The Diving Dogs Challenge is back – this year with a new look. For 2025, the AKC Military Diving Dogs Challenge was held in collaboration with North American Diving Dogs and ESPN. The event was part of the AKC Salutes the Troops event, held in Georgia along with the AKC Agility Premier Cup and AKC Fastest Dogs USA.
The AKC Diving Dogs Challenge was held on May 3rd, and premiered on ESPN on July 4. Dogs competed in three disciplines, each named as part of the AKC Salutes the Troops event: Elite Premier (Chinook), Senior Master (Apache), and Lap (Blackhawk). See the placements below!
Elite Premier, Chinook
Winner
Call Name: Posey
Breed: Belgian Malinois
Handler(s): Katie Smith
From: Oxford, MI
Second Place
Call Name: Misfit
Breed: Whippet
Handler(s): Lindsay Sharkey
From: Swartz Creek, MI
Third Place
Call Name: Boom
Breed: All-American Dog
Handler(s): Cindy Greenslade
From: Anderston, IN
Senior Master, Apache
Winner
Call Name: Titan
Breed: Dutch Shepherd
Handler(s): Denise Duriga
From: Cedar Lake, IN
Second Place
Call Name: Trinity
Breed: All-American Dog
Handler(s): Erin Rakosky
From: Asheboro, NC
Third Place
Call Name: Gilligan
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Handler(s): Valerie Ford
From: Deland, FL
Lap, Blackhawk
Winner
Call Name: Nimona
Breed: All-American Dog
Handler(s): Adriana Nottestad
From: Wendell, NC
Second Place
Call Name: The Fig
Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Handler(s): Pam Dural
From: Lebanon, OH
Third Place
Call Name: Yogi
Breed: Boston Terrier
Handler(s): Chris Kemper
From: Jacksonville, FL
Get Started in Dock Diving
If the AKC Diving Dogs Challenge 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 six 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 Challenge participants are making a splash! Catch all of the action on July 4th at 7pm ET on ESPN!