Meet the Winners of the 2025 AKC Military Diving Dogs Challenge

Melanie Haid
Jul 4
2 min read

Updated: Oct 20

Originally published here at AKC.org on July 5, 2025 by Melanie Haid

The Diving Dogs Challenge is back – this year with a new look. For 2025, the AKC Military Diving Dogs Challenge was held in collaboration with North American Diving Dogs and ESPN. The event was part of the AKC Salutes the Troops event, held in Georgia along with the AKC Agility Premier Cup and AKC Fastest Dogs USA.

The AKC Diving Dogs Challenge was held on May 3rd, and premiered on ESPN on July 4. Dogs competed in three disciplines, each named as part of the AKC Salutes the Troops event: Elite Premier (Chinook), Senior Master (Apache), and Lap (Blackhawk). See the placements below!

Elite Premier, Chinook

Winner

Call Name: Posey

Breed: Belgian Malinois

Handler(s): Katie Smith

From: Oxford, MI

Second Place

Call Name: Misfit

Breed: Whippet

Handler(s): Lindsay Sharkey

From: Swartz Creek, MI

Third Place

Call Name: Boom

Breed: All-American Dog

Handler(s): Cindy Greenslade

From: Anderston, IN

Senior Master, Apache

Winner

Call Name: Titan

Breed: Dutch Shepherd

Handler(s): Denise Duriga

From: Cedar Lake, IN

Second Place

Call Name: Trinity

Breed: All-American Dog

Handler(s): Erin Rakosky

From: Asheboro, NC

Third Place

Call Name: Gilligan

Breed: Labrador Retriever

Handler(s): Valerie Ford

From: Deland, FL

Lap, Blackhawk

Winner

Call Name: Nimona

Breed: All-American Dog

Handler(s): Adriana Nottestad

From: Wendell, NC

Second Place

Call Name: The Fig

Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Handler(s): Pam Dural

From: Lebanon, OH

Third Place

Call Name: Yogi

Breed: Boston Terrier

Handler(s): Chris Kemper

From: Jacksonville, FL

Get Started in Dock Diving

If the AKC Diving Dogs Challenge 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.