 Call Name: Quill
Border Collie
Date of Birth: March 10, 2019
Breeder(s): Lisa Kronz
Owner(s): Beth O’Connor
Handler(s): Beth O’Connor
Province: Alberta
Quill, a talented Border Collie, has earned the distinction of CKC Top Dog in Herding for 2025, a milestone that reflects years of dedication, thoughtful training, and partnership with his owner and handler, Beth O’Connor of Alberta. Bred by Lisa Kronz, Quill’s journey to the top is a testament to perseverance and belief in potential. For Beth, the most memorable moment of the year came at their first herding trial of the season. “Getting the sheep through the obstacles was no longer a matter of luck. It was skill,” she shares. “Quill’s skill as a herding dog coupled with mine as a handler. It really felt like Quill was finally a real herding dog. Everything clicked for us as a herding team that weekend.”
Despite being a professional dog trainer for 15 years, Quill is Beth’s first sport and first herding dog. Learning together has strengthened their bond and shaped their success across multiple disciplines, including Herding, Barn Hunt, Scent Detection, and Rally Obedience. Quill’s breed plays an undeniable role in his performance. While he works stock in a traditional Border Collie style, Beth explains that he is “more loose-eyed and softer than many working line Border Collies,” a trait that has proven advantageous in the pressure of CKC arena trials, where thoughtful balance is essential.
Beth credits much of their achievement to mentor Billie Richardson, who believed in Quill even when he was fearful of sheep during his instinct test. “We never would have been able to do this without her,” Beth says. She also extends sincere thanks to trial hosts Sheldon Greanya, Leanne Murray, Brandy-Lee Fazlic, Jen Seaborn, Shamus Page, and Kristen Thompson.
“Achieving CKC Top Dog status is deeply meaningful to me,” Beth reflects. “It represents years of thoughtful training decisions, consistency, and commitment. Knowing that he will always be a CKC Top Dog is something I will forever be proud of.”
Photo credits: Beth O’Connor
#1 Field Beagle – FTCH Martell's Happy Gossip
 Call Name: Happy
Beagle
Date of Birth: November 8, 2021
Breeder(s): Ralph Martell
Owner(s): Lawson Stone
Handler(s): Lawson Stone
Province: Nova Scotia
Happy the Beagle has earned her place as the Canadian Kennel Club’s #1 Beagle in Field Trials for 2025, a milestone that reflects dedication, instinct, and an unbreakable bond between dog and handler.
Owned and handled by Lawson Stone of Nova Scotia, and bred by Ralph Martell, Happy has proven herself to be a determined and consistent hound in the field. The year opened with a defining performance. “Winning the first trial of the year on the snow,” says Lawson, “proved her incredible nose and ability to perform in winter conditions where most dogs struggle but this is where she strives.”
Happy is not only a standout in competition but also, as Lawson proudly shares, “the best rabbit hunting dog I’ve owned.” He adds, “Every day we are able to hunt or train she never disappoints, we have put in countless hours together making lots of memories.” That daily commitment is evident in her work. True to her breed, she hunts with energy and precision. “Hunting with her nose and running rabbits energetically, like a Beagle is bred to do. Her workstyle is very diligent while hardly losing the rabbit’s trail, running it very consistently in all conditions.” Her determination shows in her relentless search until game is found.
Lawson credits much of their success to the support around them. “I would like to thank my dad, Tyson Stone, for selling me Happy as a young hound and helping me train her days I was unable to, as well as handling her at some trials. I would also like to thank Skip Griffen for handling her sometimes as well. It was very appreciated.”
Reflecting on their achievement, Lawson shares that reaching Top Dog status proves their hard work has paid off. For new beaglers, his advice is simple: “Don’t get discouraged… it takes lots of time and effort to make a good dog. It takes time and patience. But by doing this, success will come, and have fun doing it.”
