DVR Alert: Westminster adds dog agility with mixed breeds to competition this year!

As part of  the Westminster Kennel Club 138th Annual Dog Show, agility will be held for the first time, and includes purebred and mixed breeds competing in the agility portion of Westminster, in addition to the historical confirmation showcase.

The Masters Agility Championship at Westminster, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014, between the hours of 11AM and 10PM at Pier 94 in New York City. Confirmation will be held on Monday and Tuesday, February 10-11, 2014 8AM-6PM and 8PM-11PM.

The agility competition is open to dogs competing at Excellent and Masters level of AKC agility. That includes purebred dogs and mixed breeds registered in the AKC's Canine Partners program. However, miscellaneous breeds not yet eligible for conformation competition, foundation stock service recorded breeds, and Purebred Alternative Listing dogs (like me) are not eligible. Entries were selected by random draw in December 2013. Requirements for entry and advancement to the final/championship rounds can be found on the premium.

Set your DVR's as agility will be broadcast live by Fox Sports 1 from 7 to 9 PM ET on Saturday, Feb. 8, with commentary by the former Olympic diver Greg Louganis. 

Confirmation sessions will be held on Monday and Tuesday, February 10-11, 2014 8AM-6PM and feature hound, toy, non-sporting and herding groups on Monday and sporting, working, terrier groups and Best in Show on Tuesday. Air dates include:

CNBC live on Monday from 8-11 PM ET
USA Network live on Tuesday from 8-11PM ET / 5-8PM PT with repeat from  8-11PM

Live streaming of all breed judging will be available on the Westminster website and on the official 2014 Westminster Show App available for Android and iOS.

The Fox Sports/Westminster Kennel Club deal is a three year agreement, so expect to see agility on Fox Sports for 2015/16 as well!

Photo courtesy of NYTimes.