Owner 'in shock' as dog wins Crufts agility title

Lucy Tegg
BBC News
Mark Douglas Mark Douglas and his dog with the winning rosette, which is coloured red and green. They are sitting on a podium, in front of a Crufts advertising hoarding. Mark is wearing a dark green polo shirt and grey trousers. He is smiling and holding the dog on his lap. The dog is looking into the camera, it is alert and has its mouth slightly open.Mark Douglas
The border collie took top prize in his agility class at Crufts

A South Gloucestershire man and his border collie are celebrating winning an agility title at Crufts.

Sheriff, whose Kennel Club name is Montaki Fly Guy, took the top prize in agility, in the large novice class at the weekend.

Sheriff is two years old, and was the youngest dog among six finalists taking part in the competition final.

His owner Mark Douglas said: "He is very consistent, and an old head on young shoulders. I'm still in a bit of shock, but Sheriff has taken it in his stride."

Mark Douglas Sheriff, a border collie, stands side-on, wearing a navy dog coat at an indoor agility training centre. An agility tunnel appears in the background.Mark Douglas
Sheriff won the Crufts Novice Cup Agility final in his class

Mr Douglas, who lives in Frampton Cotterell, added: "He is very loving and gentle, he loves people and children."

The pair took part in qualifying competitions, which were held throughout the year, before earning their place at Crufts.

They trained for six months ahead of the Novice Cup Agility finals, which took place at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.

Agility combines the fitness and speed of the dog and the handler's skills in guiding the dog around a series of obstacles.

It is a fast-moving and popular event at the prestigious dog show.

Mr Douglas told the BBC he aims to continue to compete with Sheriff, who was bred in Scotland, in the future.

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