(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK — The American Kennel Club announces the winners of the 2020 AKC Trick Dog Competition. This 2nd Annual competition was a virtual event, open to Elite Performers, AKC’s highest level of trick dogs. More than 100 competitors from 29 states and Canada submitted videos of performances that were judged by three AKC licensed judges.
The winners were Debbi Snyder and her Border Collie, “Amos” from Lakeland, FL. Their routine, “Hairy Pawter and The Sorcerer’s Bone,” was entertaining and featured Amos as Hairy Pawter.
“This performance was fun to watch,” said Mary Burch, AKC Family Dog Director. “Amos performed his routine with joy, and he required minimal cues from his handler. A dog who works consistently and eagerly is ultimately what dog training is all about. We are so proud of the AKC Elite Performer Trick Dogs and their creative, devoted handlers.”
The two semi-finalists in the competition were Sandi Taylor and her Borzoi, Evie, from Tulsa Oklahoma, and Tracy Dulock and her Golden Retriever, Gryffindor from Robinson, Texas. Gryffindor was the 2019 competition winner.
“It was such a pleasure to judge these remarkable dogs and handlers,” said Geralynn Cada-Ragan, one of the competition judges who is an award-winning professional dog trainer, television personality, and PetAge Magazine’s Icon Award Recipient. “There were so many talented dogs in this year’s competition. In the end, we looked at not only tricks but the whole presentation including the team effort and whether or not there was a great team bond. Teaching tricks is a great way to enhance your relationship with your dog. Congratulations to all of the 2020 competition participants!”
To learn more about teaching your dog to do tricks, see here.