A Beauceron from Wisbech St Mary has become the first of her breed to achieve a Royal Kennel Club Gold Agility Warrant, defying expectations in a sport traditionally dominated by Border Collies.
Royal Kennel Club registered Beaukita's Copenhagen AW(G), known at home as Roxy, is five years old and owned by software consultant Felicity "Fliss" Eales. The pair will compete this week at the Royal Kennel Club International Agility Festival, where they will bid to win the ABC (Anything But Collies) Grade 3–5 qualifier.
Roxy achieved the historic milestone after earning her Bronze Agility Warrant in June 2024, Silver in March 2025 and Gold in June 2026, becoming the first Beauceron on record to achieve the award.
For Fliss, the achievement is even more rewarding because of the journey it took to get there. "It's incredibly exciting," she said. "We had a tough start together and she certainly wasn't the easiest dog to train, but she absolutely loves agility.
"She's only my second agility dog and we've grown together throughout the journey. She's taught me so much and we've built a strong connection that gets the best out of each of us."
The Beauceron is a strong French pastoral breed, originally developed to herd and guard livestock. While admired for its intelligence, loyalty and versatility, it is usually overlooked for agility, where lighter and faster breeds often dominate.
At 37kg, Roxy is always one of the heaviest dogs competing, but Fliss believes that is exactly what makes her success so extraordinary.
"A Beauceron wouldn't normally be somebody's first choice for agility because they're such a powerful breed," she said.
"But Roxy is incredibly nimble, she turns tightly, is intelligent and her pastoral heritage gives her plenty of drive. We might never match a Border Collie for outright speed, but on more technical courses we're often right up there."
One of the breed's distinctive features is its double dewclaws on the hind legs, which often attract attention from spectators.
"People rarely recognise the breed when they see her," said Fliss. "They're always fascinated by her double dewclaws."
Away from agility, Roxy has also enjoyed success in the show ring, including being placed at Crufts and winning Best Bitch and Best of Opposite Sex at Boston Championship Show earlier this year.
Despite her impressive list of achievements, Fliss says Roxy is happiest simply spending time with her ball.
"But when it's time to relax, she's basically 37 kilograms of lapdog. She absolutely loves a cuddle."
The International Agility Festival's ABC (Anything But Collies) competition is one of Fliss's favourite events because it gives less traditional agility breeds the opportunity to shine. Having previously finished fifth, she believes Roxy has every chance of going one better this year.
"We came fifth before, but we're in even better form this year. Anything can happen on the day."
Looking ahead, Fliss hopes Roxy can continue raising the profile of the breed.
"I'd love her to reach Grade 7 and ultimately become the first Beauceron to compete at Championship level," she said.
She also hopes Roxy's success encourages more owners to discover the sport.
"Agility gives you so much more than competition,” she said.
"You make lifelong friends and become part of a brilliant community. I'd encourage anyone to give it a try because you never know what your dog might be capable of."