The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry, and leading advocate for dogs, is excited to announce the winners of the first AKC Agility League Championships. The AKC Agility League is sponsored by Purina Pro Plan, YuMove, and AKC Pet Insurance.
The AKC Agility League held its first live championship on September 2 – 4 at Purina Farms in Gray Summit, MO, bringing together league teams from around the country for fun, fellowship, and great competition.
“It was so exciting to witness these canine athletes and their teams in action,” said Gina DiNardo, Executive Secretary of the American Kennel Club. “We can’t wait for future seasons and events of the AKC Agility League.”
Agility League teams compete on their home turf during regular season play. The Championship was the first opportunity for teams to meet in person and compete on the same playing field. There were 30 teams represented, with over 550 runs over the weekend that featured classes for all levels of dogs, from novice through international. The event also featured fun team contests, including the best Team Shirt and best Decorated Crating Area.
Judges were Lauren Duckworth Bigbee of Oregon (Sophomore & Senior); Carol Mount of New Jersey (Freshman & Senior); and guest judge Ashley Deacon of California (Ph.D.).
The top three teams were honored in each division: Ph.D. (International-style courses), Senior (Masters courses); Sophomore (Open courses); and Freshman (Novice courses). The top dogs in each jump height class were also honored in each division.
The top teams were:
Ph.D. Class:
1st – Smoothie & The All Sized Aussies of Kentucky – Captain Ana Ford
2nd – WestRover’s Speed Squad of Alabama – Captain Viveka Rosenberger
3rd – Happy Dog Sports of Texas – Captain Maggie Schoolar
Senior Class:
1st – WestRover’s Q Crew of Alabama – Captain Jennifer Crisman
2nd – Fastest Dogs in Dixie of Alabama – Captain Gloria Krueger
3rd – The Pointy Eared Dogs at DKS – Team 2 of Illinois – Captain Emily Scott
Sophomore Class:
1st – WestRover’s Team2Beat of Alabama – Captain Bailey Powell
2nd – Stoney Run Canine Camp Racers of Indiana – Captain Kimberlee Swender
3rd – Runnin’ Down a Dream of Wisconsin – Captain Julie Strey Johnson
Freshman Class:
1st – The Wrecking Balls of DSK of Illinois – Captain Jessica King
2nd – WestRover’s So Fresh & So Clean of Alabama – Captain Viveka Rosenberger
3rd – Stoney Run Canine Camp Speed Demons of Indiana – Captain Kimberlee Swender
All the results, including the individual dog placements, may be found at: https://www.akc.org/akc-agility-league/akc-agility-league-championship/.
The AKC Agility League’s fall season kicks off on Sept. 18. For more information, contact AgilityLeague@akc.org.