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 MARCH 2024

The KC Announces YKC Agility Team GB 2024

The Kennel Club has announced the team members who will represent Young Kennel Club (YKC) Agility Team GB at the Junior Open Agility World Championships, which will be held at the Sentower Park in Belgium, from 18th – 21st July 2024.

The successful handlers and dogs were chosen following two try-out events, which concluded at Dog Sports Derby, YKC Agility Team GB sponsor, on 24th March. The weekend was judged by  Natalie Webb.

The Kennel Club congratulates all the handlers who have been selected to represent YKC Agility Team GB this year.

This year there were opportunities for win-on places for the Junior Open Agility World Championships.

Those winning the coveted spots were:-

Large

  • Max Glover with Soldaze Dark Side of the Moon (Sushi)

  • Max Glover with Soldaze One Summer Dream (Pink)

  • Isabella Cox with Ag.Ch. Maxiumum Reds (Rio)

Medium

  • Max Glover with Maximus Silvestris (Woody)

Small

  • Isabella Taylor with Javawolf Right Kind of Wrong (Hatti)

  • Isabella Cox with Isabelora Steal My Girl (Fidget)

Two selection days were also held at Dog Sports Derby in February and March, which consisted of both Agility and Jumping courses, designed by Junior Open Agility World Championships judges throughout. Handlers had the opportunity to progress from the pre-selection qualifier to the Junior Try-Out weekend with successful young handlers and dogs then selected for the team through a statistics-driven process.

Those earning their place on the team are:-

Large

  • Isabella Cox with Ag.Ch. Maxiumum Reds (Rio)

  • Isabella Twigg with Roo Star of Ainmhithe (Roo)

  • Jessica Keegans with Cardueae Veroni of Vogelaar (Clover)

  • Max Glover with Soldaze Dark Side of The Moon (Sushi)

  • Max Glover with Soldaze One Summer Dream (Pink)

  • Nia Rose with Todalens Rhymney AW/P (Farlie)

  • Olivia White with Isilme Mocha Monkey (Mocha)

  • Rebecca Chuter-Smith with Lookylooky Just Do It (Nike)
     

  • Gaby Farr with Lookylooky Awesome Oreo AW/S (Oreo) (Reserve)

  • Max Glover with Neuadd Lwyd Beat at Soldaze (Beat) (Reserve)

Intermediate

  • Brooke Woodroffe with Only Wish Hard Enough AW/S (Orry)

  • Chloe Powling with The Veloci Cassie Raptor (Cassie)

  • Josh Tyson with Kenyenten Honorarium (Maddy)

  • Judith Graham with Moel Zippy Demonic Future (Future)

  • Leela Craig-Thompson with Herbert Over and Out (Herbie)

  • Mia Steedman with Lorramia English Rose (Rosie) - 2023 World Champions

  • Will Hinz with Twix Classical Mix (Twix)

  • Yvie Thompson with Solar Kozmic Storm (Kozmo)

Medium

  • Amy Langman with Done and Busted (Buster)

  • Amy Langman with I Did a Thing (Ollie)

  • Demi Wright with Magic Dream Charmer at Magilitas (GT)

  • Macy Paul with Magnificent Mr Syd (Syd)

  • Max Glover with Maximus Silvestris (Woody)

  • Maya Crowhurst with Stratus Showgirl (Lola)

  • Ruby Strutt with Klairella Stargazer (Jet)

  • Taylor Lyon with Rohamki Taylor Made (Elliott)
     

  • Jemima Latham with Pocket Rocket Pebble (Pebble) (Reserve)

  • Martha Wake with Tiggi Computer Says No (Tiggi) (Reserve)

  • Nia Rose with Moomin’s Mess Maker Jess AW/G (Jess) (Reserve)

Small

  • Caitlin Finlay with Ajanti The Space Cowboy (Doodle)

  • Chloe Cooper with Ain't He Sweep (Sweep)

  • Demi Wright with Kiss My Dust (Shelby)

  • Dylan Osborne with Devongem Well Jelly Baby (Jelly) - 2023 World Champions

  • Evan Houldsworth with Devongem Pips Dream (Pip)

  • Isabella Cox with Isabelora Steal My Girl (Fidget)

  • Isabella Taylor with Javawolf Right Kind of Wrong (Hatti)

  • Mia Fairweather with Obay Thatz the Biz (Zip)

  • Taylor Lyon with Bullbrand Taylors Team (Asher)

Greg Derrett, Agility Team GB Manager said, 'his year’s selection process really tested the dog training and handling skills of those trying out with some very challenging courses from the Junior Open Agility World Championship 2024 judges. I would like to congratulate all the Junior handlers on their performances and those that have been selected to represent their country. With several of last year’s team no longer eligible for the team, this year will see a lot of team members competing for Great Britain. We are very happy with the partnerships that have made this year’s teams and are looking forward to working with both new and old handlers to develop Agility Team GB over the next four months.'

