Show News
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Co-sponsors of the 2023 Winning Out
Certificates
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Small Age category 55-65 years old
Age category 66+ years old
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Medium Age category 55-65 years old
Age category 66+ years old
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Intermediate Age category 55-65 years old
Age category 66+ years old
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Large Age category 55-65 years old
Age category 66+ years old
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The Kennel Club congratulates all the handlers who have been selected to represent the first cohort of Senior Agility Team GB this year. In addition to being supported by The Kennel Club, the team is also kindly supported by Dog Sports Derby, Galican UK, Agility Plaza, Norton Rosettes, Paws Trading and Crystal Vision.
Further information on the Senior Agility World Championships is available at: https://soawc2024agility.be/
Photos: Lisa Harvey / Pawsoffthefloor Photography
SKC Show Parking Price Rise
The Scottish Kennel Club is disappointed to announce that, due to circumstances beyond our control and despite prolonged negotiations, the Royal Highland Showground has made a decision to increase their car parking charges from £5.00 to £10.00 per vehicle per day for all events held at their venue including the SKC Premier & Championship Agility Show on 18th-19th May. This charge relates to the car park outside of the showground.
This car park has always been operated solely by Royal Highland Showground and SKC does not receive any income from this charges. Payment by card is preferred on the but cash will still be accepted.
SKC hopes this change will not prevent competitors from having an enjoyable show.
April 2024
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SWAT Team Sprint 2024 Off to a Fast Start The new SWAT Team Sprint 2024 has got off to a great start with the first two heats at Wessex and Wallingford shows which were a huge success. The entries have far exceeded expectations! Courses were designed to be fast flowing with no weaves, a baton exchange and separate height categories. Toni Davis said, ' Our main aim was simply to create a fun event that was accessible to as many people as possible and introduce the chaos of 'Team's to a new generation. As such we have clarified rules and particular situations as we have gone along. We could never have foreseen some of the more unusual queries we have had! 'We have therefore done an updated version of the rules to include all the queries we have had on our Facebook page as well as face to face. This can be found on the SWAT website as well as the FB page. 'Due to the high numbers that the event has attracted, we have had to make a change to the finals as we will never get through all the qualifying teams in one evening. 'We will, therefore, run the Finals during the day - still on Saturday, 3rd August 2024 but starting at 10:00 am. The top two teams from each height will then compete again in a Grand Final in the evening. 'I want to thank all the clubs who have supported us in setting up this event, and all the judges and competitors who have made it such a success. The atmosphere ringside is amazing and demonstrates exactly what agility is about - healthy competition, fun with friends and lots of laughter!' Congratulations to all the qualifying teams so far. Wessex Show winners
Wallingford Show winners
Other heats include:
Keep up to date with all all the Team Sprint news and upcoming courses, Sign up to our mailing list here SWAT - Somerset West Agility Training |
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Amy Gandy said, 'We are hoping it will be a fun, welcoming all-inclusive show environment. We have called it Synergy because our aim is to celebrate the partnership of dog and handler.'
The Weald Agility Group is celebrating the 5th year that they have been been invited to hold an independent agility show at the prestigious Heathfield Agricultural Show, an annual one day agricultural show based in the heart of the Wealden countryside. (East Sussex)
The show promises loverly courses in a fun atmosphere. Training will be permitted in the ring allowed with toys but no treats. Grades 1-5. Higher grades NFC. Dogs from 16 months.
Closing date is 15th May 2024.Show Secretary Nichola Willey said, 'If you are looking for a fun day out and some agility too, this is a fantastic family day out with numerous events including equine shows, livestock classes, farmers markets, food hall, arts and crafts. There will be many trade stands along with our own agility show. Entry to the agility show entry gets you free entry to the Heathfield Show.
Links to the schedule and further information in the Show Diary.
The Kennel Club has names experienced competitor and judge Jackie Gardener as Team Manager with Susannah Chalmers as her Assistant Manager. Also travelling to Belgium will be team photographer Lisa Harvey of Paws Off the Floor.
Jackie said, ' As soon as I heard about this event, I contacted the Kennel Club to ask if GB could send a team as only teams authorised by their own country's kennel clubs are allowed to enter. On a personal level, I was excited about this competition as I have a very good young dog, and I wanted the opportunity to compete on the world stage once again so I assumed that others would feel the same way. My only disappointment is that being team manager means I can't compete with my own dog in this competition, but I will get great pleasure from building a team and helping them succeed.
'My first official job was to organise a tryout competition which takes place on the 28th April at Dog Sports Derby Venue. At the tryouts, the competitors will be vying for the overall 'win on spots' i.e. combined results of the Jumping & Agility rounds, of which eight are available. Any breed can enter as long as they are G4 or above and do not have a cropped or docked tail.'
