Westminster Masters Agility Championship: Champions, Canine Athletes, and the Thrill of the Course

The air inside the Westminster Kennel Club’s famed agility arena is supercharged with energy. From the dogwalk to the weave poles, every obstacle is a test of speed, skill, and the tightest bond between human and canine. The 12th Masters Agility Championship at Westminster was a dazzling showcase of elite teamwork—with athletes on both ends of the leash.

Let’s relive the standout runs and electric moments from the heart of the competition.

Gabby the PON: National Champion Power

Kicking off the on-lead action was Gabby the Polish Lowland Sheepdog (PON), piloted by Andrea Samuels from Florida. With experience as a national agility champion, Gabby tackled the dogwalk with exceptional drive, digging into every turn and executing the weave poles with show-stopping precision. Even though Andrea was almost inaudible over the crowd, her communication with Gabby—body language, spoken cues, encouragement—was a masterclass in silent teamwork.

Andrea, impressively, was handling not just Gabby but also Fortune—two dogs, same breed, and competing head-to-head! This double duty made for a thrilling rivalry.

Swindle: Speed and “Run Like You Stole It”

Up next in the 12-inch class: Swindle the Shetland Sheepdog, guided by Abigail Beasley from Ohio. Swindle’s registered name is “Run Like You Stole It,” and the dynamic duo lived up to the billing. Multiple-time AKC World Team members, Abby and Swindle zoomed around the course, Abby staying one step ahead, guiding Swindle with uncanny accuracy through dogwalks, tunnels, and the tightest weave pole sequence.

Spectators were on their feet as Swindle surged into the lead—their synchronized speed and unspoken understanding were a joy to watch. Agility fans know: nothing beats the thrill of a Sheltie in full stride!

Vanish: Border Collie Brilliance

In the hyper-competitive 16-inch class, all eyes were on Vanish the Border Collie, handled by Emily Clarman of Pennsylvania. Already known for elite international competition, Emily and Vanish squared off against some of the world’s best.

Vanish’s payoff came in her signature blend of precision and acceleration. Blazing across the dogwalk, powering through the poles, and nailing the tricky teeter, Vanish shaved fractions of a second at each split—all with Emily expertly plotting the most efficient lines.

That spellbinding speed? 100% real time. Vanish pulled ahead of her closest rival, demonstrating why Border Collies are often the breed to beat.

Shelby Cobra: Rocket on Four Paws

Shelby Cobra, another Border Collie, handled by Amber Munn of New Hampshire, wowed the crowd with her signature enthusiasm. Amber’s skill at managing multiple dogs (requiring carefully timed run orders) highlighted both her fitness and her bond with each canine athlete.

Shelby’s run was a whirlwind: tight turns, swift communication, brilliant stops and releases on the A-frame, and a powerful finish that earned raucous applause.

Sterling the Weimaraner: Giant Among Sprinters

Injecting variety into the finals, Sterling the Weimaraner (registered as “Atomic Number 47,” a nod to silver) ran with Lori Barbie from Huntington Beach, California. It’s rare to see a Weimaraner at this elite level, given their large size and hunting lineage—traits that can make tight agility courses a challenge.

Lori and Sterling worked in harmony, blending Sterling’s natural speed with steadfast handling. Even a rare missed jump and a time penalty couldn’t slow them down. Sterling’s sheer athleticism—even when correcting a mistake—earned heartfelt cheers.

The Awards: Triumph and Tradition

The tension reached its peak at the award ceremony, presided over by Westminster President Don Sers, event directors, and the judges.

First, a special award for the highest-scoring All-American dog (mixed breed) from the 24-inch class went to Gable, expertly handled by Kayla from New York, whose performance showcased the inclusivity of modern agility competition.

Then came the coveted title: the overall Masters Agility Champion and Green Jacket. This year’s honor, a $5,000 donation check, and the legendary jacket from Purina Pro Plan Plus went to… Vanish the Border Collie and Emily Clarman of Pennsylvania.

A flood of emotion overwhelmed Emily: “I’m just completely speechless. She’s one in a million. To do this with her—I have no words. We love what we do, and the results just kind of show. We try our best and let the chips fall where they may. We were able to get it done this time.”

Nine of the last twelve champions have been Border Collies—a testament to this breed’s unique versatility, motivation, and joy in the sport.

Why Agility Matters

Whether it’s a national champion PON, a Sheltie that runs like she stole it, a turbocharged mix-breed, or the classic Border Collie, the Masters Agility Championship is more than a contest; it’s a celebration of the bond between people and dogs.

The hours of training, patience, setbacks, and victories—the way a handler and dog communicate at full speed, often with barely a spoken word—demonstrate trust, athleticism, and deep companionship. Any dog can learn, grow, and shine with the right mix of practice and love.

Thinking of Trying Agility?

Don’t be daunted by the blazing pace of the champions. Any dog can start agility—with local classes, DIY backyard obstacle courses, or simple games at home. You’ll share laughs, build confidence, and deepen your friendship with your canine partner.

And if you’re inspired by Westminster’s tradition, remember: the world’s fastest, happiest, and most in-sync dogs all started with a single jump, a loving handler, and a dream.

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