History was made at our March 1-3 AKC Agility Trial when TCOTC member Ava Gardner became the first junior handler in the country to earn an Agility Grand Championship (AGCH) with Öcho, a Swedish Vallhund owned by member Scott Chase.

AKC created the AGCH title to celebrate high-achieving dogs who excel across all AKC agility classes. To earn the AGCH title, the following number of qualifying scores must be earned:

  • Master Standard and Master Jumper with Weaves (100  qualifying scores from each class)
  • Master Fast (75 qualifying scores)
  • Time 2 Beat (75 qualifying scores)
  • Premier Standard and Premier Jumpers with Weaves (50 qualifying scores from each class)

The AGCH title caps a remarkable junior handler career for Ava, who was recently awarded a $2,500 scholarship by AKC for earning the #2 spot in Juniors Versatility. This award requires the junior handler to earn points in at least three AKC events during the year. Ava earned points by competing in:

  • Agility – with Öcho and Merlee (Sheltie)
  • Junior Showmanship (conformation) – with Scotch (English Cocker Spaniel
  • FAST CAT – with Scotch and Fizz – English Cocker Spaniels
  • Rally – with Lieutenant – German Shepherd Dog

Congratulations to Ava and Öcho!