- The Kennel Club International Agility Festival in August will see 3,142 dogs compete
- Competitors will travel thousands of miles from countries as far away as Australia
- 18 rings and over 200 separate classes across the festival
The Kennel Club International Agility Festival will host over 3,000 dogs from across the globe as they head to Rockingham Castle this summer for the world’s largest agility festival, taking place from 8th – 11th August 2019.
The Kennel Club International Agility Festival, which will be celebrating its fifteenth year, is supported by Skinner’s Pet Foods and welcomes dogs of all types and sizes. At least 14 countries from around the world are expected to be represented, with competitors travelling from countries as far-flung as Australia, all fighting to win their individual competitions and take home the Nations Cup.
The Nations Cup is a team event where three dogs representing their country will complete a jumping round with a final agility round to decide the overall winners.
Held across 18 rings with over 200 separate classes, the Festival will feature dogs of all agility grades competing. 72 judges will be attending over the four days, awarding everyone from novice handlers to top agility competitors and their dogs.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: “The Kennel Club International Agility Festival is one of the most highly-anticipated events in the agility calendar and every year we look forward to welcoming competitors from all over the world.
“The Festival is a fantastic weekend or day out for all of the family, with something for everyone on offer. There’s a wide range of competitions for beginners and seasoned professionals alike, ranging from the Starters Cup to Championship Classes, as well as the Nations Cup team competition.
“As the most popular dog sport in the UK, agility is a brilliant way to keep fit and healthy and have fun with your dog.”
A heat of the nation’s favourite crossbreed competition, Scruffts, exclusively supported by James Wellbeloved, will also take place at the festival on Saturday 10th August, with categories including Most Handsome Crossbreed Dog, Prettiest Crossbreed Bitch, Golden Oldie Crossbreed and the Good Citizen Dog Scheme class. Registration for the competition starts from 10.30am and the competition begins at 12.30pm. Entering a dog into Scruffts costs just £2 per class.
Also taking place over the weekend will be the Companion Dog Show, sponsored by Skinner’s Pet Foods, on Sunday 11th August. There will be seven Pedigree Classes, comprised of AV Puppy (6-12 months), AV Junior (6-18 months), AV Terrier & Hound, AV Gundog, AV Toy & Utility, AV Working & Pastoral and AV Open. There will also be 16 Novelty Classes, including Best Rescue, Best Child Handler and Best Family of Dogs. Registration for the competition starts from 10.00am, with judging commencing from 1pm. Entering a dog costs £2 per class.
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. Please be aware that competitor entries for the festival are now closed.
For those who cannot attend, the main ring at the Festival will be available to live stream on the Kennel Club Agility Facebook group across all four days. To watch the competitors in action, please visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/agility.news.thekennelclubuk/
Read more information on The Kennel Club International Agility Festival. To find out how many competitors are competing from your region/country, please email the Kennel Club Press Office.