In addition to being sponsored by The Kennel Club and Dog Sports Derby, the team is also kindly supported by Natural Instinct, SWAG K9 and Galican.

Phil Keen, Managing Director of Natural Instinct, added, 'We are extremely proud to be sponsoring Agility Team GB. We have been supporters for a number of years now and to be part of the events taking place this year is really exciting. We would like to wish everyone competing the best of luck.'

Daniel Millwood, owner of SWAG K9 commented, 'SWAG K9 have supported agility in many formats over the years, and we are extremely excited to now be supporting The Kennel Club and Team GB in 2024, especially after such an exciting year for the Junior and Senior teams last year. Well done to everyone who made the 2024 YKC Agility Team GB!'

Full results from the try-outs can be found at agilityplaza.com/competition/1217086118/results.

More information on the qualification process for 2025 can be found at thekennelclub.org.uk/agilityteamgb. YKC Agility Team GB is sponsored by The Kennel Club, Natural Instinct, SWAG K9, Dog Sports Derby and Galican.

 29th March 2024


Agility Team GB 2024 Selected

The Kennel Club has announced the agility teams which will represent Great Britain at the European Open Agility Championships, hosted by The Kennel Club in Warwickshire, from 1st – 4th August and the FCI Agility World Championships in Opglabbeek, Belgium, from 1st – 6th October 2024.

The successful handlers and dogs were chosen following two try-out weekend events, which concluded at Dog Sports Derby, Agility Team GB sponsor, on 17th March. This year there were opportunities for win-on places for both the European Open Championship team and the Agility World Championship team.

The Kennel Club congratulates all the handlers who have been selected to represent Agility Team GB this year.

Agility Team GB Manager Greg Derrett said, 'This should be an exciting year for Agility Team GB, especially with the European Open being hosted by the Kennel Club in the UK and with the team looking to build upon their impressive performances from 2023. We have some really strong medal contenders again this year, and we are looking forward to working with both previous and new team members over the coming months.

'I would like to congratulate everyone who tried out for the team over the two selection weekends and hope that, even if unsuccessful, everyone enjoyed the process, have gained experience and learnt areas that they need to improve before returning stronger next year.'

Those winning the coveted spots were:-

European Open Championship – Team and Individual competitions

Large

  • Harriet Harding with Lalapaws Ever Irrational (Pi)

  • Martin Reid with Ag.Ch. Lilhaze Spring Into Shape (Shape)

Intermediate

  • Michelle Waugh with Manicjax Summer Dreams (Otto)

  • Dalton Meredith with Ag.Ch. Fandabidozi Eclipse of Dust (Clippy)

Medium

  • Liz Carpenter with Ag.Ch. Moseleywood Winnie AW/P (Winnie)

  • Lily Dakin with Wavesong Honky Tonk Blu (Scout)

Small

  • Martin Reid with Ag.Ch. Get It with Eager to Work (Selfie)

  • Laura Farrow with Quinlent Dubplate Special (Dubs)

Agility World Championship

Large

  • Naarah Cuddy with Ah Ch Lilhaze Dark Pleasure (Lemon)

  • Dave Munnings with Ag.Ch. Comebyanaway Wot A Legacy (Legacy)

Intermediate

  • Dan Shaw with Comebyanaway Wild Streak (Streak)
  • Michelle Waugh with Manicjax Summer Dreams (Otto)

Medium

  • Dalton Meredith with Ag.Ch. Fandabidozi Munchykin Jive (Munchy)
  • James Adams with Ag.Ch. Devongem Tiz Gold Standard (Willow)

Small

  • Martin Reid with Ag.Ch. Get It with Eager to Work (Selfie)

Managing Director of Natural Instinct Phil Keen, said, 'We have been supporters for several years now, and we are incredibly proud and pleased to continue sponsoring the Agility Team GB.'

Daniel Millwood, owner of SWAG K9 added, 'SWAG K9 have supported agility in many formats over the years and we are extremely excited to now be supporting The Kennel Club and Team GB in 2024, especially after such an exciting year for the junior and senior teams last year. Well done to everyone who made the 2024 Agility Team GB!” 

