We are proud to continuously support and celebrate the development of AKC programs and the people who support them. In this edition, we will highlight these developments, from the winner of the 2025 Junior Versatility Awards to the AKC Museum of the Dog’s newest exhibit, the results of the AKC National Agility Championship, and the AKC Breeder Focus Committee!
We are proud to celebrate the AKC National Agility Championship winners in both the Regular and Preferred classes, following an exciting competition held this March at Galway Downs in Temecula, California. From March 20 through March 22, more than 870 dogs and their handlers from 46 states and Canada came together to compete across a range of jump heights—8″, 12″, 16″, 20″, and 24″ in the Regular Class, and 4″, 8″, 12″, 16″, and 20″ in the Preferred Class. Each championship title represents outstanding skill, focus, and teamwork, highlighting the incredible bond between dog and handler. We also extend our sincere thanks to the AKC staff and volunteers whose dedication made this exceptional event possible, and commend all participants for their remarkable performances. If you missed any of the action or would like to relive the action-packed moments, the event is available for replay on www.akc.tv. To view the complete list of winners, please visit: akc.org.
The American Kennel Club Junior Versatility Scholarship program honors Juniors who actively compete across a range of sports. Each participant earns points for event participation, achieving qualifying scores or placements, and earning titles in AKC events. The scholarships are presented to the top ten Juniors who compete in at least three different AKC competitive events. The eligibility period aligns with the Companion Events qualifying year for competitions held in conjunction with the AKC National Championship in Orlando. For this cycle, the qualifying period ran from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
Scholarships for First and Third place are generously provided by Carolyn and Gary Koch in memory of GCHP Hill Country’s Let’s Get Ready to Rumble. Scholarships for Second and Fourth through Tenth place are funded through proceeds from the AKC Fit Dog Turkey Trot and contributions from the North Carolina Triangle Judges Education Group.
To view the full list of winners, and to learn more about the Junior Versatility Awards, visit: https://www.akc.org/press-releases/the-american-kennel-club-congratulates-the-akc-junior-versatility-scholarship-recipients-for-2025/.
The AKC Museum of the Dog is excited to open their newest exhibition, Scotland, The Brave Dogs, which will run from March 26, 2026 through July 12, 2026. This exhibit is more than a celebration of iconic breeds. Through displaying the stories of these dogs, their roles, their evolution, and their deep connection to the land, this exhibition offers a window into the nation’s rich history and cultural legacy.
The exhibit coincides with New York’s Tartan Week, and displays works by noted Scottish artists such as Edwin Douglas and Samuel Fulton, as well as renowned artists Sir Edwin Landseer, Richard Ansdell, John Sargent Noble, and George and Maud Earl.
The AKC Museum of the Dog is excited to be celebrating Scotland, its culture, and the incredibly brave dogs that are deeply entwined with this nation.
Breeders are central to who AKC is and what we do, and supporting them is critical to both our current and future success. In reflecting deeply on this, I am pleased to share the establishment of the AKC Breeder Focus Committee, a consultative group focused on advising on litter and puppy registration, identifying emerging trends, and strengthening the value and accessibility of AKC registration. The committee will serve as a collaborative forum to surface insights, address concerns, and help shape programs and services that better support our community. Our discussions have reinforced a fundamental truth—without breeders, there is no AKC—yet many do not feel fully supported or valued. If we are committed to protecting and advancing purebred dogs, we must do the same for those who responsibly produce them by providing practical tools, expanding meaningful support, and fostering a more engaged environment. It is equally important that we elevate the conversation around ethical breeding, confidently recognizing and promoting it as a responsible public good.
Thank you all for your support of AKC programs. You are truly what keeps us focused on developing our work for dogs and the people who love them.
