TWO Hampshire dogs have qualified for a prestigious agility final in London.

Taking place over this weekend, two canines from Southampton and Ringwood will be competing in the Kennel Club Olympia Agility Stakes.

Twenty-six-year-old Stephanie Best from Ringwood has qualified for the large novice competition with her three-year-old working Sheepdog, Rio.

Stephanie has been competing in agility for 13 years, but this is her inaugural Olympia competition.

She said: “I’m feeling ecstatic, excited and nervous about qualifying with Rio – it’s just amazing.”

Also competing is Gemma Swan, from Southampton, who will be aiming to win the Large Anything But Collies (ABC) competition with her Jack Russell Terrier Harry Bo Bo.

Gemma, who has been in competition for nine years, started training with Harry Bo Bo as soon as she got him home, and the pair have previously qualified for the same competition in 2014.

Although she wasn’t looking for a dog at the time, she fell in love with him as soon as she saw him, and made the decision to give him a forever home on the drive back from the show.

Gemma said: “Harry Bo Bo means everything to me, and I’m so excited for us to compete at Olympia.”

The competition began on Thursday and runs until early next week for the two owners.

The agility stakes sees dogs and their owners compete in five finals, in the small, medium, large and large novice categories, as well as the Large ABC.

Caroline Kisko, kennel club secretary, said: “Olympia is one of the highlights of the agility calendar and each year we really look forward to watching all the talented dogs and their handlers in action.

“With such an excellent atmosphere, Olympia is certainly not one to miss for any dog lover.

“Good luck to all the finalists from Hampshire – we hope they enjoy every moment of it.”

The Kennel Club, the group behind the competition, is the largest organisation in the UK devoted to dog health, welfare and training.

It also invests in welfare campaigns, dog training and education programmes.