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World's largest dog competition brings K9 Frisbee Championship to Ohio (photos)

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, September 6th 2025 at 20:33 GMT by Cleveland.com
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Ohio Hosts the World’s Largest K9 Frisbee Championship

On a bright September afternoon, the city of Cleveland’s scenic Heritage Park transformed into the world’s biggest K9 Frisbee arena. The International K9 Frisbee Association (IKFA) announced that this year’s “World K9 Frisbee Championship” would be held in Ohio, and the event delivered on its promise of dazzling displays of agility, precision, and sheer canine charisma.

A Packed Stage of Talent

The championship took place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Cleveland’s Heritage Park, a sprawling green space that hosted the 2024 Ohio State Fair. The venue was awash with families, pet lovers, and dog enthusiasts from around the globe. Over 2,000 participants—dog teams, trainers, and spectators—gathered, turning the park into a buzzing hive of excitement. In addition to the championship, the organizers had set up a pet expo, featuring local vendors, dog food booths, and even a “Meet the Champion” segment that allowed fans to learn about the dogs’ training regimes.

The event drew competitors from 15 countries, including the United States, Germany, Brazil, Canada, Australia, and several European nations. While the United States had historically dominated many K9 sports, this championship was the first time a host country had been selected outside of the U.S. The presence of international dogs underscored the sport’s growing global appeal.

The IKFA’s Legacy

Founded in 2008, the IKFA has been the governing body behind the burgeoning world of K9 Frisbee—also known as “disc dog.” Its mission is to promote the sport as a test of physical fitness, mental acuity, and human‑animal teamwork. Over the past decade, the association has expanded its reach from local competitions in small towns to world‑class championships that rival even the Olympics in terms of crowd engagement.

“Hosting the World K9 Frisbee Championship in Ohio is a landmark moment for us,” said Sarah Mills, IKFA’s Director of Global Outreach. “It showcases not just the sport’s athleticism but also the deep bond between dogs and their handlers.”

Competition Structure: From Novice to Elite

The championship comprised four main categories based on skill level and age:

1. Novice – Dogs with less than one year of experience and handlers who had just begun training.
2. Intermediate – Dogs with 1‑3 years of experience and handlers comfortable with basic tricks.
3. Advanced – Dogs with 3‑5 years of competitive experience.
4. Elite – Top‑tier dogs that had previously won national or international titles.

Within each category, participants competed in three distinct events: Distance Throw, Accuracy, and Freestyle.

• Distance Throw: Handlers attempted to throw the disc as far as possible, with the dog catching it mid‑flight. The longest distance from a single throw was recorded.
• Accuracy: The dog had to catch a series of discs thrown from predetermined angles, aiming for the highest catch rate.
• Freestyle: This was the most spectacular segment, where dogs performed choreographed routines to music, incorporating flips, spins, and “flying” jumps. The International Jury of Five Judges, including former Olympic athlete Alex Gomez, evaluated creativity, execution, and musicality.

The Elite category also featured a “Showtime” event—a head‑to‑head match between the top two dogs in each division.

Notable Performances

One of the championship’s standout moments was the performance of Boomer, a 5‑year‑old Border Collie from Cuyahoga County. Boomer’s handler, local trainer Elena Ramos, had previously coached the dog to a national title in 2023. In the Freestyle event, Boomer and Ramos showcased a routine that combined rapid aerial jumps with a perfectly timed “dive” that left the audience roaring.

Internationally, Rex, a German Shepherd from Munich, captured the attention of the crowd with his flawless Accuracy run, where he caught five consecutive discs thrown from a height of six feet. Rex’s handler, Thomas Schmidt, credited the dog’s disciplined training and the close partnership with local Ohio dog‑owner Liam Turner, who had been a guest instructor at the event.

A surprise upset occurred in the Novice category, where a young terrier named Pippin from a small town in Kentucky took first place, defying the odds set by a top‑tier training academy from California. Pippin’s handler, Mia Lee, expressed her amazement at the dog’s quick learning curve.

Prizes and Sponsorship

The IKFA announced generous prizes across categories. Winners received trophies engraved with the championship logo, a cash award, and a travel stipend to attend the following year’s international qualifiers in Paris, France. The Elite champions also earned a spot in the IKFA’s “Hall of Fame,” a permanent honor awarded to dogs that have significantly contributed to the sport’s development.

The event was made possible through the generous sponsorship of local Cleveland businesses, including Cleveland Dog Supplies, The Green Park Café, and the Cleveland Brewing Company. In addition, the Ohio Department of Agriculture provided logistical support, ensuring that the park’s infrastructure could handle the large turnout.

Community Impact

Beyond the spectacle, the championship left a positive imprint on the Cleveland community. The event drew more than 10,000 visitors to Heritage Park, boosting local businesses and encouraging residents to explore the city’s dog‑friendly amenities. A portion of the ticket sales was earmarked for the Cleveland Humane Society, supporting adoption and spay‑neuter programs.

“Events like these bring our community together and spotlight the importance of responsible pet ownership,” said Mayor James Harris during his opening speech. “I’m proud to see Ohio play host to a world‑class canine competition.”

What Comes Next

The IKFA announced that the 2026 World K9 Frisbee Championship will be held in Singapore, marking the first time the sport will take place in Asia. Meanwhile, Ohio’s organizers plan to use the championship’s legacy to establish a year‑round “Ohio K9 Frisbee League,” aimed at fostering local talent and providing a platform for upcoming dogs.

The 2025 championship will be archived online, with full video replays of each event and behind‑the‑scenes footage of training sessions. For more information about upcoming events, the IKFA has linked to its official website at [ ikfa.org ], and visitors can also find details on the Heritage Park’s event calendar at [ heritagepark.com ].

In Summary

The 2025 World K9 Frisbee Championship proved to be a dazzling showcase of canine athleticism, human‑animal partnership, and international camaraderie. From the jaw‑dropping Freestyle routines of Boomer and Rex to the heartfelt triumph of Pippin, the event captivated audiences and underscored the sport’s growing appeal. With a record‑breaking attendance, robust community engagement, and the backing of local sponsors, Ohio’s Heritage Park has cemented its place on the global K9 Frisbee map—and set the stage for a thrilling future in the sport.