The teams selected are as follows (*indicate a team member competing only in the Individual competition, not Team competition):

Agility Team GB European Open Championships

Large

  • Alan Bray with Ag.Ch. Devongem Blade Runner at Upanovatiger (Ticket)
  • Chris Kerton with Infinity Runners Shanapu (Cop)
  • David Munnings with Ag.Ch. Comebyanaway Wot a Legacy (Legacy)
  • Harriet Harding with Lalapaws Ever Irrational (Pi)
  • James Adams with Lilhaze Spring Into Blossom (Bay)
  • Joanne Tristram with Foxridge Fade to Black (Fade)
  • Kayleigh Hewitt with Ag.Ch. Manicjax Summer Like a Sauna (Cosmo)
  • Martin Reid with Ag.Ch. Lilhaze Spring into Shape (Shape)
  • Naarah Cuddy with Ag.Ch. Lilhaze Dark Pleasure (Lemon)
  • Sara Bacon with Tynevermoor Secret Trend (Trend)
  • Shannon Springford with Zhanisgo Give It Some Banter (Banter)
  • Sian Illingworth with Zhanisgo Redesign (Design)

Reserves:

  • Lindsey Lightower with Breewhych Days Future Past (Havok)
  • Mike Bendell with Ag.Ch. Lookylooky Blue Falcon (Falcon)
  • Shannon Springford with Castomya Love Is Gifted at Shansdream (Ferny)

Intermediate

  • Aimee Kerton with Baybelieve Shes Black Magic (Maroochy)
  • Cara Cousins with Wynwich Never Four Get (Ellie)
  • Chris Kerton with Poughkeepsie The Funky Duck (Duck)
  • Dalton Meredith with Ag.Ch. Fandabidozi Eclipse of Dust (Clippy)
  • Dan Shaw with Comebyanaway Wild Streak (Streak)
  • Euan Paterson with Ag.Ch. Devongem Quick Time (Crazee)
  • Lee Gibson with Ag.Ch. Euro Star (Star)
  • Marita Ogilvie with Darleyfalls Cryptic Enigma (Cicada)
  • Michelle Waugh with Manicjax Summer Dreams (Otto)
  • Rachael Gilmour with Lalapaws Tantrum And Tiaras (Tantrum)
  • Stephanie Best with Shadow of Aire Believe in The Dream (Believe) *Individual only
  • Steven Richardson with Ag.Ch. Moel Gamble Demonic Risk (Gamble)
  • Toni Smith with Seven Seas I-C Raven Liv at Cherryhog (Banu)

Reserves:

  • Harriet Hunt with Mad Eye Loony (Grace)
  • Steven Seale with Devongem Try Fleck (Flec)
  • Toni Smith with Cherryhog Bright Future (Febe)

Medium

  • Ashleigh Butler with Glendream Another Monster (Nacho)
  • Dalton Meredith with Ag.Ch. Fandabidozi Munchykin Jive (Munchy)
  • James Adams with Ag.Ch. Devongem Tiz Gold Standard (Willow)
  • Jennifer Kent with Basilea More of a Chaser (Newt)
  • Laura Chapman with Ag.Ch. Leebeardream Come true (Endeavour)
  • Lily Dakin with Wavesong Honky Tonk Blu (Scout)
  • Lindsey Lightowler with Devongem Once Upon a Time (Wanda)
  • Liz Carpenter with Ag.Ch. Moseleywood Winnie AW/P (Winnie)
  • Mariann Bayliss with Bet Your Bottom Dollar (Betty)
  • Natasha Wise with Ag.Ch. Tottlefeilds Flippin Bizzy (Toto)
  • Stephanie Best with Z-Atomic Spice Koryfej (Skedaddle)
  • Summer Clark with Tuftihed Fly Like an Eagle AW/P (Arrow)

Reserves:

  • Cerian Kear with Fairfaxgame’s Blitzen (Blitz)
  • Jo Gleed with Devongem Firing It Up (Topic)
  • Liz Carpenter with Ag.Ch. Moseleywood Maggie AW(G) (Maggie)

Small

  • Charlotte-Louise Yeaman with Devongem Trendy At Glenheart AW/G (Haze)
  • Dylan Osborne with Devongem Well Jelly Baby (Jelly)
  • Jess Turrill with Dakata African Sunrise (Simba)
  • Jo Gleed with Devongem Classic (Sinner)
  • Karen Boardman with Devongem Tiz Unbeatable (Robyn)
  • Katrina Hands with Set the Pace of Summergarden (Sizzle)
  • Laura Farrow with Quinlent Dubplate Special (Special)
  • Liz Naylor with Devongem Bright Skye at Hornspike (Skye)
  • Louise Godwin with The Fate of The Furious (Drift)
  • Lucy Conway with Mezonyx All in On Black (Casino)
  • Martin Reid with Ag.Ch. Get It with Eager to Work (Selfie)
  • Martin Tait with Rat A Rat A Dervish Demon (Tatty)
  • Rachel Ward with Devongem Sweet But a Syko (Pecan) - *Individual only

Reserves:

  • Alan Bray with Ag.Ch. Devongem Fire Starter At Upanovatiger (Ticita)
  • Matthew Burdett with Licosateria Final Frontier (Bru)
  • Sarah Paterson with Devongem Gold Supremacy (Super)

The teams in each height category for the team competitions at the European Open will be confirmed nearer the time.

Agility Team GB FCI World Championships

Large

  • Chris Kerton with Infinity Runners Shanapu (Cop)
  • David Munnings with Ag.Ch. Comebyanaway Wot a Legacy (Legacy)
  • Martin Reid with Ag.Ch. Lilhaze Spring Into Shape (Shape)
  • Naarah Cuddy with Ah Ch Lilhaze Dark Pleasure (Lemon)
  • Shannon Springford with Zhanisgo Give It Some Banter (Banter)

Intermediate

  • Dalton Meredith with Ag.Ch. Fandabidozi Eclipse of Dust (Clippy)
  • Dan Shaw with Comebyanaway Wild Streak (Streak)
  • Euan Paterson with Ag.Ch. Devongem Quick Time (Crazee)
  • Marita Ogilvie with Darleyfalls Cryptic Enigma (Cicada)
  • Michelle Waugh with Manicjax Summer Dreams (Otto)
  • Steven Richardson with Ag.Ch. Moel Gamble Demonic Risk (Gamble)

Medium

  • Dalton Meredith with Ag.Ch. Fandabidozi Munchykin Jive (Munchy)
  • James Adams with Ag.Ch. Devongem Tiz Gold Standard (Willow)
  • Laura Chapman with Ag.Ch. Leebeardream Come true (Endeavour)
  • Lily Dakin with Wavesong Honky Tonk Blu (Scout)
  • Stephanie Best with Z-Atomic Spice Koryfej (Skedaddle)

Small

  • Charlotte-Louise Yeaman with Devongem Trendy at Glenheart AW/G (Haze)
  • Dylan Osborne with Devongem Well Jelly Baby (Jelly)
  • Katrina Hands with Set the Pace of Summergarden (Sizzle)
  • Lucy Conway with Mezonyx All In On Black (Casino)
  • Martin Reid with Ag.Ch. Get It with Eager to Work (Selfie)

Further selections for the Agility World Championship team will be made after the European Open Championships.

 In addition to being sponsored by The Kennel Club and Dog Sports Derby, the team is also kindly supported by Natural Instinct, SWAG K9 and Galican.

Full results from the try-outs can be found at agilityplaza.com/competition/1825988804/results. More information on the qualification process for 2025 can be found at thekennelclub.org.uk/agilityteamgb


Change of Agility Nuts Venue for April Show

Following a ground inspection at Oakhill, Agility Nuts has made the decision to move their 6th-7th April show to Walesby Forest, NG22 9NG.

Show organiser Paul Sensky said, 'The ground at Oakhill would need it not to rain again before the show to have any chance of recovery, which is asking a lot, whilst I was able to drive my van across the fields at Walesby without any problem at all. Apologies to those of you who now have slightly further to travel, but I felt this was the only option to take now to ensure that the show could go ahead. Camping won't be ringside at Walesby, but it won't be far from the rings at all. Added bonuses are a shower block, on site shop, on site restaurant and an on-site licensed bar and a forest to walk your dogs in across the road.'



New Hoopers Organisation Launched

A new hoopers governing body, British K9 Hoopers (aka BK9 Hoopers) was launched in January 2024. Since then, they already have over 300 handlers with 450 + dogs registered as members.

This new Canine Hoopers organisation is run by a committee of enthusiastic Hoopers trainers, all with agility experience including Karen Doig and Peter Elms (Scotland), Charlie Turner (England) and Kev McGree (Wales). Their aim is to promote the growth of Canine Hoopers throughout the UK and to provide Canine Hoopers competitions that are are enjoyable for all competitors. 

