For a quarter century, the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin has been providing breeders and exhibitors of purebred dogs with an experience that is unmatched anywhere in the US. Each December, the American Kennel Club and Royal Canin roll out the red carpet with an ever-expanding array of Conformation, Companion, and Performance events. An invitation to compete in Orlando is a coveted acknowledgement of every exhibitor’s dedication to the sport as well as their commitment to competing at the highest levels. To experience this show is to understand the sport as it was yesterday, where it is today, and where it will likely find itself tomorrow.
The ANC’s total entry in 2025 (9,100 across all events) is just one detail to report about this year-end extravaganza. In the AKC Obedience Classic, 257 dog and handler teams were entered, and at the AKC Agility Invitational, 718 total entries kept things moving at a brisk pace. In Conformation, 5,557 dogs were scheduled to compete in events that included the National Owner-Handled Series Finals, Junior Showmanship Finals, AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy & Junior Stakes, and the Best Bred-By-Exhibitor in Show competition. As a tribute to the sport’s dedicated breeders, the annual AKC Breeder of the Year award ceremony took place in the Ronald H. Menaker ring in the main arena. Competition was keen everywhere at the Orange County Convention Center, and most attendees started making plans for next year’s events even before Best in Show was awarded.
SHOWSIGHT wishes to thank Royal Canin for their sponsorship of the coverage of the 2025 AKC National Championship. Best wishes to everyone in the new year as you pursue your goals and achieve your dreams.
