Won the day
each other by tackling 12 separate obstacles. To this day, the equipment used in that first demonstration still survives as legal obstacles.
The overwhelming reaction of the crowd showed that Varley and Meanwell were on to a winner and, over the following year, a series of qualifiers were held for the first-ever Agility Stakes at Crufts.
“After the successful introduction of agility at Crufts, dog clubs which had previously never offered it as an activity started to grow and offer agility training and competitions, many using home-made equipment,” explained a Kennel Club spokesman. “Rules were established, competition levels agreed and over the years, more and more dogs began competing in all sizes and breeds.”
While agility has reached new heights with its
Popular
premier and expertly contested competitions, it has also gone on to become a popular leisure pursuit.
“Agility has become the fastest growing and most popular canine activity in the UK and the sport is enjoyed by thousands across the country, with men, women and children from a variety of backgrounds and their dogs all experiencing the fun nature of this popular sport,” added the Kennel Club spokesman.
Visitors can watch an array of competitions and displays at Crufts and find out more about the sport at the Dog Activities area in Hall 3 of the show. INFORMATION: For more details about this year’s competitions, see thekennelclub.org.uk/activities/ agility/agility-at-crufts/