Win
On Spots
Overall Winner of the 55 to 65 Small Dog Category
Overall Winner of the 55 to 65 Medium Dog Category
Overall Winner of the 55 to 65 Intermediate Dog Category
Overall Winner of the 55 to 65 Large Dog Category
Overall Winner of the 66+ Small Dog Category
Overall Winner of the 66+ Medium Dog Category
Overall Winner of the 66+ Intermediate Dog Category
Overall Winner of the 66+ Large Dog Category
Those who do not 'win on' will need to showcase their handling skills to the Team Manager and the selection team at the tryouts.
A further three dogs will be selected from each category, making a full team of 32 dogs. The full team will be announced at the beginning of May.
The SOAWC Finals will be held in Belgium and will be live-streamed for the world of agility to watch. This will be at the same venue and run, somewhat ironically, at the same time as the Junior Open Agility World Championships.
Great support from the agility community
Thank you to all the sponsors, without whom, this
opportunity would not have been a possibility. They include:-
Dog Sports Derby for providing the tryout venue free of charge
Galican UK for allowing us to use their equipment for the tryouts
Agility Plaza for doing all the show processing and are supplying us with onsite support at the tryouts
Norton Rosettes for contributing the overall winners rosettes
Paws Trading Ltd for donating prizes for the overall winners
Jackie is still looking, however, for sponsors for the Individual class winners of which there are 16 Individual classes across all heights/age categories. She is also looking for a sponsor for our Team Kit as this will be one of the biggest expenses that the team members will have. This will be for a maximum of 35 people, possibly less if a handlers qualifies more than one dog.
'Let's build a great team,' said Jackie. 'I hope everyone will support our competitors who are the bread and butter of agility. They are the ones who put on the shows, the ones who help at the shows and the ones who make agility what it is, a wonderful sport to be a part of. They are the ones who truly deserved to be recognised as Champions.'
Over the last few dates, the SBCC Committee has had several inspections of the Racecourse and, although the show field looks good, the access points are under water and not suitable for the expected traffic and footfall. Because there is more rain forecast every day until the show, they have made the decision to cancel.
Once the suppliers have been paid, they will calculate refunds which will automatically be paid back through Showtime. In the meantime, if you have any queries, please get in touch with Lynn on 07904 4255569 or email
On FB, the Committee said, 'We hope you understand our decision, but we have no control over mother nature! Thanks to all of you for the wonderful entry and that to our judges, scrimers and all our volunteers. Thanks also to our stall holders and equipment suppliers and Showtime for the input you all selflessly gave.'
8th April2024
With the swirling winds getting stronger, Agility Nuts felt they had had no option other than to call off their afternoon show on 6th April and Sunday show on 7th April show days.
Show Organiser Paul Senksy said, 'It's a lovely venue but looking ahead to Sunday's forecast, whilst we had found a solution to reduce the chances of jumps falling over, we did not feel in all good consciousness that we could start the show again knowing that the dogwalk and seesaw would have to be removed from the agility rings. Thank you for your understanding and patience.'
Refunds will be sorted out in due course once the costs have been calculated.
6th April 2024
MARCH 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
Medium
Small
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
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
Reserves:
- Harriet Hunt with Mad Eye Loony (Grace)
- Steven Seale with Devongem Try Fleck (Flec)
- Toni Smith with Cherryhog Bright Future (Febe)
Medium
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
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
Intermediate
Medium
Small
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
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.'
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.
 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
Singles Agility Intermediate
Singles Agility Medium
Singles Agity Small
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.
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
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.
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.)
With their mission to be inclusive, Agility Nexus will be offering five competition heights including Extra Small, Small, Medium, Intermediate and Large.
We believe in the integrity of our judges. That's why the judging of spouses and those you live with will be permitted.
Overnight promotion to the next level and a fresh outlook on progressions.
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.
No healthy dog should miss out on competing so bitches in season will be welcome with some conditions applied.
Agility Nexus will provide an automated, online database system via a personalised portal to access and track results.
A revamped Championship format, rewarding speed and consistency.
A supportive and comprehensive education programme for judges with ongoing, mandatory CPD to ensure courses are safe.
Only safe equipment will be used including 5ft jump bars, appropriately bagged, anti-slip tunnels and non-plastic or wooden long jumps or walls.
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.
Specific minimum and maximum obstacle distances, measured on the dog's path, will be implemented for specific heights.
Judges will be supported comprehensively before, during and after every appointment.
Dogs over the age of nine can register as OAD (Old Aged Dog ) to drop their height and compete only against other OADs.
Judges will have the choice to lower the jump height by 5cm if faced with difficult weather and/or ground conditions.
End of season finals including individual and team events.
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
competingin 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
willmay 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 competitiona 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 orhandled 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:
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.
Amendment to Regulation H(1)(B)5.a.(18)
TO:
Contact areas
Contact area5 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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The
Kennel Club has announced its support of the first, and recently-selected,
Senior Agility Team GB set to compete at the Senior Agility Open World
Championships, taking place from 18th to 21st July 2024 in Opglabbeek, Belgium.
