A Right ‘Royal’ Show

A Right ‘Royal’ Show – AKC Rolls Out the Red Carpet in Orlando

For twenty-three years, the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin has been the “exclamation mark” on the dog show year in America. All eyes are on Orlando, Florida, in December as the American Kennel Club and Royal Canin roll out the red carpet for everyone and anyone with an interest in purebred dogs and the ever-expanding array of companion and performance events that are on offer. To experience this show, and the accompanying all-breed, limited breed, specialty, and open shows, is a genuine gift to the fancy that keeps on giving—for an entire week. Add seminars, dinners, receptions, awards ceremonies, and impromptu gatherings to the mix and the week becomes an exciting, exhilarating, and exhausting experience that is unlike any other.

The ANC’s total entry in 2023 (an impressive 9,801 across all events) is just one of many details to report about this unique event. In Orlando, Owner-Handlers and Junior Handlers are the focus thanks to the NOHS and Junior Showmanship Finals, and Breeders take center stage thanks to the Best Bred-By-Exhibitor in Show competition as well as the AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy & Junior Stakes and the annual AKC Breeder of the Year award ceremony that takes place in the Ronald H. Menaker ring in the main arena. Competition is keen in every ring at the Orange County Convention Center, of course, and the many judges who are hired in each Conformation, Companion, and Performance event take their roll very seriously. Little wonder that the “best of the best” always manage to rise to the top.

SHOWSIGHT hopes you enjoy our coverage of the ANC in our first edition of the new year. Best wishes to every exhibitor as you pursue your personal goals in the sport with the dogs you love.