BK9' Hoopers hopes to create safe, flowing courses for dogs with progressive skills/tests through the levels to make the sport enjoyable for all, while promoting distance handling and high standards when competing, training and judging. Levels start at K1and go up to K9, their Championship level.

Karen Doig said, 'We encourage advancement in training using reward-based methods to create a good connection between dog and handler. These methods can enable all dogs and handlers to achieve a high level of success. We also want to encourage openness and transparency between competitors, judges, show organisers and committee members.'

January and February saw the launch of the first BK9 Hoopers indoor shows , hosted by three clubs in Scotland, with another two to follow in March. The first of the BK9 Hoopers outdoor shows start in April with one day shows in England at Seascale (Cumbria)and Wisbech (Cambridgeshire) and then three day show in The Scottish Borders town of Kelso. May also sees the first of their Welsh shows. A further 20 shows will be hosted by various clubs throughout the UK, right up until December which you can find on the Agilitynet Show Diary. There are even have dates scheduled for 2025!

If any clubs or show organisers would like to run a BK9 Hoopers licensed show or is interested in becoming a BK9 , please email BK9 Hoopers.

As well as in person shows, BK9 Hoopersare  also holding monthly 'virtual shows' online for people who cannot get to real live shows or perhaps their dog cannot cope with the show environment. The first virtual show has had great feedback from individual handlers and small training groups/clubs.

BK9 Hoopers is also offering a free Judges training programme with a written quiz and face-to- face practical days. Some 30 judges in  the programme with the first of our practical days already fully booked.

If anyone is interested in becoming a BK9 Hoopers judge, contact judges@bk9hoopers.com

To find out more about BK9 Hoopers, our Committee, the rules, judges guidelines, membership, etc go to www.BK9Hoopers.com

Though BK9 Hoopers is in its infancy, there are lots of exciting projects in the pipeline. If you would like to keep up with our new and exciting projects such as awards, leagues, online and face to face training and all our events you can follow our Facebook page, BK9 Hoopers https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554397088100

You can also join our Facebook group BK9 Hoopers Community where you can join in on celebrating Hoopers and have healthy discussions about our favourite dog sport.


What the KC Agility Singles Crufts Winners


Credit: Beat Media
Dalton Meredith & Clippy

Credit: Beat Media
Nicola Wildman & Zest

Credit: Beat Media
Laura Chapman & Endeavor

Credit: Beat Media
Louise Godwin & Drift

The Kennel Club Singles Agility winners have been crowned at this year’s Crufts, in the Large, Intermediate, Medium and Small dog finals in front of the crowds at the world’s greatest dog show Crufts, sponsored by YuMOVE.

To compete at Crufts, the winners had either qualified by gaining points at heats held at Kennel Club licensed shows throughout the country or through gaining a 1st place in the special international final at The Kennel Club International Agility Festival in August 2023.

Crufts Show Manager, Helen Kerfoot said, 'Qualifying for these prestigious finals at Crufts takes hard work and dedication, so all competing dogs and their handlers should be very proud. Well done to all the winners of the Singles Agility finals. All the dogs and their handlers performed incredibly well in the arena and demonstrated the effort they have clearly put in to training throughout the year.'

Here's what the winners were saying afterwards...

  • Singles Agility Large
    Dalton Meredith and Clippy, a five year old Border Collie who took the top prize on Friday, 8th March, winning The Kennel Club Singles Agility Large final. said, 'It is amazing! Clippy is the sister of the dog that I won with yesterday which makes this win even more special!
     

  • Singles Agility Intermediate
    An overjoyed Nicola Wildman and Zest, her eight year-old Border Collie, said. 'I am absolutely thrilled, it is my second time winning this competition but it does not mean any less the second time! It is amazing to win here in the main arena!'
     

  • Singles Agility Medium
    Endeavor, a five-year-old Border Collie, and owner Laura Chapman exclaimed, 'I am over the moon! We won the Singles last year, so I wanted to defend our title - and we did just that. I am delighted! It was tough and challenging, but Endeavor pulled it out the bag – she was amazing!
     

  • Singles Agity Small
    A thrilled Louise Godwin, owner of five-year-old Border Collie x Papillon Drift, said, 'It was like a blur! It happened so fast. It is a dream I've had since I was about four years old, and now it's come true. Drift has been my dog of a lifetime!'

