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2025 Top Obedience Dogs

Full Results PDF

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our Top Dogs.  If there are any corrections or missing titles, please review your records against the CKC’s published results and send the trial information in question to [email protected].

Congratulations to our Top Dogs in the 2025 Obedience category! We’re proud to celebrate the hard work and dedication of these incredible dogs and handlers.
 
Obedience competitions test a dog’s ability to follow commands reliably and consistently. Dogs perform a series of exercises, including heeling, sit and down stays, and retrieving, demonstrating their training, control, and responsiveness to their handler.
 

#1 – GMOTCH Tanbark's Cutting Edge RN

blitz2-1.jpegCall Name: Blitz
Golden Retriever
Date of Birth: September 17, 2016
Breeder(s): Yvonne M. Pieffer, Tanbark Golden Retrievers
Owner(s): Rose Apollonio
Handler(s): Rose Apollonio
Province: Ontario

Blitz, a talented Golden Retriever, delivered an unforgettable 2025 season, earning the honour of Canada’s #1 All-Breed Obedience Dog. For owner-handler Rose Apollonio, the achievement marks an extraordinary milestone in a journey defined by trust, joy, and unwavering partnership.

“With Blitz there is never just one memorable moment,” Rose shares. “2025 was a fantastic year. Blitz finished as the top obedience dog for the third time and loved the journey.” Achieving Top Dog status was especially meaningful, as it marked Rose’s seventh time finishing as the #1 All-Breed Obedience team. “Achieving top dog status was truly special in 2025, and a journey that I will always remember.”

Blitz’s love for the sport is evident every time he enters the ring. “Blitz loves to compete. He looks at the obedience ring as a time to play with me,” Rose explains. That enthusiasm, paired with years of experience and a consistent training philosophy, has been key to their success. Having trained Golden Retrievers, a Weimaraner, and Rottweilers over the years, Rose believes the foundation remains the same: “You build trust and a bond that allows you to work as a team.”

Bred by Yvonne M. Pieffer of Tanbark Golden Retrievers in Neusho, Wisconsin, Blitz thrives under Rose’s dedicated handling. Rose extends heartfelt thanks to all those who supported their journey.

Her advice to newcomers is simple and heartfelt: “Work with a trainer that will help you achieve your goals. Most importantly, have fun!”

(Photo credits: Ringside Images
 

#2 – GMOTCH GCHB Eternity's Vance

bda36a44-2dd4-4636-a9ef-eca1fdd52726.jpgCall Name: Vance
Belgian Shepherd Dog
Date of Birth: September 7, 2019
Breeder(s): Jesper & Karin Andersson
Owner(s): Julie Skuba
Handler(s): Julie Skuba
Province: Manitoba

Vance earned his place as the #2 Obedience Dog, All Breeds, in 2025 through a season filled with memorable milestones and meaningful moments. For owner Julie Skuba of Manitoba, one highlight stands above the rest: “Vance’s first qualifying score of the year was a perfect 200! I was so very proud.” That achievement set the tone for a year defined by precision, resilience, and partnership.

Bred by Jesper and Karin Andersson of Eternity Belgians, Vance is handled by Skyler Sinnock, Connie Krohn, Sheena Rafferty, and Julie. As a Belgian Shepherd Dog, he is deeply devoted and highly aware of his surroundings. “I am amazed at how well Vance can keep a careful watch on me and also keep aware of what’s going on around us,” Julie shares. That balance of attentiveness and connection makes him an exceptional teammate in the ring.

Vance’s love of trialing comes with plenty of personality. “Vance loves to trial. His favourite part is the aged cheddar available only at trials,” Julie laughs, noting his signature “Fancy Pants Cheese Dance” that helps unwrap his reward. Even challenges, including managing heat during summer trials and a temporary break from competition after Julie broke her wrist, only strengthened their bond.

Julie is quick to credit the community that supported their journey. “Over the years, I have been coached by many wonderful mentors and have learned from them all. I especially appreciate the Judges and fellow competitors that occasionally offer advice and pointers. It is truly valuable information.”
For those just starting out, her advice is simple and heartfelt: “Have Fun! Never Stop Learning! And pay attention! There is so much you can learn from your dog.”

