North Central Phoenix resident Roger Coor and his amazing dog were featured on national TV last month during the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge National Finals.

    Coor, an architect, and his 5-year-old male Papillon, Primo, placed first in the Small Dog Agility competition during the Finals, which were held at Purina Farms in St. Louis, Mo., last October. The competition aired on Jan. 14 on the local NBC station (Channel 12). The Purina Incredible Dog Challenge is a one-of-a-kind canine competition showcasing the world’s most athletic dogs and their trainers.

    Primo has captured more than 115 titles and awards in his 5 short years, and Coor says Primo’s father, Moso, also was a national champion in agility; in fact, he had also won the Purina Incredible Dog Small Dog Agility challenge in his own storied career, nearly 10 years ago to the day that Primo won the title.

    There is little to no prize money involved in these competitions but Coor says that the people (and dogs) who participate do it for the bragging rights. “You get a trophy and a ribbon,” he admits with a laugh. “Mostly, you do it because it’s really a lot of fun.”