A MAN and his dog from Warton fought off stiff competition to win an agility title at Crufts.

Jibbers and Nigel Staines, a dog and handler duo from Warton, Lancashire won The Kennel Club Intermediate Novice ABC (Anything But Collies) Agility competition after battling it out against eight other finalists on Friday, March 11.

The final saw eight intermediate dogs in grades one to five of agility, other than Border Collies and Working Sheepdogs, competing to win, having all qualified from the semi-finals at The Kennel Club’s Discover Dogs in November 2021.

Retired Nigel, who is a triple Crufts champion at agility, said: “This dog does eight competitions a year but only trains four times a year. He is just a natural. The feeling to be back is just amazing! It is great to be able to show off your dog again. He sleeps a lot but having said that, I’ve never seen anyone beat him in a ball chase!”

Vanessa McAlpine, Crufts show manager, said: “Very well done to Jibbers and Nigel for what was a fantastic performance which proved how hard they have both worked. The two of them clearly have a wonderful bond and we would like to wish them the best of luck for the future.

“The ABC Agility is a fun competition for owners with different breeds of dog competing in agility. Well done to all who entered and took part in the final.”