Winner of the 2008 Excellence in Agility Trophy at the GRCA National Specialty
DOB: May 28, 2002
DOD: Dec 23, 2014
COD: Hemangiosarcoma
AKC: SN91793501
CHIC #: 20577
Breeder: Gerry Clinchy & Clyde & Margaret Closson
Owner: Karen Hocker
Pedigree
Clearances
Hips: OFA GR85319F31Pl; Penn Hip .40/.40 (90th percentile)
Eyes: CERF GR-27762 (2011-114)
Heart:OFA GR-CA7631/113M/C-PI-ECHO
Elbow: OFA GR-EL10803M31-Pl
prcd-PRA status: Carrier (Optigen 07-4680)
PRA1 status: Clear (Optigen 07-4680)
Available at Stud (frozen Seman)
Between Nikon and his litter sister Flyte, Nikon is the serious one of the two. He takes his mistakes to heart more than she does, but loves working too much to let it keep him down for long.
Nikon stands 23.5″ at the withers and weighs 65 lbs, making him a dog of some substance and perhaps showing the influence of the conformation half of his pedigree. He has a strong topline, powerful rear and sound front assembly. He typifies the words—”a powerful dog”—in the breed standard. His smooth, powerful stride in the agility ring can be deceptive of his speed… until you look at the time clock! In his field work, he is an extremely good marker, loves birds and has courage on the water. He returns with his birds as fast as he goes out for them, and is always ready for another. His greatest challenge is to “honor” on water retrieves. He lacks some breadth of skull for a male, but still retains a pleasing, kindly expression with dark eyes and pigment. Slow maturing, Nikon didn’t fully “fill out” until 2008.
We took up “formal” obedience late in life with Nikon patiently coping with a first-time obedience trainer. After years of the free-wheeling independence of agility competition, the obedience ring was a dramatic change of pace for both dog and handler.
Nikon is the benevolent “alpha male” of his home pack. He’ll play with everyone, but he’d rather be with his favorite human. Everyday he prove his lovely temperament with intact males and females. He’s been remarkably patient with the youngsters in the house during their obnoxious puppyhood harassment. Always cooperative and quick to learn new lessons, he has always been a pleasure to train.
Nikon has some big pawprints to follow left by my dear, dear Alle. He had to make his own place in our home and hearts. He absolutely did exactly that.
Competitive Results
Qualified for AKC Agility National 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Competed in the 2007, 2009 and 2011 NAC
June 30, 2012
GRCA CCA and VCX titles earned at the NJPBGRC
March 25, 2012
AKC NAP earned at the LEAP Agility trial
January 7, 2012
USDAA ADCH- Bronze earned, BARK! NH trial
December 10. 2011
AKC NJP earned at the YGRC Agility trial
September 25, 2010
4th AKC Master Agility Championship (MACH4) Wachusetts Kennel Club (with two first placements)
Sept 11-12, 2010
USDAA Pairs Relay Champion Bronze, Riverside Canine Center
USDAA Jumpers Champion Bronze, Riverside Canine Center
September 9, 2010
USDAA Gamblers Champion Bronze, ARFF Agility Club, Inc.
August 29, 2010
USDAA Tournament Master Silver, Paws In Motion (2010 USDAA Northeast Regional)
August 28, 2010
USDAA Grand Prix Regional Semifinalist, Paws In Motion (2010 USDAA Northeast Regional)
August 27, 2010
USDAA Steeplechase Regional Semifinalist, Paws In Motion (2010USDAA Northeast Regional)
August 1, 2010
USDAA Snooker Champion Bronze, All Dogs LEAP into Fun Agility Club
April 11, 2010
AKC Rally Novice title (RN) Great Barrington Kennel Club
March 1, 2009
3rd AKC Master Agility Championship (MACH3) Delaware Kennel Club
January 4, 2009
USDAA Tournament Master – Bronze, BARK NH agility trial
Sept 24, 2008
AKC CD title at the GRCA National Specialty
Sept 23, 2008
Winner of the 2008 Excellence in Agility Trophy at the GRCA National Specialty
Sept 6, 2008
USDAA Agility Dog Championship (ADCH) ARFF Agility Trial
Dec 9, 2007
2nd AKC Master Agility Championship (MACH2) Title (with double placements 2nd & 3rd)
Yankee Golden Retriever Club
July 2007
USDAA Jumpers Master Title
USDAA Tournament Masters Title (TM)
USDAA Master Agility Dog (MAD)
May 12, 2007
GRCA Working Certificate Excellent (WCX)
Dec 10, 2006
AKC Master Agility Championship (MACH) Title
Yankee Golden Retriever Club
August 12, 2006
GRCA Agility Dog Hall of Fame (ADHF) Title
Tartan Gordon Setter Club