Top Highlights and Fan Reaction from 2025 AKC Diving Dogs Challenge

While Americans celebrated the Fourth of July with barbecues and fireworks, some of the world’s most athletic dogs were leaping into action at the American Kennel Club Diving Dogs Challenge in Georgia.

Only three dogs claimed the prestigious top prize as athletes and their canine partners faced off for glory and prize money across the Blackhawk, Chinook, and Apache divisions.

See below for the list of winners:

Distance Jumping 

Black Hawk Class – Top Three

1st Place: Nimona — All-American Dog — 24’3”
2nd Place: The Fig — Staffordshire Bull Terrier — 17’6”
3rd Place: Yogi — Boston Terrier — 14’6”

Apache Class – Top Three

1st Place: Trinity — All-American Dog — 25’0”
2nd Place (Tie): Millie — Labrador Retriever — 22’6”
2nd Place (Tie): Gilligan — Labrador Retriever — 22’6”

Chinook Class – Top Three

1st Place: Posey — Belgian Malinois — 29’9”
2nd Place: Misfit — Whippet — 29’6”
2nd Place: Boom — All-American Dog — 27’9”

Final Results 

The final results reflect a combined score from both the distance jumping and air retrieve events.

Black Hawk Class – Top Three

Winner: Nimona — All-American Dog — 39’3”
2nd Place: The Fig — Staffordshire Bull Terrier — 27’6”
3rd Place: Yogi — Boston Terrier — 21’6”

Apache Class – Top Three

Winner: Titan — Dutch Shepherd— 41’9”
2nd Place: Trinity — All-American Dog— 41’0”
3rd Place: Gillogan — Labrador Retriever — 42’6”

Chinook Class – Top Three

Winner: Posey — Belgian Malinois — 51’9”
2nd Place: Misfit — Whippet — 51’6”
3rd Place: Boom — All-American Dog — 47’9”

Fans celebrated the winners of the AKC Diving Dogs Competition—and many walked away with a new favorite sport—after watching the incredible display of talent from dogs competing during the Fourth of July event.

The 2025 AKC Diving Dogs Challenge not only crowned champions but also captured the hearts of fans nationwide. As the final splashes settled, one thing was clear: diving dogs have officially made their mark as must-watch stars of the summer.