American Kennel Club Dog Sports to Air on ESPN2 This Christmas
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is thrilled to announce two canine competitions coming to ESPN2 this Christmas Day starting at 2:30pm ET.
December 22, 2022
Disc Dog, also known as Frisbee Dog, is an exhilarating and dynamic dog sport that tests the agility, speed, and coordination of the canine competitors as well as the throwing skills of their handlers. Rooted in the simple act of playing fetch with a flying disc, this sport has evolved into a highly competitive and entertaining activity that is enjoyed worldwide.
The core of the sport lies in the bond and teamwork that exists between each dog and its handler. Disc Dog combines elements of athletics, strategy, and training that supports a dog’s ability to leap into the air to catch flying discs thrown by their handlers. The sport is characterized by its high energy and the remarkable athletic abilities of the dogs, showcasing their jumping prowess, speed, and precision.
Disc Dog is open to all breeds and mixed-breeds, emphasizing the inclusivity and versatility of the sport. It’s not just the physical aspects that are celebrated but also the joy and enthusiasm of the dogs. It’s a sport that strengthens the bond between each dog and its handler, fostering a deep sense of companionship and mutual support.
Competitions in Disc Dog typically involve two main events:
In Toss and Fetch, the field is marked with distance zones, with each catch in these zones earning points. The farther the catch, the higher the points. This event tests the dog’s catching skills and the handler’s ability to throw accurately.
In Freestyle, teams are judged on a combination of factors, including the difficulty of the throws, the variety and creativity of the tricks, the dog’s athleticism, and the overall presentation and choreography of the routine. This event allows handlers and dogs to showcase their unique style and talents.
The sport is governed by various organizations, each with its own set of rules and scoring criteria. Safety is always a key concern, with rules designed to prevent injury to the dogs, thus emphasizing the importance of proper training and conditioning.
Disc Dog, as a formalized sport, has its origins in the mid-20th century. However, the act of dogs catching flying discs dates back much farther as a natural extension of simply playing fetch. The sport’s evolution mirrors the growing awareness of the bond that’s shared between humans and dogs, evolving from a backyard pastime to an organized competitive activity.
The breakthrough moment for Disc Dog occurred in 1974 and involved a college student named Alex Stein and his dog, a Whippet named “Ashley.” Alex, hailing from Ohio, made an impromptu and unscripted appearance during a nationally televised Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
Stein, a passionate Frisbee enthusiast, saw an opportunity to showcase Ashley’s incredible athletic abilities. During a break in the game, Stein and Ashley jumped onto the field, grabbing the attention of the audience and the broadcasters. For the next several minutes, “Ashley Whippet” amazed the crowd with his astonishing ability to leap high into the air and catch Frisbees thrown by his human buddy over great distances.
That spontaneous demonstration went beyond a mere interruption of a baseball game. It highlighted the remarkable coordination, speed, and agility of a single dog and introduced the world to the genesis of a bonafide canine sport. The audience in attendance and the television viewers were captivated by Ashley’s acrobatic catches and Stein’s enthusiastic throwing, making their very public moment together in the spotlight a pivotal moment in the history of Disc Dog.
The unscheduled performance’s impact was immediate and far-reaching. It spurred widespread interest in the concept of playing Frisbee with dogs as a sport, leading to the formalization of Disc Dog competitions. Stein and Ashley’s appearance is often credited with popularizing the sport, as they went on to perform at numerous public events. They became iconic figures in the Disc Dog community, and their legacy continues to inspire dog owners and enthusiasts in the world of competitive canine sports.
Following that seminal event, interest in the sport surged and led to the establishment of the first official Disc Dog competitions. These early competitions laid the foundation for the sport, setting the stage for both local and international events. Eventually, dog breeders and sports enthusiasts began to recognize the potential to showcase the agility and intelligence of individual dog breeds.
As the sport grew, so too did its representation and structure. Organizations dedicated to Disc Dog began forming, creating standardized rules and competition formats. This formalization helped in maintaining the integrity of the sport and provided a platform for enthusiasts to compete and share their passion.
Today, Disc Dog has blossomed into a global phenomenon, with clubs and competitions established around the world. The sport has diversified to include dogs of most any breed as well as dogs of all mixes and sizes, making it an accessible sport for a wide range of competitors. It’s not just the physical prowess of a single breed that’s celebrated, but also the creativity and innovation that’s demonstrated in each individual dog and handler’s routine.
Disc Dog competitions now feature categories for different skill levels, from novice to expert, allowing dog and handler teams to compete in an environment that’s suited to their abilities. The sport has become a significant part of the canine sports world, with events often held in conjunction with other dog sporting activities.
The rise of Disc Dog has fostered a vibrant community of enthusiasts. It’s a sport that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds, united by their love for dogs and the joy of the game. Training sessions, workshops, and local meet-ups have even become as integral to the sport as the competitions themselves.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is thrilled to announce two canine competitions coming to ESPN2 this Christmas Day starting at 2:30pm ET.
