Goose, a seven-year-old Border Collie, and Ben Alderson, aged sixteen from Carlisle, Cumbria have won the Young Kennel Club Agility Dog of the Year at Crufts on Thursday 9th March.
The competition, which was open to Young Kennel Club (YKC) members between the ages of 6-17 and their dogs, saw top young agility handlers compete for the coveted title of YKC Agility Dog of the Year before Ben and Goose took first place in the Genting Arena at the NEC, Birmingham.
Proud owner and YKC member Ben said: “Goose is a good agility dog but can be a little bit of a handful around the house. He is fun to be around and he's very special to me. I’m happy to have won.”
To reach the Crufts final, YKC members competed in their categories for under and over 12s, and for small, medium and large dogs, looking to complete an agility course in the fastest time in a YKC qualifying class.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: “Very well done to Goose and Ben for an excellent performance. YKC Agility Dog of the Year is a fantastic achievement and no doubt we will be seeing them perform at Crufts for many years to come. Their professional manner in the ring is very inspiring to other young dog handlers.”
If you would like to find out more about the Young Kennel Club and how to join please contact the Young Kennel Club team by email or by visiting the YKC website.
Crufts took place from 9th-12th March 2017 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information, visit the Crufts website. The results for Crufts 2017 can be found online at www.press.fossedata.co.uk. View free downloadable images from Crufts 2017.