The 2023 AKC Diving Dogs Challenge was held in collaboration with North American Diving Dogs on April 2, at the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. Dogs competed in three disciplines: Distance, Air Retrieve, and Hydro Dash, with a winner crowned in each category.
The competition aired on ESPN2 on April 9, and champions were announced for each discipline.
Distance Jumping
Dogs competed for the farthest jump, which is measured from the end of the dock to the base of the dog’s tail when it breaks water.
First Place
Call Name: Sapper
Breed: All-American Dog
Handler(s): Christy Hutson
From: Moyock, NC
Age: 4
Final Jump: 26’11”
Second Place
Call Name: Finn
Breed: Brittany
Handler(s): John Van Allen
From: Hudson, WI
Age: 3
Final Jump: 24’0″
Third Place
Call Name: Piquels
Breed: Belgian Malinois
Handler(s): Missi Roland
From: Madison, WI
Age: 2
Final Jump: 22’9″
Air Retrieve
Dogs competed to knock a bumper of an apparatus, which hangs at the middle of the dock’s width at the farthest distance. The rig moved out in one-foot increments and each dog had two attempts. This year, three dogs tied for second place.
First Place
Call Name: Zara
Breed: Belgian Malinois
Handler(s): Michelle Dudley
From: Ellicott City, MD
Age: 4
Longest Distance: 21′
Second Place
Call Name: Chezwick
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Handler(s): Breck Baker
From: St. Augustine, FL
Age: 3
Longest Distance: 20′
Second Place
Call Name: Bling
Breed: Belgian Malinois
Handler(s): Stephanie Knatz
From: St. Marys, OH
Age: 3
Longest Distance: 20′
Second Place
Call Name: Titan
Breed: German Shorthaired Pointer
Handler(s): Michelle Demler
From: Sheboygan Falls, WI
Age: 4
Longest Distance: 20′
Hydro Dash
Dogs must swim out from the dock to the bumper, located 37 feet from the dock and hung one inch above the water. The dog must remove the bumper from both clips, then swim back to the dock. The dog who does this the fastest, wins.
First Place
Call Name: Sonic Breed: Labrador Retriever
Handler(s): Linda Macke
From: New Richmond, OH
Age: 5
Best Time: 14.876 seconds
Second Place
Call Name: Yeti
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Handler(s): Dawn Jauernik
From: Jacksonville, NC
Age: 3
Best Time: 15.292 seconds
Third Place
Call Name: Rusty
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Handler(s): Joe Souza
From: Wesley Chapel, FL
Age: 6
Best Time: 15.551 seconds
Get Started in Diving Dogs
If Diving Dogs seems intriguing and you have a dog that loves water, you’re already one step closer to competing yourself.
Like many dog sports, all dogs over six months, including mixed breeds, are eligible to compete in Diving Dogs (other than females in season.) Titles earned through North America Diving Dogs (NADD) will be recognized by The American Kennel Club. To apply, simply complete the Title Application.
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