Dogs competing in agility, diving, and other canine sports are the stars of an award-winning documentary series that just brought home three Daytime Emmy Awards.
A Different Breed, an original nine-episode series from Purina Films and production company InkBlot Narratives, received three awards at the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards. The series won Outstanding Lifestyle Program, Outstanding Editing for a Daytime Non-Studio Program, and Outstanding Directing for a Daytime Non-Studio Non-Fiction Series.
The series follows 18 teams competing at the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge, where dogs and their handlers put their skills to the test in a variety of canine sports. Events include disc competitions, agility, weave pole racing, and diving dog competitions.
Rather than focusing solely on the competition, A Different Breed gives viewers a closer look at the dogs and the people who work with them. The series highlights the training, teamwork, and dedication behind these athletic partnerships, offering a glimpse into the world of competitive dog sports.
The awards add to the series' recognition in 2026. A separate special, A Different Breed: Showdown at the Farms, also earned a Mid-America Emmy Award for editing.
For anyone interested in seeing these canine athletes in action, A Different Breed is streaming exclusively on Prime Video. And there may be more to come: Purina says Season 2 is currently in post-production.
Whether they're flying through an agility course, chasing a disc, or making a splash in a diving competition, these dogs demonstrate just how much athletic ability, focus, and personality our four-legged companions can bring to the field.
Want to Try Dock Diving With Your Dog?
Watching dogs leap into the water after a toy might make you wonder whether your own four-legged athlete has what it takes.
In Hampton Roads, Shipp's Corner Pet Spa & Resort in Virginia Beach offers dock-diving orientations, lessons, and hourly dock rentals for dogs and their handlers. The facility provides group and private orientations for newcomers, as well as opportunities for more experienced teams to practice.
Another resource is Chesapeake DockDogs, a regional club that serves Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.
Whether your dog is a natural jumper or just loves chasing toys into the water, dock diving could be a fun way to build confidence, get exercise, and strengthen your bond.