Quartet of agility stars crowned champions at Crufts

Four dogs and their handlers from Warwickshire, Bristol and Shropshire, have won one of the country's most prestigious agility competitions after triumphing in The Kennel Club Agility Championships, which are sponsored by YuMOVE, at Crufts on Thursday 7 March and Sunday 10 March.

Large, intermediate, medium and small dogs and their handlers who had won an Agility Challenge Certificate at a Championship Show in 2023 took part in the Championships, competing against the top dogs from around the country at the world's greatest dog show.

Selfie, a Shetland Sheepdog, and owner Martin Reid from Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, won The Kennel Club Agility Championships for small dogs.

Proud owner Martin said: "Selfie was pretty perfect all the way round. It is always nerve-wracking, we tried not to leave anything to chance and we managed that!"

Dalton Meredith, from Bristol, won The Kennel Club Agility Championships for both medium and large dogs with two of his Border Collies, Munchy and Clippy. Munchy won for medium dogs on Thursday 7 March and Clippy for large dogs on Sunday 10 March.

Proud owner Dalton said: "I've never won the championship and it means a lot... I just hope this luck keeps up!

"This Crufts literally could not have gone any better! We have done quite a few events now where we've had quite a bit of pressure, so I think it's our favourite thing to run under. It really gets you going - especially after four days!"

Star, a Border Collie, and owner Lee Gibson from Shrewsbury, Shropshire, won The Kennel Club Agility Championships for intermediate dogs.

Proud owner Lee said: "I am obviously delighted for Star to win, she had a long rehabilitation post stem cell treatment last October, so getting her properly fit and strong to be able to do what she loves is what we cared most about.

"It is always special to run at Crufts and running last in the final was extremely exciting. Star thrives on the crowd and atmosphere, and she didn't disappoint!"

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said: "Well done to all four winning dogs for their impressive performances in the arena at Crufts. 

"Everyone that competed in the finals of the Championships this year at Crufts should be very proud of reaching this level of agility, it takes great dedication, training and skill throughout the year of competitions."

Fiona Hope, CEO of YuMOVE which sponsored the event, commented: "Congratulations to all the owners and their dogs on their fantastic win in The Kennel Club Agility Championships at Crufts!  

"YuMOVE has been an agility sponsor of Crufts for many years, and we're proud to support canine athletes with our wide range of products so they can keep doing what they do best in the arena." 

Crufts took place from 7 -10 March 2024 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.