Meet ‘Zuko,’ Winner of the 2024 AKC Rally National Championship

Over 800 dogs competed at the 2024 AKC Rally National Championship (RNC) at the Roberts Center in Wilmington, Ohio, but only one dog was crowned the 11th annual AKC Rally National Champion. Border Collie “Zuko” TC OTCH7 MACH2 RACH Bolster Zuko You’re The One UDX7 OGM RM3 RAE3 HSAd HSBd HXAd HXBd MXS PAD MJS MFB TQX T2B3, handled by Kimberly Berkley of Caseyville, Illinois, bested 200 Championship Class teams to take home the crown after 48-hours of competition on July 18 and 19.

Zuko came in second place in 2023 and 2022 in the Championship class at the AKC Rally National Championship. He is the son of Border Collie “Zayne” RNC TC OTCH10 AGCH MACH5 PACH RACH Norwood Color Me Zayne UDX10 OGM RM4 RAE3 HSAd HSBd MXC PDS PAX MFG TQX T2B5, also owned by Berkley, who won the AKC Rally National Championship in 2023 and 2022.

Winners were crowned in all classes of AKC Rally, including Championship, Master, Excellent, Advanced, Intermediate, and Novice. Dog from 120 breeds and 47 states competed in the ring over the two day competition. All-American Dogs had the most entries with 98, followed by Border Collies with 86 entries and Golden Retrievers with 83 entries. Two states were represented the most at the competition, with 88 teams from Ohio, and 75 teams from Illinois. See the winners in all classes below.

The 2024 AKC Rally National Championship Winners

The 2024 AKC Rally National Champion

Call Name: Zuko

Registered Name: TC OTCH7 MACH2 RACH Bolster Zuko You’re The One UDX7 OGM RM3 RAE3 HSAd HSBd HXAd HXBd MXS PAD MJS MFB TQX T2B3

Breed: Border Collie

Handler: Kim Berkley

Score: 400/400

Time: 355.06

Rally Master Winner

Call Name: Ellie

Registered Name: RACH Blazing Little Red Corvette UD PCD BN GN GO RM5 RAE2 FDC CGC TKA

Breed: Australian Shepherd 

Handler: Mary Todd

Score: 300/300

Time: 358.07

Rally Excellent Winner

Call Name: Dixie

Registered Name: My Sweet Dixieland Delight RE AX MXJ MJB NF

Breed: Golden Retriever

Handler: Charlotte Bird

Score: 299/300

Time: 220.39

Rally Advanced Winner

Call Name: Rhu

Registered Name: Sheaman’s Pie In The Sky RA

Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Handler: Jen Humphrey

Score: 300/300

Time: 255.08

Rally Intermediate Winner

Call Name: Decker

Registered Name: GCH CH Golden Gate Simply Decker Vd Waterbound RI FDC CGC TKN

Breed: Nederlandse Kooikerhondje

Handler: Carol Malec

Score: 297/300

Time: 306.87

Rally Novice Winner

Call Name: Rebel

Registered Name: Caliche Rebel With A Smile RN CGC TKN

Breed: Australian Cattle Dog 

Handler: Nancy Kruse

Score: 300/300

Time: 195.43

Full results of the AKC Rally National Championship can be found at AKC Companion Events. The AKC National Obedience Championship also took place at the Roberts Center that weekend, on July 20 and 21, making for a fun-filled weekend of dog events.

Any dog can get started in AKC Rally, no matter their age, breed or skill level. Find a class or a trainer from a club near you and get started in this great teamwork sport today!