- A record-breaking 3,299 dogs will be competing at the Kennel Club International Agility Festival in August
- Competitors will travel thousands of miles from countries as far away as Japan
- 18 rings and over 200 separate classes across the festival
- 72 judges from all over the world
The Kennel Club International Agility Festival will see a record-breaking 3,299 dogs from all over the world head to Rockingham Castle this August for the world’s largest agility festival.
For four days from 9th - 12th August 2018, dogs and their handlers will descend onto the village of Rockingham for the festival, which will be celebrating its fourteen year.
Held across 18 rings with 200 separate classes, the festival will feature dogs of all agility grades competing. 72 judges from all over the world will be attending over the four days, judging everyone from novice handlers to top agility competitors 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 13 countries from around the world are expected to be represented, with competitors travelling from countries as far-flung as Japan, 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.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: “The Kennel Club International Agility Festival is one of the most important events in the agility calendar and we look forward to welcoming competitors and their dogs from near and far over the four days.
“There’s something for everyone at the festival, with a wide range of competitions for beginners to seasoned professionals, of all ages. There’s also something for spectators or anyone thinking about getting into agility with the ‘have a go’ ring.
“Not only is agility a great way to keep fit and healthy for all involved, but it’s a fantastic way to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. The Kennel Club International Agility Festival is a fantastic weekend or day out for all the family.”
A heat of the nation’s favourite crossbreed competition, Scruffts, exclusively supported by James Wellbeloved, will also take place at the festival on Saturday 11th August, 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.
Read more information on the Kennel Club International Agility Festival on our website or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/agility.news.thekennelclubuk/.
Contact the Kennel Club Press Office to find out how many competitors there are from your country/area.