A New Era of Sportsmanship and Civility in the AKC

A New Era of Sportsmanship and Civility in the AKC

The sport of purebred dogs has always been about more than ribbons and rankings. It’s about the dogs themselves, and the community of people who dedicate their lives to them. For years, the American Kennel Club’s Code of Sportsmanship has been our guidepost, reminding us that while competition may be at the heart of what we do, integrity, fairness, and respect are the soul of it.

This summer, the AKC introduced an updated version: the Code of Sportsmanship and Civility. This update keeps the timeless values we know well, but it also adds new dimensions that reflect the way our sport has grown—and it responds to the way the world around us has changed.

What’s New

Digital Civility

Today, much of our conversation about dogs happens online. The updated code makes it clear that sportsmanship doesn’t stop at the ring gate—it applies across social media and digital platforms too. Respect, fairness, and civility are now explicitly expected wherever we represent ourselves and our dogs.

Mentorship as a Responsibility

The new code calls on all of us to support and mentor newcomers. For seasoned breeders, exhibitors, and handlers, this means taking time to educate, guide, and encourage those who are just starting out. The future of our breeds and our sport depends on it.

Role Models in Action

Every time we step into the ring or post online, someone is watching. The revised code reminds us that we are role models—whether to a junior handler, a prospective breeder, or simply the public. Acting with humility, kindness, and ethical conduct ensures that the next generation inherits not just our dogs but our example as well.

Commitment to Inclusivity

The AKC has placed greater emphasis on fostering respect, equity, and inclusion across the board. Our sport thrives when it is welcoming and supportive of all who share a love for purebred dogs.

What Hasn’t Changed

• The foundation remains the same:
• The welfare of the dog comes first.
• Competition should be conducted with honesty, courtesy, and fairness.
• Judges must be respected, and exhibitors should accept both wins and losses with grace.
• Breeding should reflect long-term responsibility to the breed, not short-term gain.
• Above all, participants must safeguard the tradition and integrity of the sport.

These principles have guided us for decades—and they continue to anchor our community today.

Why It Matters

Sportsmanship has never been about perfection. It’s about daily choices: to rise above gossip, to cheer for another’s win, to teach with patience, and to leave the sport better than we found it. By expanding the Code to include civility online, mentorship, and inclusivity, the AKC has provided a reminder that our responsibility extends far beyond the ring.

For those of us who have walked this path for many years, the update feels like a natural evolution. It honors tradition while asking us to embrace the future with the same grace, integrity, and passion that brought us here in the first place.

The dogs deserve nothing less.