- More than 3,000 dogs from all over the world, breaking last year’s record
- Competitors to travel thousands of miles from countries as far-flung as China and the US
- 18 rings will be set up across the festival, holding over 200 separate classes
- 70 judges from all over the world, judging talented dogs and their handlers across the four days
The Kennel Club International Agility Festival will see a record-breaking 3,170 dogs from all over the world head to Rockingham Castle this August for the world’s largest agility festival.
For four days from 10th - 13th August 2017, dogs and their handlers will descend onto the village of Rockingham for the festival, which will be celebrating its thirteenth year.
With the additional dogs competing this year, two extra rings will be added to the previous 16 in order to hold over 200 separate classes, which will feature dogs of all agility grades and sizes. 70 judges from all over the world will be attending over the four days, marking everyone from top agility competitors to novice handlers and their dogs.
The Kennel Club International Agility Festival is kindly supported by CSJ Specialist Canine Feeds and welcomes all dogs of all types and sizes. A total of 20 countries from around the world are expected to be represented, with competitors travelling from countries as far-flung as China, all fighting to win their individual competitions and take home the Nations Cup.
The Nations Cup will be reverting to a team event this year, where three dogs representing their country will complete a jumping round with a final agility round to decide the overall winners.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: “Every year we look forward to the International Agility Festival and it’s great to see so many people from all over the world attending with their dogs to compete and spectate. The festival has such a wide range of competitions for everyone, from the Nations Cup to International Young Handler. There’s also a ‘have a go’ ring for spectators new to the canine activity to experience it first hand with their dog.
“Agility is the most popular dog sport in the UK and is a brilliant way to keep fit and healthy with your dog. It’s one of the highlights of the agility calendar and a fantastic weekend or day out for all the family.”
A heat of the nation’s favourite crossbreed competition, Scruffts, sponsored by James Wellbeloved, will also take place at the festival on Saturday 12th, with categories such as Most Handsome Crossbreed Dog, Prettiest Crossbreed Bitch, Child’s Best Friend, Golden Oldie Crossbreed, Best Crossbreed Rescue and the Good Citizen Dog Scheme class. Registration for the competition starts from 11am and the competition begins at 12.30pm. Entering a dog into Scruffts costs just £2 per class and all entry money will be split between the Kennel Club Charitable Trust and the festival’s chosen charity, which is yet to be confirmed. There is no need to enter in advance; just simply turn up on the day.
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 discipline for themselves. However, competitor entries for the festival are closed.
For those who cannot attend, the main ring at the festival will be available to live stream on the Crufts YouTube channel. To watch the competitors in action, please visit https://www.youtube.com/crufts
Read more information on the Kennel Club International Agility Festival or www.facebook.com/Dogagility.
Contact the Kennel Club Press Office to find out how many competitors there are from your country/area.