Bonham, Texas, June 26, 2025 – The Multipurpose Complex in Bonham transformed into a high-energy arena of barking, bounding dogs this past weekend, June 21-22, as the United Flyball League International (U-FLI) hosted its annual Flyball tournament. Dog relay teams from Texas, Oklahoma, and beyond, including four of North America’s fastest, competed in a thrilling display of speed, teamwork, and tail-wagging excitement, drawing crowds and boosting the local economy.
A High-Speed Canine Relay
Flyball, a sport born in Southern California in the late 1960s, pits two teams of four dogs against each other in a 51-foot relay race. Each dog sprints over a series of hurdles, triggers a spring-loaded box to release a tennis ball, grabs it, and races back to the start line, passing nose-to-nose with the next teammate. The team that completes the course fastest, without errors, wins the heat, with the most heats clinching the tournament. The Bonham event, sanctioned by U-FLI, featured top-tier teams, including border collie-whippet crosses prized for their speed and agility, alongside a variety of breeds from Yorkshire Terriers to Great Danes.
The action kicked off with a flash of green from drag racing lights, signaling the start of each race. Spectators were treated to a cacophony of 300 dogs barking in unison, creating a lively “cheering section” that amplified the family-friendly atmosphere. “It’s like drag racing for pups,” said Karen Erz, Top Dog Racers Tournament Director. “You’ve got fast dogs, a height dog to set the jump height, and a whole lot of energy. Every pup gets a chance to shine.”
A Boost for Bonham
The tournament, held at Bonham’s Multipurpose Complex, drew competitors from as far as Alaska and Canada, introducing new visitors to the small Texas town. “These events put heads in beds at local hotels and fill our restaurants,” Erz noted, highlighting the economic impact. The free, public event welcomed families, dog lovers, and curious onlookers, many of whom came to cheer on breeds like border collies, known for dominating the sport due to their quickness.
Teams competed in divisions based on speed, ensuring fair matchups, with points awarded for heats completed under 24 seconds. Each dog could earn 25 points toward titles recognized by the North American Flyball Association (NAFA) and, in some cases, the American Kennel Club (AKC). The event showcased not only athleticism but also the bond between dogs and handlers, with precise communication key to navigating the fast-paced course.
Challenges and Community Spirit
Despite the event’s success, organizers face challenges in securing favorable terms with the city for future tournaments. “If the city won’t negotiate, we’ll have to decide if we can keep coming back,” Erz explained, underscoring the importance of community support. Still, the tournament’s vibrant atmosphere—filled with wagging tails, enthusiastic handlers, and supportive crowds—highlighted why Flyball remains a beloved sport.
The event also emphasized inclusivity, welcoming dogs of all breeds and mixed breeds over 15 months old, provided they could handle the high-energy environment without aggression. Handlers trained their dogs to master hurdles, execute precise box turns, and ignore distractions, making each race a testament to teamwork and dedication.
Looking Ahead
Bonham’s Flyball tournament has solidified its place as a regional highlight, with plans already in motion for next year’s event. For those inspired to join the sport, local clubs offer training, and U-FLI encourages newcomers to connect with teams through their website. “Flyball is about fun, family, and giving dogs a chance to do what they love,” Erz said. “Bonham’s the perfect place for it.”
As the dust settles on this year’s races, Bonham celebrates another successful tournament, proving that when it comes to Flyball, the real winners are the dogs—and the community that cheers them on.
Sources: North Texas e-News, KXII, American Kennel Club, United Flyball League International