Online entry is now open to UK competitors for the Kennel Club International Agility Festival, the world’s largest agility festival for dogs and their owners.
It’s the event every agility dog around the world has been waiting for, and for four days from 10th-13th August 2017, over 2,900 dogs and their owners are expected to arrive in the village of Rockingham for the event. During the festival, 18 rings will be set up to host the competition, which will feature dogs of all agility grades and sizes, from all over the world, with over 200 separate classes taking place.
The Kennel Club International Agility Festival, which is in its thirteenth year, is kindly supported by CSJ Specialist Canine Feeds and welcomes dogs of all types. Following the success of last year’s event, 17 or more countries from around the world are expected to be represented, all competing to qualify for the top honours at Crufts or Eukanuba Discover Dogs.
Entries can be taken online at www.agilityshows.online until 15th June 2017.
Classes include:
The International Class, open to all overseas dogs, working either FCI grade 3, or a Masters or Championship title in the USA, with the winners qualifying for the British Open final at Crufts 2018.
The British Open is for all FCI grade 3 dogs, British or Irish Grades 6 or 7 dogs or dog holding a Masters or Championship title in the USA. With the top nine large dogs and seven medium and small dogs together, with the top overseas based competitor from each size group, qualifying for the British Open at Crufts 2018.
The Novice Cup for FCI grade 3, 4 or 5 dogs or dogs from the USA eligible to compete in Open or Excellent, with the top ten large and eight medium and small qualifying for Crufts 2018.
The Starters Cup for FCI grade 1 or 2 dogs or dogs from the USA Novice dogs. The top 12 large dogs, six medium dogs and six small dogs will be invited to compete at the final at Eukanuba Discover Dogs 2017
The Kennel Club International Young Handler of the year, open to all grades of dog handled by those aged between 6-11, or 12-18.
The Young Kennel Club Agility and Jumping Dog of the Year is open to all members aged 6-17 years. First and second placed handler and dog in each subdivision at each heat will qualify for Crufts 2018.
The Nations Cup, which sees three dogs representing their country completing a jumping round with a final agility round to decide the overall winners.
CSJ Specialist Canine Feeds' founder, Ceri Rundle said: "CSJ are thrilled to continue to support the Kennel Club International Agility Festival. It’s a big highlight in the agility calendar for us and there’s such a different variety of competitions for everyone to enter into. We are looking forward to seeing the wide range of countries and agility levels competing over the course of the four days and would very much encourage people to enter if they enjoy taking part in agility with their dog.”
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: “We are really looking forward to yet another successful year in Rockingham. There are millions of dog owners in the UK and competing in agility is a great way for them and their dog to keep fit whilst having fun. With a range of different competitions to choose from, and with a fantastic atmosphere over the four days, we can see why the festival has grown into such a large scale and popular event, attracting people and their dogs from all over the world.
“It’s not just for skilled agility professionals – we welcome beginners to the canine activity and what a great way to start a new hobby or agility career than at the world’s largest agility festival.”
Entry to the festival is free for spectators, with parking charged at £5, and people are able to come along with their own dogs to enjoy the fun festival atmosphere and even take part in the ‘have-a-go’ agility ring (for dogs over 18 months), which gives everyone the opportunity to experience the activity for themselves. There is also the opportunity to enter the nation’s favourite crossbreed competition, Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year, which has classes such as; Golden Oldie, Child’s Best Friend, Most Handsome Dog, Prettiest Bitch, Good Citizen Dog Scheme and Best Rescue. The winners of each category will go through to the exciting semi-finals at Eukanuba Discover Dogs in London on 21st and 22nd October.
For agility competitors attending the Border Collie Classic event at the Rutland Showground on 4th-6th August, who also want to attend the Kennel Club International Agility Festival, camping will be extended until Wednesday 9th August so that they have a place to stay in between events. For more information on the Border Collie Classic event please visit http://bordercollieclassic.com/.
Read more information on the Kennel Club International Agility Festival, or visit www.facebook.com/Dogagility.
Contact the Kennel Club Press Office to find out how many competitors there are from your country.