'Fiona Hope, CEO of YuMOVE which sponsored the event, commented, 'Congratulations to all the owners and their dogs on their fantastic win in The Kennel Club’s Singles Agility at Crufts YuMOVE has been an agility sponsor of Crufts for many years, and we’re proud to support canine athletes with our wide range of products so they can keep doing what they do best in the arena.'

Crufts took place from 7th-10th March 2024 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.


Crufts 2024 on Telly


 

Agility Aid & Showtime Processing Joint Announcement

Agility Aid and Showtime are pleased to announce that they will be linking up for the 2024 season. To this end, all shows processed by Agility Aid will be entered online at www.showtime-online.co.uk

All processing, results and at show services will continue to be provided by James at Agility Aid. This has no effect on Showtime shows.

Those new to Showtime will need to register and open an account which is free of charge. Please check out the 'How to' and FAQ pages on the website. Anything you’re unsure of please get in touch via the Contact Us page or just pick up a phone.


 JANUARY 2024

Health Testing at Crufts 2024

Kennel Club urges competitors to sign up for health testing offerings at Crufts including discounted DNA testing and eye testing for all breeds, and free breathing assessments for brachycephalic breeds

The Kennel Club is pleased to offer eye testing to all exhibitors, and free Respiratory Function Grading scheme assessments for Bulldog, French Bulldog and Pug exhibitors, at Crufts this year.

There will be 60 eye testing appointments per day, giving a total of 240 appointments across the four days of the show from Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 March, for all breeds. There is a morning session (from 10am to 1pm) and an afternoon session (from 2pm to 5pm).

The eye testing is booked on a first come, first served basis and allocated in the order received. Appointments can be booked directly through The Kennel Club website. The BVA/KC/ISDS Eye scheme examination at Crufts 2024 costs £30.00 per dog, reduced from the £47.50 rate of a normal group session.

Exhibitors must bring their dog’s Kennel Club registration certificate to the appointment, along with any previous eye test certificates, and exhibitors must already have a dog pass to book an eye test appointment.

The Kennel Club is also pleased to confirm that it will be offering free Respiratory Function Grading scheme (RFG) assessments for Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs at Crufts.

The free RFG scheme assessments will be available on Thursday 7 March only and bookings will not be taken in advance. Interested exhibitors should arrange appointments with The Kennel Club team next to the vet check area by rings 15 and 22 in Hall 4 at Crufts. Appointments will be booked on the day on a first come, first served basis.

Exhibitors who secure an appointment are asked to bring their dog’s Kennel Club registration certificate with them.

Please contact The Kennel Club health team for information on how to get your dog health tested by contacting Health (The Kennel Club) online or speaking directly to the team at Crufts

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said: 'Crufts celebrates healthy and happy dogs, and we hope that by making health testing accessible and easily available at Crufts, that these offers will be taken up and the information provided will be used to reduce the frequency of eye disease or breathing issues being passed on to puppies. The Kennel Club health team will be on hand throughout the event to speak to owners and breeders interested in improving canine health and the schemes and initiatives we offer.'

More information about eye testing can be found on The Kennel Club website and the BVA website. More about The Kennel Club/University of Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading scheme for Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs is available at thekennelclub.org.uk/rfgs

The Kennel Club is also offering 20% off all DNA testing products at Crufts 2024. Those interested in purchasing a discounted test kit can visit the health team on The Kennel Club stand in Hall 3. More information about The Kennel Club DNA Testing Services is available at thekennelclub.org.uk/dnatesting

For information on how to get to Crufts at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), visit the Crufts website. The BVA/KC/ISDS Eye scheme examinations will be held in the vet centre, which is located in Hall 2.


Agility Nexus Unloaded

Neil Ellis and Dave Munnings are launching a new agility organisation called Agility Nexus, from 2025. They have started to share some of their goals and innovations on a daily basis (as below.)

  1. With their mission to be inclusive, Agility Nexus will be offering five competition heights including Extra Small, Small, Medium, Intermediate and Large.

  2. We believe in the integrity of our judges. That's why the judging of spouses and those you live with will be permitted.

  3. Overnight promotion to the next level and a fresh outlook on progressions.

  4. To give young and inexperienced dogs the best start, Level 1 will start their agility journey with a clear round progression system up to Level 2.

  5. No healthy dog should miss out on competing so bitches in season will be welcome with some conditions applied.

  6. Agility Nexus will provide an automated, online database system via a personalised portal to access and track results.

