New York, NY – The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to announce the 2022 AKC Trick Dog Competition winners. The overall winners were Muriel McMullen and her Australian Terrier, “Maddie” from Altoona, WI. In their routine, “Dogwarts School of Witchcraft,” Maddie used her tricks to become a witch.
This fourth annual competition was a virtual event open to Elite Performers, AKC’s highest level of trick dogs. There was also a Junior division for people ages 17 and under. In the largest AKC Trick Dog competition to date, 151 competitors from 35 states and Canada submitted videos of performances that three judges judged.
“This performance was such a joy to watch,” said Mary Burch, AKC Family Dog Director. “Maddie’s routine included advanced tricks such as walking backward on a beam, and she could perform tricks with her handler at a distance. Maddie’s eagerness and joy demonstrate the extraordinary bond that can result from training. AKC is so proud of the AKC Elite Performer Trick Dogs and their creative, highly skilled handlers.”
The two finalists in the competition were Christina Jones and her All-American dog, Chloe, from Stafford, VA, and Tamara Shaffer and her Biewer Terrier, Olivia Nicole, from Newnan, GA.
“Working with your dog to learn tricks is an enjoyable activity that dog owners can do at any time and place that fits with their day,” said Doug Ljungren, Executive VP for Sports & Events. “It enriches your dog’s life, and the bond it develops is most rewarding.”
From the 1920’s and 1940’s when trick dogs such as Rin Tin Tin and Lassie won peoples’ hearts, trick dog training has become one of the most exciting new areas in dog training today. To learn more about teaching your dog to do tricks, see:
