Vestavia Hills Local and Pup Compete in World Agility Championship

Viveka Rosenberger and her Shetland Sheepdog, Monty, represent the U.S. at the prestigious World Agility Open competition.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A Vestavia Hills resident named Viveka Rosenberger and her Shetland Sheepdog, Monty, have earned a spot on the United States World Team and will represent the country at the upcoming World Agility Open (WAO) competition in 2026. Rosenberger and Monty placed 4th at the WAO tryouts, breaking barriers in a sport traditionally dominated by Border Collies. This will be Rosenberger's second time representing the U.S. on the world stage, as she previously competed with the AKC Agility World Team in Sweden.

Why it matters

Rosenberger's achievement is significant as she is the first competitor from Alabama to earn spots on multiple USA world teams for agility competitions. Her success with a Shetland Sheepdog, rather than the more common Border Collie, also demonstrates her skill and the versatility of her dog in the sport of agility.

The details

Viveka Rosenberger and her Shetland Sheepdog, Monty, earned a spot on the United States World Team for the 2026 World Agility Open (WAO) competition after placing 4th at the WAO tryouts. Traditionally, agility competitions have been dominated by Border Collies, but Rosenberger and Monty have broken through those barriers. Prior to the WAO, Rosenberger represented the U.S. on the AKC Agility World Team in Sweden, where the team finished 8th in the world.

  • Viveka Rosenberger and Monty placed 4th at the WAO tryouts to earn a spot on the U.S. World Team.
  • Rosenberger previously represented the U.S. on the AKC Agility World Team in Sweden in 2024, where the team finished 8th.
  • The 2026 World Agility Open competition will take place from May 13-17, 2026.

The players

Viveka Rosenberger

A resident of Vestavia Hills, Alabama who has earned spots on multiple USA world teams for agility competitions.

Monty

Viveka Rosenberger's Shetland Sheepdog who will be competing with her at the World Agility Open in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Making a World Team once is a dream. To do it multiple times, with a large Sheltie, on the world stage—it's incredibly special.”

— Viveka Rosenberger (Press release)

What’s next

Viveka Rosenberger and Monty will compete at the World Agility Open competition from May 13-17, 2026.

The takeaway

Viveka Rosenberger's achievement of earning spots on multiple USA world teams for agility competitions, including with her Shetland Sheepdog Monty, demonstrates her skill and the versatility of her dog in the sport. Her success breaks barriers in a traditionally Border Collie-dominated field and is a point of pride for the state of Alabama.