“It is truly an honour to be among the top Obedience Teams in Canada,” Julie says, celebrating a journey built on teamwork, growth, and joy.

(Photo credits: Julie Skuba)
 

#3 – GCH GMOTCH Tierney's Bet'n I'm The One RE CA CGN

Articles.jpg
Call Name: Leto
Rottweiler
Date of Birth: February 17, 2016
Breeder(s): Gwen Haynes
Owner(s): Gwen Haynes & Shannon O’Briant
Handler(s): Gwen Haynes
Province: Alberta

Leto the Rottweiler had an exceptional 2025, finishing the year ranked #3 in Obedience, All Breeds, and continuing a remarkable legacy in the sport. One of the most memorable highlights came at the final trials of the year in their region, where Leto earned three of four High in Trial awards along with High Aggregate, a fitting capstone to an already impressive season.

Bred, owned, trained, and handled by Gwen Haynes of Alberta, Leto represents a partnership built entirely from the ground up. “I bred Leto and I am his owner, handler, and trainer, and I am most proud of that,” Gwen shares. “He is a very special Rottweiler, and I doubt I will ever have the privilege of having another one like him in my lifetime.” That depth of connection has been central to their long-standing success in the obedience ring.

According to Gwen, Leto’s breed plays an important role in how he works. “Rottweilers, if bred correctly, are very smart, biddable, and sensitive dogs. You need to approach your training with those thoughts in mind. You cannot drill them over and over again.” This thoughtful, respectful approach has allowed Leto to remain enthusiastic and confident well into his senior years.

This season also marked Leto’s sixth year earning Top Dog recognition. Now nearing ten years of age, he continues to compete selectively, primarily in Open with the occasional Utility entry, simply because he loves the work. “He still loves to get in the ring and strut his stuff,” Gwen says. “He was born to do this sport.”

Gwen extends heartfelt thanks to her training partner and close friend, Leanne Tucker, the Cal K9 Obedience Club of Calgary for its knowledgeable and supportive community, and her partner and co-owner, Shannon O’Briant, who, as Gwen notes, always indulges her passion for obedience, even when that means “stealing” his dog for another run.

(Photo credit: Little Brown Horse Photography)
 

#4 – GMOTCH Charmlee's Emerald By Day JTXS IPS AGIJS AGIS DD MH RM TD WCX

DSC04857.jpgCall Name: Alex
Golden Retriever
Date of Birth: April 29, 2018
Breeder(s): Lianne Daradics
Owner(s): Lianne Daradics
Handler(s): Lianne Daradics
Province: Saskatchewan

Alex the Golden Retriever enjoyed a memorable 2025 season, earning her place as the #4 Obedience Dog, All Breeds. Early in the year, Alex achieved a major milestone by earning her Grand Master Obedience Trial Champion title. “Alex earned her GMOTCh early in the year to become my third generation GMOTCh,” owner Lianne Daradics shares, a reflection of the long-term dedication behind her breeding and training program.

Alex is known for her desire to get things right and her ability to retain what she learns, qualities that became especially evident over the course of the season. “We took over four months off of trialing and training,” Lianne explains. “When we went to our first trial together after that break, she stepped back in the ring like we’d never left.” That confidence and consistency speak to Alex’s temperament and the solid foundation behind their training.

As a Golden Retriever, Alex brings both enthusiasm and focus to the obedience ring. “Goldens are one of the more popular breeds in the obedience ring for good reason,” says Lianne. “Their social side can be a challenge, but once we work through that, my dogs love to train, learn quickly and are willing to try anything.” Alex embodies those qualities, combining willingness with precision in every performance.
For Lianne, achieving CKC Top Dog status carries special meaning. “For Alex it means some extra cookies and fun times training,” she says. “For me, I’m proud to be the breeder, owner and handler of every dog I’ve had place in the Top 10.”

Lianne also credits her long-standing connection to the Wascana Dog Club, where she and her family have been members since the 1980s. Beginning at a time when pet manners classes were not yet the norm, the focus was on ring readiness from the very first class, with an emphasis on straight sits, precise heeling, strong stays, and clean handling. While Lianne’s training approach has continued to evolve over the years, that early foundation played a significant role in shaping the trainer she is today.

