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Merlin
First's Flight of Merlin the White
FCAT DDS RATO RATI CGCA CGCU TKA FDC ATT VHMA VHMP FITG
About Merlin
Merlin is what I would consider our first serious sport prospect. Merlin was born at the end of 2020 and came into our lives when we needed him the most.
Merlin is our sweet little mama's boy! He takes anything you throw at him with enthusiasm that is out of this world and has fun no matter what. Merlin used to run FastCAT but retired in April 2024 when he earned FCAT. He also previously competed in Barn Hunt but being cooped up in the blind with strange dogs made him very nervous so we also retired him from Barn Hunt soon after earning RATO. Merlin currently competes in UpDog and loves the sport dearly! He has earned his DDS title and qualified for the UpDog International Finals in 2023 in 2024.
Name Origin
First's Flight of Merlin the White
There is a lot packed into Merlin's registered name! Merlin is yet another name from the original Top Gun movie. First is the last name of Merlin's breeder. The "first's flight" portion is a reference to the location where we vacation every single year- the Outer Banks (first in flight). Lastly, Merlin the White is both a reference to his light coloring and a pun of Gandalf the White.
Accomplishments
4/29/2021: AKC Virtual Home Manners Puppy VHMP
5/4/2021: AKC Trick Dog Novice TKN
8/9/2021: AKC Canine Good Citizen CGC
9/5/2021: Barn Hunt Novice RATN
3/17/2022: AKC Virtual Home Manners Adult VHMA
3/18/2022: AKC Trick Dog Intermediate TKI
3/18/2022: AKC Community Canine CGCA
3/18/2022: AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen CGCU
5/13/2022: Barn Hunt Open RATO
9/1/2022: AKC FastCAT BCAT
1/12/2023: Fit Dog Bronze FITB
9/1/2023: AKC FastCAT DCAT
9/3/2023: AKC Temperament Test ATT
9/1/2023: AKC Farm Dog Certified FDC
12/30/2023: AKC Disc Dog Bronze DDB
12/31/2023: Qualified 2024 UpDog International Finals
1/3/2024: AKC Fit Dog Silver FITS
5/26/2024: AKC FastCAT FCAT
6/26/2024: AKC Fit Dog Gold FITG
9/8/2024: AKC Disc Dog Silver DDS
12/31/2024: Qualified 2025 UpDog International Finals