In 1990, the first United States Dog Agility Association title was earned by a Portuguese Water Dog named, “Cooper.” Just nine years later, a California dog made history by earning the first AKC MACH title. Can you name that dog‘s breed? (the answer is at the end).
Agility got its public start as a demonstration to fill the gap between the obedience championship and the beginning of group judging at Crufts dog show in the UK in 1978. It was an immediate hit.
In 1980, the first agility event was held under U.K. Kennel Club regulations while in the US, the United States Dog Agility Association was formed in 1986. The first USDAA competition was held in Houston, Texas at the Astrohall in 1986, and in 1994, the first AKC- licensed agility trial was held at the Astrodome in Houston, Texas.
How agility has grown. Brenna Fender wrote in a wonderful overview of the sport, “Early agility exhibitors were truly pioneers of the sport. There were no big-name trainers, websites, books, or videos, and no real instructions on how to play this game. Now entire schools of thought on reinforcement, correction, and handling have been promoted.”
Answer: A Shetland Sheepdog named “Wyatt” made history by earning the first AKC MACH title in 1999. But enough about everyone else. Show us your agility dog in the comments section below (and name his or her breed) and let’s see how many different breeds we can show off in this post!
“Agility Tunnel” by Brad Thomas is available as a print here
The first Bracco Italiano to earn an Agility title (AKC) in the US! UKC Ch Elvira Venator D’Ursus JH NF OA OAJ
The first Champion MACH3 Pointer!!! CH Black Alder Denali JH T2B4 OAP NJP MF MXC MJB2. #1 Pointer 2014 and 2015, top Pointer at the AKC Invitational the last three years. At only 5 years old she still has a bright future!
Very cool, Deb, and congratulations if she’s your girl. Fabulous picture!!
Just in case there isn’t one yet this is 11 year old Opal running her NJP title run she is one leg from her standard title currently we just run agility for fun
Just in case there isn’t one yet this is 11 year old Opal running her NJP title run she is one leg from her standard title currently we just run agility for fun
MACH Lil’ Red Tank “Cami” a vizsla from Iowa Vizsla Rescue, brought into rescue at age 5 with very little socialization.
Bless his heart – but no surprise here – Vizslak are super smart! Thanks for sharing Cami’s photo, Lori!