  7. A revamped Championship format, rewarding speed and consistency.

  8. A supportive and comprehensive education programme for judges with ongoing, mandatory CPD to ensure courses are safe.

  9. Only safe equipment will be used including 5ft jump bars, appropriately bagged, anti-slip tunnels and non-plastic or wooden long jumps or walls.

  10. In Levels 1-3 , you can declare your run a 'training run' and use a single, non-squeaky toy in the ring for the course time of that class.

  11. Specific minimum and maximum obstacle distances, measured on the dog's path, will be implemented for specific heights.

  12. Judges will be supported comprehensively before, during and after every appointment.

  13. Dogs over the age of nine can register as OAD (Old Aged Dog ) to drop their height and compete only against other OADs.

  14. Judges will have the choice to lower the jump height by 5cm if faced with difficult weather and/or ground conditions.

  15. End of season finals including individual and team events.


Changes to KC Agility Regulations

The Kennel Club has approved the following changes to the regulations for agility, effective as of  1st January 2024 unless otherwise noted.

The below regulation has been amended to make it clear that a bitch in season may attend the show at which it is competing in quarter finals, semi-finals and finals of Kennel Club Prestige Events excluding events held under YKC rules.

Amendment to Regulation H13 Removal of Dogs

TO:

Following discussion between the show management and/or a veterinary surgeon, a dog shall be prevented from competing and/or removed from an agility show if it is:

a. A bitch which is in season (apart from dogs attending the show to compete competing in quarter finals, semi-finals and finals of Kennel Club Prestige Events, other than events held under YKC rules). (Insertion in bold. Deletion struck through)

The below regulation has been introduced to emphasise that it is the judge that is responsible for the course and any deliberate change to a course by a competitor would be penalised.

New Regulation H.14

TO:

Removal of competitors

No equipment shall be moved without permission of the judge. Any concerns regarding the course shall be discussed with the judge/show management. Any unauthorised movement of equipment may result in removal of the competitor from the show. All such removals should be reported to The Kennel Club in the Incident Book. (Insertion in bold)

Subsequent paragraphs to be renumbered.

The below regulation has been amended to ensure judges are reminded that they must be up to date with the relevant regulations at the date of the appointment.

Amendment to Regulation H17.b

TO:

'In accepting this invitation you agree to be bound by Kennel Club Rules and Regulations and the Kennel Club Code of Best Practice for Judges, and confirm that you are qualified to judge in accordance with Agility Regulation H18. In addition, you will familiarise yourself with the Kennel Club H Regulations which are current at the date of the judging appointment. In doing so you also recognise that you are obliged to notify us in writing of any change in personal circumstances which will may affect your ability to fulfil this judging appointment.

You should note that we reserve the right to cancel the contract before the date of the appointment if there is such a change in your circumstances, which in our reasonable opinion would adversely affect your ability to fulfil the appointment. Clubs may cancel a judging appointment where there is clear evidence that the judge's ability to fulfil the appointment has been adversely affected, or in consultation with the judge.' (Insertions in bold. Deletion struck through.)

The below regulations have been amended to allow a dog owned or part-owned by a judge to be entered at a show at which the judge is judging, provided it is not entered into the classes the judge is judging.

Amendment to Regulation H19.e

TO:

Judges at an agility show may not judge enter for competition a dog which is recorded in their ownership or part ownership; or handle a dog at the show/competition at which they are judging. (Deletion struck through. Insertion in bold.)

Amendment to Regulation H27.a.(7)

TO:

Disqualification and forfeit of awards

A dog may be disqualified by the Board from any award whether an objection has been lodged or not, if proved amongst other things to have been:

(7): Judged by their registered owner or Entered for competition or handled in the ring by a judge at that competition. This shall not apply to dogs owned by a judge appointed in an emergency. (Deletion struck through. Insertions in bold.)

The following wording has been added to the 'Penalties' regulation to allow for The Kennel Club to address unacceptable behaviour at Kennel Club licensed events and on social media in the context of licensed events. Further information can be found in the November 2023 issue of The Kennel Club Journal.

Amendment to Regulation H28

TO: For complaints of conduct whether at a licensed event or on social media, in addition to a warning issued - a short term fixed period of refusal of entry/attendance at Kennel Club licensed events may also be imposed in accordance with procedures to be published from time to time to implement this regulation. (Insertion in bold.) (Effective 1 November 2023)

The below regulations have been created with the objective of improving safety.

New Regulation H(1)10.b.

