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Such a hap, hap, happy dog!

Forget Disney, the Westminster sports and agility rings are truly the happiest places on earth.

It’s hard to not be full of joy when surrounded by 3,000 best friends—especially when those friends are doing the thing they love the most with the people they love the most.

As part of Canine Celebration Day, Dock Diving was a special attraction at this year’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Although a long-time sport, this is the first time these splash-happy athletes could perform in front of a Westminster crowd.

The activity sees handlers throwing a favorite object towards a pool while their pup waits on a dock about 40 feet long. On command, the pooch runs along the dock and leaps to grab the toy before splashing into the water—all in pursuit of the longest jump.

5th placed Hydro Dash competitor, Chesapeake Bay Retriever Boone, secures his dock diving prize, a deflated red and yellow tennis ball. His owners could be seen cheering him on from the sidelines wearing matching “Here Comes the Boone” T-shirts.
5th placed Hydro Dash competitor, Chesapeake Bay Retriever Boone, secures his dock diving prize, a deflated red and yellow tennis ball. His owners could be seen cheering him on from the sidelines wearing matching “Here Comes the Boone” T-shirts.
What's the best part of the event—the air leap or the water splat? Luckily, these fierce competiors don't have to choose.
What's the best part of the event—the air leap or the water splat? Luckily, these fierce competiors don't have to choose.
Sometimes handlers have to do a little more guiding to get their pups back to dry land. Dock diving: not a sport for aquaphobes.
Fleury is motivated from both directions during Flyball, his thrown prize in front of him and handler, Dennis Wech, yelling encouragements from behind.
Almost any dog can do it, as long as he loves water, knows how to swim, and has a natural passion for retrieving.

Always a spectator favorite, the agility course gives dogs a chance to show off their skills and obedience as their handlers guide them through a timed course full of jumps and other obstacles. According to the AKC Agility Guide, “It’s an activity that strengthens the bond between dog and handler and provides fun and exercise for both.”

A corgi’s greatest pleasure in life is pleasing his owner, so training and succeeding in the Westminster agility course is a happy day for Johnny Quest.
Size matters. Agility dogs compete in five height classes, ranging from four inches to 20.
Different-sized dogs develop varied strategies and methods for weaving through poles, adjusting the bends and flexes as their body size allows.
Small but mighty papillon, Purchase, leaps through the agility course, leading her to her eight inch class victory. Papillons have won this class every year.
Small but mighty papillon, Purchase, leaps through the agility course, leading her to her eight inch class victory. Papillons have won this class every year.

If you talk with anyone participating or watching these events, the overarching comments center around how excited these pups are to perform and compete. It’s hard to distinguish who gets the most joy out of these events—the humans or the animals.

The agility course is open to all dogs, even those of mixed breeds (or
The agility course is open to all dogs, even those of mixed breeds (or “All American Dogs”) like Lance, seen here loving on his handler.
After his run, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Jack, leaps into the arms of owner, Jeffrey Tripp, after completing the agility qualifier.
After his run, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Jack, leaps into the arms of owner, Jeffrey Tripp, after completing the agility qualifier.
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