Four dogs and their handlers from Aberdeen, Wiltshire and Warwickshire 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 6 March and Sunday 9 March.
Large, intermediate, medium and small dogs and their handlers who had won an Agility Challenge Certificate at a Championship Show in 2024 took part in the Championships, competing against the top dogs from around the country at the world’s greatest dog show.
Jelly, a Working Cocker Spaniel, and owner Dylan Osborne from Aberdeen, won The Kennel Club Agility Championships for small dogs.
Proud owner Dylan said: “It’s a once in a lifetime thing, there is no venue like this, there’s no competition like this, it’s incredible. Jelly is the best, she is my best friend, she’s rapid, I’ve got to keep up, she’s the one constantly pushing me!”
Endeavour, a Border Collie, and owner Laura Chapman, from Salisbury, Wiltshire, won The Kennel Club Agility Championships for medium dogs.
Delighted owner Laura said: “Endeavour was absolutely amazing. It was a little scary going first knowing there were so many good dogs behind us, but we tried our hardest. This is something I’ve dreamt of for years, so for it to happen, it’s like a dream come true.”
Banana, a Border Collie, and owner Naraah Cuddy, from Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, won The Kennel Club Agility Championships for intermediate dogs.
Narrah had a double win with Lemon, a Border Collie, also winning The Kennel Club Agility Championships for large dogs.
Thrilled owner Naarah said: “I currently have no other words than ‘unbelievable’ because I can’t quite believe it.
"I have my younger dog Banana who is a little bit more wild and a lot faster than Lemon. With speed comes a little bit less accuracy so hanging onto her sometimes is a bit of a challenge because she’s so talented and so fast.
"My older dog Lemon is the best dog in the world. She’s had multiple results here in the championship but never quite won that first place and as she gets older I never thought it would be possible for her anymore. She’s always a dog that’s so attentive and lovely but she’s not the fastest dog in the world."
Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said: “Congratulations to the four winning dogs and their owners for their fantastic performance in the arena at Crufts.
"Well done to everyone who reached the final of The Kennel Club Agility Championships, each competitor should be proud of their hard work and dedication. We wish them all the best in future competitions.”
Fiona Hope, CEO of YuMOVE, which sponsored the event, said: “Huge congratulations to all the owners and their dogs on their fantastic victory in The Kennel Club Agility Championships.
“YuMOVE is a proud agility sponsor of Crufts and we’re delighted to support canine athletes with our range of products, helping them perform at their best in the arena.”
Crufts took place from 6 – 9 March 2025 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit Crufts website.