Alex is bred, owned, and handled by Lianne Daradics and proudly represents Saskatchewan in the 2025 CKC Top Dogs rankings. For those just beginning their journey in dog sports, Lianne encourages members to set their own goals, take responsibility for their training, and remember there is room in the sport for everyone, whether the aim is earning a title, chasing 200s, or reaching a GMOTCh.

(Photo credits: Little Brown Horse Photography & Lianne Daradics)
 

#5 – MOTCH Isengard's Usher TD

IMG_9928.jpegCall Name: Usher
Belgian Shepherd Dog
Date of Birth: March 21, 2020
Breeder(s): Anna Blommaert
Owner(s): Erin Moore
Handler(s): Erin Moore
Province: British Columbia

Usher’s 2025 season was defined by growth, intensity, and a deepening partnership built through dedication and adaptability. Owned and handled by Erin Moore of British Columbia, and bred by Anna Blommaert, Usher is described as “excitable, fast, intense and always eager to work,” qualities that have been central to his success in the Obedience ring.
Over the course of the year, Usher progressed from earning his Companion Dog (CD) title to achieving Master Obedience Trial Champion (MOTCH) status in just under twelve months, an accomplishment that speaks to both his drive and Erin’s dedication to their training. “Usher continues to challenge me as a trainer to question, adapt, and seek new skills and knowledge,” Erin shares. “He teaches me something every time we train, and he is my wonderful constant companion.”

A lifetime member of the Canadian Kennel Club, Erin has been involved in dog activities all her life and remains deeply connected to her local training community. She credits obedience with fostering meaningful friendships and countless hours of discussion and collaboration. “One of the things that I enjoy the most about obedience is the time that I spend discussing ‘dogs’ with my friends,” she says. “We spend countless hours troubleshooting, discussing and debating training ideas and methods.” Erin adds, “I am deeply grateful for their friendship and for their support.”

Erin extends heartfelt thanks to her mentors, and especially to breeder Anna Blommaert and Lorra Miller “for sending me this amazing dog.” She also pays tribute to her grandmother and mother for instilling a love of dogs and dog sports from an early age. “Dogs have always filled my heart and my home,” Erin reflects, “and I can’t imagine a life without them.”

(Photo credit: Erin Moore)
 

#6 – GMOTCH CH Topiary Last Spike

43a62986-bef5-42be-b24d-5d3c5c6c6e47-1.jpgCall Name: Spike
Miniature Poodle
Date of Birth: December 14, 2014
Breeder(s): Peggy Clark
Owner(s): Lee Kozicki
Handler(s): Lee Kozicki
Province: Alberta

Spike, a Miniature Poodle, enjoyed another exceptional year in the Obedience ring in 2025, finishing as the #6 Obedience Dog, All Breeds. With a career that spans nearly a decade at the highest level, Spike’s consistency and enthusiasm continue to set him apart. He has now ranked in the Top Ten Obedience Dogs in Canada for seven years and has earned an impressive 31 perfect scores along the way, maintaining the highest average of any Top Ten dog over the past five years.

Owned and handled by Lee Kozicki of Alberta and bred by Peggy Clarke, Spike represents years of dedication, training, and partnership. “Spike is my fifth GMOTCH dog, and my dogs are all house pets,” Lee shares. “The relationship you build with your dog is your biggest reward.” Turning 11 this year, Spike closed out his competitive career on a high note, winning High in Trial at both shows on his final weekend in the ring.

Lee credits Spike’s breeder for trusting her with such a special dog. “I would like to thank Peggy Clarke for giving me Spike after he finished his Championship. It has been a great nine years, and I always enjoy the journey and the friends we make along the way,” she says. True to his breed, Spike has long been a fan favourite. “Of course, being a Poodle, he is always a crowd pleaser. People come up and tell me how much they enjoy watching him in the ring.”

For those new to obedience, Lee offers simple but meaningful advice. “If you are starting out in obedience, find a class or coach who has achieved what you want to do. The beauty of this sport is anyone with any dog can do it.”

