getting involved in your local area so your dog can be recognized, please visit UpDog Challenge. There you can learn more about events in your area, UpDog games, and more!
Don’t think Disc Dog is for you? Don’t worry! There are many dog sports that are suitable for dogs of all ages and abilities.