TO: 

The minimum space between adjacent rings marked only with single ropes is 5m. Where the distance is less than 5m at least one ring must have a visible barrier (such as netting). Entrances and exits from different rings should not be opposite each other to avoid congestion in these areas. (Insertion in bold)

Subsequent paragraphs to be renumbered.

New Regulation H(1)10.c.

TO:

No dogs' crates or boxes should be left near or between rings. Societies may, if they wish, designate areas where dogs' crates and boxes may be left in the vicinity of the rings. (Insertion in bold)

Subsequent paragraphs to be renumbered.

New Regulation H(1)10.h.

TO:

The handler must set their dog up to start within the ring. Dog and handler must enter the ring together and under no circumstances may a dog be left outside the ring off lead and recalled or sent to the handler in the ring. (Insertion in bold)

Subsequent paragraphs to be renumbered.

New Regulation H(1)(B)1.a.(4)

TO:

The first and last obstacles must be set a minimum of 5m from the edge of the ring, measured along the dog's most likely path when taking the obstacle, taking into account the dog's likely path from obstacle 1 to obstacle 2. (Insertion in bold)

Subsequent paragraphs to be renumbered.

The below regulation has been amended to provide consistency with regulation H(1)(D)2. in relation to capped classes at limited shows and will allow show organisers to limit the number of entries into special classes at limited shows without being subject to the minimum cap of 250.

Amendment to Regulation H(1)(A)12. Capped Classes

TO:

  1. Organisers of Open agility shows and limited agility shows may set a capping level on the entries to be accepted in any standard or special class and may decline entries received after the capping level has been reached.

b. Organisers of limited agility shows may set a capping level on the entries to be accepted in any standard class and may decline entries received after the capping level has been reached. Entries into special classes may be limited to any number (Regulation H(1)(D)2 refers). 

b. c. Wins and places in standard classes capped in accordance with this regulation will count towards progression, points progression and agility warrant points. 

 c. d. The capping level must be set at a minimum of 250 entries received. There is no maximum level at which a cap may be set. Capped classes may be split into two or more parts in accordance with Regulation H(1)9.f. (Deletion struck through. Insertions in bold

Subsequent paragraphs to be renumbered.

The below regulation has been amended to support the introduction of a revised design for the Hoop (Tyre).

Amendment to Regulation H(1)(B)3.e

TO:

Regulation H(1)(B)3.e.

 TO:

e. Hoop-(Tyre)  

 Aperture diameter 533mm minimum. Aperture centre from the ground: Large Dogs 800mm. Intermediate Dogs – 650mm. Medium Dogs – 550mm. Small Dogs – 490mm. The hoop to be of a consistent shape, constructed of an impact-absorbing material. All tyres should have bands diagonally opposite each other in contrast to its basic colour or segments in contrasting colours. The tyre/hoop must be directly mounted in a substantial frame structure which must be secured in such a way that dogs cannot knock the obstacle over from either direction; the frame shall not have a beam across the top.

 All tyres must have easily displaced element(s). For saloon style tyres, both opening sides must have an ability to swing open to 90-140 degrees from the closed hoop position. They must not self-return and must be manually re-set. (Insertion in bold) 

The below regulation has been amended to remove the requirement for judges to mark the ‘up contact’ of the 'A' Frame and dog walk. The wording was changed from what was proposed at the Agility Liaison Council meeting in July 2023 and to what is stated on the Agility Liaison Council agenda for January 2024.

It is now not required for dogs to make contact with the up contact area of the dog walk or A Frame. However, they must still touch the ascending ramp. A straight approach to the obstacle is still required. The Code of Best Practice for Judges and Guide to Agility Equipment document details the refusal planes for the obstacles.

https://kc-media-production.azureedge.net/media/cifpcwye/wt94-code-of-best-practice-for-agiity-judges-and-stewards-2023-final.pdf

Amendment to Regulation H(1)(B)5.a.(18)

TO:

Contact areas

Contact area—5 faults for each failure to make contact.

'A' Frame and dog walk: the dog must touch the ascending ramp. Failure to do so - elimination. The dog must touch the down contact with at least one paw or part of a paw. Failure to do so – 5 faults. The dog is considered to have left the obstacle when all four paws are on the ground.

See-saw: the dog must touch both the up and down contacts with at least one paw or part of a paw. Failure to do so – 5 faults each time it occurs.

The dog is considered to have left the obstacle when all four paws are on the ground. (Deletions struck through. Insertions in bold)

8th January 2024


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