Spike’s remarkable career stands as a testament to experience, partnership, and a lifelong love of the sport.

(Photo credit: Lee Kozicki)
 

#7 – MOTCH RGCH Belcourt Hero's Journey RAE8 RMX8

SAT-495-1.jpegCall Name: Jiggs
Miniature Poodle
Date of Birth: September 19, 2018
Breeder(s): Lesley Millar & Murray Eason
Owner(s): Jean Fisher
Handler(s): Jean Fisher
Province: Ontario

Jiggs had a memorable 2025 season, earning his place as the #7 Obedience Dog, All Breeds, and delighting everyone who watched him work in the ring. Known for his enthusiasm and unmistakable presence, Jiggs brings energy and joy to every performance. “Jiggs is such a joy to work with,” says owner and handler Jean Fisher. “He loves his jumping and can sometimes be hard to contain.”

That boundless enthusiasm has become part of Jiggs’ signature. Well known in the ring for his happy attitude, he thrives during classes and clearly enjoys every moment of the work. “He is well known in the ring for his boundless energy and joy when he is doing a class,” Jean shares. “He loves his jumping exercises and really enjoys the show ring. He has a great temperament.”

Bred by Lesley Millar and Murray Eason, Jiggs holds a special place in Jean’s heart as her first Poodle. Their partnership has been built on patience, consistency, and a shared love of the sport. That same patience is the advice Jean offers to newcomers. “Patience, I believe, is the advice I would give new exhibitors starting out,” she says.

Jean extends her thanks to the Sydenham Valley Dog Training Club, and especially to mentor Del Lunn, for their constant patience and support throughout Jiggs’ journey. Reflecting on the achievement, Jean adds, “It is a great honour to be included with so many fantastic exhibitors and dogs. Each team does their best on that day.”

With titles including OTCh X, RGCh, RMX8, and RAE8, Jiggs continues to be a joyful ambassador for the sport of obedience and a cherished partner in the ring.

(Photo credit: Jean Fisher)
 

#8 – MOTCH RCH Zora

IMG_4924.jpegCall Name: Zora
Mixed Breed
Date of Birth: August 1, 2015
Breeder(s): Unknown
Owner(s): Ashley Boyd
Handler(s): Ashley Boyd
Province: Ontario

Zora, a mixed breed owned and handled by Ashley Boyd of Ontario, enjoyed a truly memorable 2025 season, earning her place as the #8 Obedience Dog, All Breeds. One of the most meaningful milestones of the year was achieving her Master Obedience Trial Champion title, a historic accomplishment that made Zora the first mixed breed dog in Canada to earn this title. “We worked very hard,” Ashley shares, adding that 2025 was the year Zora “had the most fun she ever had in the obedience ring,” making the achievement even more special.

A Dutch Shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix bred for police work, Zora’s strong and independent nature presented challenges early on. “She was never an easy dog to train and trial,” Ashley explains, noting that convincing Zora that obedience could be enjoyable took time and patience. Once Zora decided she was having fun, she became an outstanding obedience partner, even if she will always have a soft spot for protection sports.

Beyond the ring, Zora is Ashley’s constant companion. “Zora is my best friend,” she says. The pair spent the year travelling and competing together, and Zora is now enjoying the well-earned retirement she deserves. Reflecting on their decade together, Ashley shares her gratitude for the dog who stood by her through every idea and challenge. “Zora has put up with my ideas for 10 years,” she says, adding that Zora “taught me more than I could ever possibly teach her.”

Ashley extends heartfelt thanks to her family and friends for believing in her and Zora, and for watching over the house during the many weekends they spent away competing. She credits their support as an essential part of the journey. Looking back, Ashley encourages others not to give up, even when the path feels difficult. “Failure teaches you more than winning ever could,” she says, adding that having fun is just as important. Ashley notes that many people have funny stories about Zora, and while some moments were embarrassing at the time, they have since become her favourite memories.

Zora’s Top Dogs ranking marks a deeply meaningful milestone for Ashley. “Zora is my first dog to ever make it into the Top 10,” she says. “My journey with Zora was never easy, so it’s honestly so amazing, and I won’t ever forget the year 2025 with her.” As the first mixed breed dog to place in the Top 10 Obedience standings, Zora’s achievement is one Ashley believes Zora understood. “I think Zora knew she did something important,” Ashley adds. “I made sure to tell her every step of the way.”

