The Kennel Club International Agility Festival will take place from 7 - 10 August 2025
Online entry is now open for The Kennel Club International Agility Festival, the world’s largest agility festival for dogs and their owners, which will return to Rutland Showground, from 7 – 10 August 2025.
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 nearly 300 separate classes taking place.
The Kennel Club International Agility Festival, which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary, is once again supported by Skinner’s.
The festival welcomes all dogs, and entries can be submitted online, which is open until 4 June 2025.
Classes include:
The Crufts Large, Intermediate, and Medium ABC qualifiers are taking place for the first time at the festival. Open to Grades 1–7, courses will be set at Grade 5 level. The top two unqualified dogs in each height from each heat will progress to the semi-final at the London International Horse Show at ExCel in December, and then to the final at Crufts 2026.
The Crufts Singles Agility Competition will see top agility partnerships from across the country compete for a spot in the final at Crufts. Open to Grades 6 and 7, the competition features ten qualifying heats throughout the year, with separate events for each height category - small, medium, intermediate and large. The top-placed unqualified dog from each heat will secure their place in the Crufts Singles Final.
The Special International Class is open to all overseas dogs that are eligible for FCI Grade 3 classes (or equivalent), and dogs holding a Masters or Championship title in the USA. Only dogs that reside outside the UK are eligible for this class.
The Novice Cup qualifier is open for dogs graded 3, 4 and 5. Dogs and handlers who qualify for the semi-final from this qualifier, and qualifiers across the country, will compete in the semi-final at the London International Horse Show, with finalists going on to compete at Crufts 2026.
The Starters Cup is for all grade 1 and 2 dogs. The top six large dogs, six intermediate, six medium dogs and six small dogs from the semi-final round on Thursday will be invited to compete at the final being held on Friday.
The Kennel Club Quarter and Semi-Final Agility Stakes are returning to the International Agility Festival on Thursday, which is one of the most important showcase events for agility in the UK, with the finals taking place at the London International Horse Show. Each year, the country's most talented agility dogs and handlers compete in qualifying heats at agility shows across the country to gain a coveted invitation to compete at The Kennel Club Agility Stakes Quarter and Semi-Finals.
The Young Kennel Club (YKC) Crufts 2026 qualifying heats are also returning to the festival, with the heats being open to YKC members only, aged between 6 and 24 years. The IAF YKC Classes include the YKC Pairs, the YKC Agility Dog of the Year, and the YKC Jumping Cup. To find out rules for each individual class please visit YKC website.
Ben Skinner of Skinner’s said: "It is a privilege once more to be a principal sponsor of the International Agility Festival for 2025. I would like to wish all the competitors the best of luck and an enjoyable event over the four days."
Helen Kerfoot, Chief Canine Health, Events and Activities Officer at The Kennel Club said: “The Kennel Club is delighted to once again open entries for dogs of all ages and breeds to take part in this year’s International Agility Festival.
“The festival offers a fantastic opportunity for returning competitors to showcase the progress they’ve made in their training over the past year, as well as for newcomers to enjoy the thrill of stepping into the competition ring for the first time.
“With numerous rings and a wide range of classes, there’s truly something for every level, whether you’re a seasoned handler or just starting out, there’s no better place to begin your agility journey than at the world’s largest agility festival.”
More information on The Kennel Club International Agility Festival can be found on our website or via The Kennel Club’s dedicated Facebook page.