Photo credits: Lawson Stone
#1 Open Shooting Dog – DC FTCH Amigo's Bird Zekeing Missile WDJ
Call Name: Zeke
Brittany Spaniel
Date of Birth: February 29, 2021
Breeder(s): Amigo Kennels
Owner(s): Tom Doherty & Kim Williamson
Handler(s): Tom Doherty
Province: Alberta
Zeke, the talented Brittany Spaniel, has earned his place as the Canadian Kennel Club’s #1 Open Shooting Dog for 2025, marking an extraordinary chapter in a journey shaped by perseverance, friendship, and love for the sport. Bred by Amigo Kennels and owned by Tom Doherty and Kim Williamson, Zeke is handled by Tom. From the beginning, he showed exceptional promise, eventually becoming the youngest Pointing Dog in Canada to achieve a Dual Champion title, a milestone his team is immensely proud of. His early training with Dan Hoke in Washington helped lay the groundwork for the natural ability and polish he now demonstrates in the field.
Zeke’s path has been deeply personal. Originally placed as a hunting companion with Brad, circumstances changed when Brad became seriously ill. While he was in hospital, Tom and Kim cared for Zeke and shared videos of him working birds to lift Brad’s spirits. Sadly, Brad passed away, and his family felt it was best for Zeke to remain with Tom and Kim. They promised to make him the best hunting dog possible in Brad’s honour.
“Every time Zeke does well, we look to the sky and say, ‘Did you see that Brad!’ because we know he is smiling down on us,” shares co-owner Kim Williamson. When Zeke entered field trials in 2023, he quickly made his mark with three major wins and additional placements. What began as competition became something more. Zeke’s field trial career became a promise kept, honouring both a friendship and a shared love of hunting dogs.
“Zeke is a great dog and Brad was an amazing person. It’s a journey we have all been blessed to be part of for the love of a special dog,” Kim adds. The CKC proudly celebrates Zeke, Tom, and Kim on this meaningful and well-earned achievement, and honours the special role Brad played in this remarkable journey.
Photo credits: Photos-Now Dog Show Photography
#1 Amateur Shooting Dog – FTCH AFTCH Windrip's Rock Show FDA
 Call Name: Pella
German Short-Haired Pointer
Date of Birth: May 1, 2020
Breeder(s): Arwen Dabb
Owner(s): Arwen Dabb
Handler(s): Arwen Dabb
Province: Alberta
Pella, a talented German Shorthaired Pointer, has earned her place as the Canadian Kennel Club’s #1 Amateur Shooting Dog for 2025. Bred, owned, and handled by Arwen Dabb of Alberta, Pella’s season reflects years of thoughtful breeding, consistent training, and a strong partnership built from day one.
“The highlight for me was finishing both her Field Trial Champion and Amateur Field Trial Champion titles, along with a field test title,” says Arwen. Those milestones marked a defining moment in an already impressive year.
As a homebred puppy, Pella stood out immediately. “As a little pup, she was already demonstrating the drive and range needed to be successful in pointing field trials and was the obvious choice for me to keep from this litter,” Arwen shares. In the field, Pella naturally drives forward with confidence while maintaining connection, a balance that has proven essential in Amateur Shooting Dog stakes.
German Shorthaired Pointers are known for their high energy and intensity, and Pella exemplifies these qualities with style and determination on point. Behind the scenes, Arwen credits her husband Steve as “a huge part of this sport,” supporting every aspect of their journey. For Arwen, this achievement carries deep meaning. “I am so proud to have another generation from my breeding program earn a spot as a CKC top pointing dog,” she says. Pella represents the fourth generation from her program to reach this level, following in the paw prints of her dam, grand-dam, and great grand-dam.
Arwen emphasizes that success in field trials comes from “consistency, repetition, patience and training,” noting that flexibility in adjusting methods for each individual dog is essential. With that foundation, Pella’s place among CKC’s Top Dogs is both a personal triumph and a testament to a carefully cultivated legacy.
Photo credits: Arwen Dabb
#1 Open All-Age Retriever – AFTCH FTCH Amarillo Wannabe Famous
Call Name: Elvis
Labrador Retriever
Date of Birth: September 4, 2017
Breeder(s): Jenny Deleemans
Owner(s): David Wardle
Handler(s): David Wardle
Province: Ontario
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#1 Amateur All-Age Retriever – GMH OTCH FTCH AFTCH Tsolumside Shine The Light
 Call Name: Flicker
Labrador Retriever
Date of Birth: September 9, 2017
Breeder(s): Linda Page
Owner(s): Linda Page
Handler(s): Linda Page
Province: British Columbia
Flicker, a Labrador Retriever owned, bred, and handled by Linda Page of British Columbia, earned the distinction of #1 Amateur All-Age Retriever Field Trial Dog for 2025. For Linda, the most memorable moment of the year was “learning that Flicker had attained the designation of Top Amateur Handled Dog in Canada for 2025.”
