Four dogs and their handlers from Kent, Rugby and Devon have won one of the country’s most prestigious agility competitions after triumphing in the Royal Kennel Club Agility Championships, which are sponsored by Antinol at Crufts on Thursday 5 March and Sunday 8 March.
Large, intermediate, medium and small dogs and their handlers who had won an Agility Challenge Certificate at a Championship Show in 2025 took part in the Championships, competing against the top dogs from around the country at the world’s greatest dog show.
Handler Shannon Springford, from Kent, secured an impressive double victory, winning two separate categories with two different dogs. Halloumi (I'm Feeling Cheesy With Eager To Work), a Shetland Sheepdog, and Shannon Springford won the Royal Kennel Club Agility Championships for small dogs. Shannon also won the Royal Kennel Club Agility Championships for large dogs with Banter (Zhanisgo Give It Some Banter), a Border Collie.
Skedaddle (Ag. Ch. Z-Atomic Spice Koryfej), a Shetland Sheepdog, and handler Stephanie Best from Rugby, won the Kennel Club Agility Championships for medium dogs.
Banana (Runbye Goin Bananas) a Border Collie, and handler Naarah Cuddy from Devon, won the Kennel Club Agility Championships for intermediate dogs.
Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive of the Royal Kennel Club said: “Congratulations to the winning dogs and their owners for their superb runs in the Crufts arena. Reaching the final of the Royal Kennel Club Agility Championships is an achievement
in itself, and every competitor should be proud of the dedication and perseverance that brought them here. We wish them all the best in their upcoming competitions.”
Emma Leeke, UK Commercial Manager at Antinol said: “Huge congratulations to all the owners and their incredible dogs on their outstanding success at The Royal Kennel Club Agility Championships.
Antinol is proud to champion canine athletes at Crufts, supporting their strength, mobility and performance with our trusted range - helping every dog shine at their very best in the arena.”
Crufts took place from 5 – 8 March 2025 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.