(Photo credit: Peter Hanmore & Ashley Boyd)
 

#9 – OTCH Hi-Star In Hot Pursuit XP AGSC AGXJ AGX RM JTX

1840f323-b607-4f9c-bcaa-1fd688f6e42d.jpgCall Name: Raptor
Golden Retriever
Date of Birth: September 8, 2019
Breeder(s): Sally & Bruce Sherman
Owner(s): Pauline Baldwin
Handler(s): Pauline Baldwin
Province: Alberta

Raptor, a Golden Retriever owned and handled by Pauline Baldwin of Alberta, had an impressive 2025 season, finishing the year ranked #9 in Obedience, All Breeds. Despite a more selective competition schedule, Raptor continued to deliver strong and consistent performances across both Obedience and Agility. “With limited trials and travel, Raptor and I had amazing results in Obedience and Agility for 2025,” Pauline shares. “Everything he does is memorable.”

At home and in training, Raptor is an enthusiastic and willing partner who brings joy to every activity. “Raptor is a pleasure to live with, and he is always ready to go, play, train, walk, he enjoys life,” says Pauline. That attitude is a hallmark of his breed, which Pauline believes is perfectly suited to performance sports. “Working Golden Retrievers are the epitome of the perfect purebred performance dog. Teach them right and they won’t go wrong!”

Raptor was bred by Sally and Bruce Sherman of Hi-Star Kennels, and Pauline credits both his strong foundation and the support of her community for their success. She extends heartfelt thanks to her husband, Garry Baldwin, whose unwavering support made their journey possible, particularly through countless hours of travel. Pauline also recognizes Jackie Hastie, who helped shape her as a trainer, as well as dedicated training friends Robyn Gallacher, Mandy MacKay, Kim Zippel, Kathie Stoner, Eve O’Keefe, and Tracey Geddes.

While achieving CKC Top Dog status was not an original goal, the recognition was a meaningful surprise. “Not a target I set for Raptor and me at the start of the year,” Pauline says, “but I was thrilled when a friend told me we were sitting in the top 10.”

(Photo credit: Garry Baldwin)
 

#10 – MOTCH CH Wathaman's Easy On The Eyes JTS AGNJS RE

c0bc9799-535c-47ec-b1ee-427373cb246c.pngCall Name: Doris
Rottweiler
Date of Birth: November 19, 2019
Breeder(s): Kim Zippel
Owner(s): Kim Zippel
Handler(s): Kim Zippel
Province: Alberta

Doris, a Rottweiler from Alberta, earned her place among the Canadian Kennel Club’s Top Dogs in Obedience in 2025 with a season defined by consistency, confidence, and a deeply intuitive partnership. Owned, bred, and handled by Kim Zippel, Doris’ journey through the obedience ring has been shaped by trust, patience, and a genuine love of training.

One of the most memorable moments of the year came late in the season, when Kim and Doris took on an ambitious challenge. “I entered Doris in four trials over two days, both Open and Utility, something I hadn’t done since I was in my 30s,” Kim shares. The result was eight qualifying runs, all with scores over 190, highlighting Doris’ focus and reliability in the ring.

That success did not come without growth along the way. Kim describes Doris as one of the most intuitive dogs she has worked with, noting that their bond sometimes worked both ways. “She struggled with my anxiety in the ring. She would look at me and say, ‘Who are you and what did you do with my mother?’” Kim jokes. Over time, both dog and handler gained confidence together, strengthening their partnership and presence in competition.

Kim has had Rottweilers since the 1980s, with a Giant Schnauzer thrown in for good measure, and credits the breed’s versatility and loyalty as key to Doris’ success. Obedience has always been a passion for Kim, and finishing the year among the Top Ten All Breeds came as a meaningful surprise. “I’m not a stats person. I just love to train,” she says.

(Photo credit: Little Brown Horse Photography)
 

Can’t find your dog in our standings? Here’s how the Top Dogs are calculated.
 

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