A passionate advocate for the breed and the sport, Linda shares, “I love Labrador Retrievers and also love the sport of field trialing and training itself, because it’s complex and challenging. The people we meet and the places we go to compete are icing on the cake.” Flicker’s success is rooted in strong genetics and thoughtful breeding. His dam, Dart, was often high in the CKC points standings, and his sire carried an excellent competition history. As Linda notes, Flicker is “hard wired for the job and loves every minute of the sport.”
Linda is quick to acknowledge the organizations and community that make field trials possible, including the Canadian Kennel Club, the National Retriever Championship Club, the BCARTC, and her home club, the Vancouver Island Retriever Club. She also extends special thanks to her training group, Retrievers ‘R Us, “for the way we support and encourage each individual and work so well as a whole.”
Her advice to newcomers reflects her thoughtful approach to the sport: “Every time I go to the line, I learn something.” She encourages beginners to seek out mentors and take advantage of the many online resources now available, noting that there is very little a retriever can do in the field that has not been done before. Achieving Top Dog status is, in Linda’s words, “an honor,” and it inspires her to continue training and competing with her young Labrador, Wren, in CKC venues suited to a field and obedience-trained retriever.
Photo credits: Kathy Miner |
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#1 Combined All-Age Retriever – FTCH AFTCH Baypoint Backwater Oscar
 Call Name: Oscar
Labrador Retriever
Date of Birth: January 16, 2019
Breeder(s): Dan & Gloria DeVos
Owner(s): Rod Spence
Handler(s): Rod Spence
Province: British Columbia
Oscar, a driven and dependable Labrador Retriever, has once again risen to the top, earning the title of CKC Top Dog in Combined Retriever Field Trials for 2025. Bred by Dan and Gloria DeVos of Baypoint Kennels and owned and handled by Rod Spence of Revelstoke, British Columbia, Oscar’s consistency at the highest level of competition continues to set him apart. This season marked a rare milestone. “2025 has brought continued success for Oscar,” says Rod Spence. “He is one of a handful of two-time recipients of Top All Age Dog in Canada. We are thrilled to be honoured by the CKC for this achievement once again.”
All-Age competition brings together retrievers of all ages competing at the sport’s most demanding level, requiring not only talent but maturity, endurance, and consistency. Oscar’s ability to excel against seasoned competitors year after year speaks to both his natural ability and careful development. In the field, Oscar is all focus and drive. At home, he is steady and relaxed, a balance Rod deeply appreciates. “From a long line of great dogs, Oscar is really focused in competition and yet, quite laid back at home.”
Rod credits valuable mentorship along the way, including advice from Laura Danforth that continues to guide his approach: “This is not a competition to see who gets there first. You are building a career for your dog… let them develop.” That philosophy of patience and long-term growth has clearly paid off.
For newcomers, Rod emphasizes starting with the right partner. “A good companion from a reputable and knowledgeable breeder is of utmost importance. Starting out with a good dog makes the rest of the journey a pleasure.”
The Canadian Kennel Club proudly congratulates Oscar and Rod on an exceptional and historic year in the field.
Photo credits: Rod Spence
#1 Open All-Age Field Spaniel – FTCH Bellsmill Pale
English Cocker Spaniel
Date of Birth: September 5, 2018
Breeder(s): R. A. Longville
Owner(s): Clay Earl
Handler(s): Clay Earl
Province: Ontario
#1 Amateur All-Age Field Spaniel – Jaegercourt Belle Bella
 Call Name: Bella
English Springer Spaniel
Date of Birth: June 18, 2022
Breeder(s): Pierre & Viviene Fecteau
Owner(s): Craig Chisholm
Handler(s): Craig Chisholm
Province: Nova Scotia
Bella, a talented English Springer Spaniel from Nova Scotia, has earned the distinction of being named the Canadian Kennel Club’s #1 Amateur All-Age Field Spaniel for 2025. Owned and handled by Craig Chisholm and bred by Pierre and Viviene Fecteau of Jaegercourt Spaniels in St. Anne de Pérade, Quebec, Bella’s season reflects dedication, growth, and the power of partnership.
