A HEREFORDSHIRE dog has returned from a European championship with a medal after surpassing her sporting achievements.

Calypso and owner Ann Mackay from Bromyard Downs have just returned from the flyball championship in Beerzel, Belgium, that saw 72 teams from across Europe compete.

The sport, which sees dogs pressing their paws on a fly ball box to release a ball they then catch, is increasing in popularity with nine countries represented.

“Calypso was a real star she ran faster than she has ever run,” said owner Ann Mackay. “I am so pleased with her because we hit problems with her not being fully fit.”

The German Shepherd’s team known as the Mad Golden Wolves finished fifth in their division. Since March Calypso has received training from Kiddy Monsters.

Meanwhile a sprightly Jack Russell terrier is proving to be a little star after winning a number of athletics races across the country.

Fox, owned by Kim Mazzucca, from Ruardean, near Ross-on-Wye, has been outfoxing dogs much bigger than him in CaniX racing, a new sport that is fast picking up.

The duo have only been racing since February, but they have already won at Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire and at Exeter, which led to them being selected to compete in the CaniX UK team at the European Championships in Hungary later this year.

“I only discovered the sport in January when I saw a leaflet and read about CaniX,” said Kim.

“I am a keen athlete myself and thought that it sounded like fun, so I gave it a go.”

The majority of the races are covered over a 5km distance and involves the dog being fixed to its owner by a lead. The dog then controls the race.

A minimum of one litre of water must be carried by the owners and there are places for the dogs to cool off.

For more information, visit canix.co.uk.