Zee, a seven-year-old Springer Spaniel/Australian Kelpie cross, and Aleshia McLauchlin, 17, from Lanark, South Lanarkshire, won the Young Kennel Club (YKC) Agility Dog of the Year at Crufts on Saturday 8 March.
The competition, which was open to YKC members aged from 6-24 and their dogs, saw top young agility handlers compete for the coveted title of YKC Agility Dog of the Year, before Aleshia and Zee (Zigga Zigga Zee) triumphed in the bp pulse LIVE Arena at the NEC, Birmingham.
Excited owner Aleshia said: “It’s an absolute dream come true, Zee is really a dog in a million and I couldn’t imagine doing it with anyone else by my side. There were some fantastic dogs which made the final so I knew I was really going to have to leave it all out there – coming over the finish line with that clear round is really just an incredible feeling.”
Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said: “A huge congratulations to Aleshia and Zee for winning the YKC Agility Dog of the Year. The pair showcased incredible skill and dedication, and it’s clear their hard work has paid off. We have no doubt they’ll be ones to watch at future Crufts!
“We are always amazed by the talent on display in the YKC competitions, and all our competitors should be incredibly proud of their achievements.”
If you would like to find out more about the Young Kennel Club and how to join, please contact the YKC team by emailing YKC by visiting YKC website.
Crufts took place from 6-9 March 2025 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.