Dogs make a splash at local water competition - WNCT | 9 On Your Side Greenville NC & Eastern NC News

It's a mix of track and field and swimming, but for dogs. It's called DockDogs and dozens of dogs hit the water for a national competition in Washington.

Nine on your side got a behind the scenes look at what this growing sport is all about.

Dogs from around the world compete for distance, speed, and height by leaping into a big pool of water.

DockDogs started 13 years ago with 13 dogs. There are currently more than 20,000 teams around the world.

Whether they're going for height, distance or speed, the dogs have just a minute to get from the dock into the water.

DockDogs Hall of Fame dog owner, Jay Harris says it's all about seeing the dogs happy.

"We are crazy about it. We live and breathe to run the dog down the dock and jump him in the waters. You've got 60 seconds [where] it's all about you and your best friend and nobody can take that away from you," said Harris.

Whether they're new or experienced competitors, Event Manager Bob Dewire, says every dog is welcome.

"That's what makes it so nice; we have a division for every dog. We're not prejudice against any dog what so ever," said Dewire.