For Craig, one of the most meaningful moments came early in the season. “My first ever Trial Placement, a blue ribbon in late May 2025,” he shares. A judge offered advice that changed everything: “Trust your dog!! She knows what she’s there to do, so have the confidence to let her do it!” Three placements followed that same day, setting the tone for the season. Later highlights included winning the Guns Choice Award at the Canadian Amateur National Championship and finishing the year as High Point Amateur Dog in Canada.
Bella entered Craig’s life after an overseas move left him without a dog for four long years. Bringing home a trained two-year-old was a new experience. “The adjustment to her new family was seamless,” Craig says. At home, she is a loyal and loving companion. In the field, she “comes alive with an amplified personality,” driven by instinct, enthusiasm, and a deep love of training and hunting.
Craig’s spaniel journey began while upland hunting as a university student, unknowingly surrounded by the nucleus of his local spaniel club. Over time, hunting turned into ownership and eventually trialling. He credits the Scotia Springer Club and the Musquodoboit training crew, Dickie Corkum, Justin Paddock, Nevin Tucker, John Fillier, Sandy Beverage, Chris Chisholm, and Bruce Outhouse, for their unwavering support. Of Bruce, who first introduced him to spaniels, Craig says he remains his “Spaniel Mentor.”
“Ask questions, try not to take it too serious, and have fun!” Craig advises newcomers. Achieving Top Dog status, he says, “is indeed a high honour, the cherry topping an incredibly successful 2025 season.”
Photo credits: Craig Chisholm, Ted Doane
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#1 Lure Coursing Dog – Lithica Andare Enigma AC FCH
Call Name: Gemma
Whippet
Date of Birth: January 25, 2024
Breeder(s): Aaryn Secker, Lithica Whippets
Owner(s): Ivy & Edward Molloy, Andare Sighthounds
Handler(s): Edward Molloy
Province: Alberta
Gemma, a talented Whippet owned by Ivy and Ed Molloy of Andare Sighthounds and bred by Aaryn Secker of Lithica Whippets, earned the Canadian Kennel Club’s #1 Lure Coursing Dog title for 2025 following a strong first season in competition. Handled by Ed Molloy, Gemma quickly demonstrated that she had both the instinct and drive to excel in the sport.
“Gemma was 15 months old when we entered her in western Canada’s first lure trial of the 2025 season,” recalls owner Edward Molloy. Competing at a picturesque venue hosted by the Whippet Club of BC, she made an immediate impression. On her first day, Gemma finished out of the points, but that didn’t dampen their excitement. “She handled it like a seasoned pro and we were thrilled to see in Gemma the fire we so value in her Dam, Cipher!” The following day, Gemma was Best of Breed, and just two weeks later she went First and Second in full whippet stakes, finishing her Field Championship. “This was not a debut we ever would have expected,” Edward shares.
Beyond lure coursing, Gemma is pointed in open field coursing and has won a whippet breed hunt. Edward describes her as “a very smart whippet with a tremendous work ethic,” adding that her favourite bonding time is during conditioning sessions. “She loves road work and as soon as a bike helmet appears she runs to the door and starts screaming.” A strong fitness base plays an important role in the sport, helping reduce the risk of injury while allowing these athletic hounds to perform at their best. Her intensity and athleticism reflect the purpose of the sighthound, developed to use keen eyesight and speed to pursue moving game with focus and determination.
Edward extends heartfelt thanks to Aaryn Secker for her enthusiasm and dedication to the breeding, including researching and selecting the stud dog, AmCh Domino Whistler (“Odie”), as well as to the lure coursing community in western Canada. Special appreciation goes to the Alberta Lure Coursing Association, Foothills Gazehound Club, and the Whippet Club of British Columbia for their work in keeping the sport thriving.
Achieving CKC Top Dog status has only fuelled their excitement for the seasons ahead. “Gemma’s Top Dog ranking leaves us looking forward to the start of the 2026 season,” Edward says. “We miss seeing our friends over the winter and look forward to hanging out with them and their incredible hounds.” With spring trials already circled on the calendar, the countdown has begun.
Photo credits: Kelmor Photography, Little Brown Horse Photography, Angus Barrie |
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