The Westminster Kennel Club dog show added an agility competition a decade ago, allowing mixed breeds to compete for the first time since the late 1800s. However, purebreds had always won until Nimble, a border collie-papillion mix, outran 50 other finalists to claim victory. Nimble’s handler, Cynthia Hornor, described her as a hardworking and wonderful dog who excelled in the obstacle course with speed and agility. Nimble’s win marked a significant moment for blended-breed dogs and showcased the potential of mixed breed dogs in high-level competitions.
Agility competitions at the Westminster show involve dogs maneuvering through obstacle courses with handlers by their side. The goal is to complete the course flawlessly in the fastest time possible. Nimble’s flawless run of 28.76 seconds, over a second ahead of the closest competitor, highlighted her exceptional skill and speed. Despite being smaller than the typically dominant border collies, Nimble’s performance proved that her deliberate breeding from two agile breeds, border collies, and papillons, paid off.
Cynthia Hornor, an agility trainer from Ellicott City, Maryland, expressed surprise at Nimble’s win, praising her abilities and noting her exceptional performance. Nimble’s victory showcased the Westminster Kennel Club’s commitment to celebrating all dogs, regardless of breed. The club president, Donald Sturz, was pleased to see an all-American mix breed dog win the agility competition, emphasizing the inclusivity of the event and the acknowledgement of mixed breed dogs in the dog show world. Despite the show’s purebred origins, the addition of the agility competition reflects a shift towards embracing a broader range of dogs and attracting a more diverse audience.
The Westminster show has a long history dating back to 1877 and initially included mixed breeds before becoming a purebred-only event. The introduction of agility in 2014 signaled a shift towards embracing a growing sport and diversifying the show’s offerings. The inclusion of mixed-breed competitors in the agility contest served as a response to criticism from animal rights activists who viewed the show as a traditional beauty contest for pedigreed dogs. Nimble’s win marked a milestone for mixed breed dogs and showcased their potential in competitive dog sports.
Nimble’s unique mix of border collie and papillon, known as “border paps,” highlighted the agility and versatility of mixed breed dogs. Despite her exceptional speed on the agility course, Nimble is described as a regular dog who enjoys swimming, hiking, and hanging out with her owner. Nimble’s win not only celebrated blended-breed dogs but also challenged the dominance of purebred dogs in high-profile competitions. Her victory at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show marked a significant moment for mixed breed dogs and emphasized the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the world of competitive dog sports.
