Get the latest AKC updates on awards, photo contests, NOHS titles, international partnerships, and the National Agility Championship.
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The AKC Public Education Award is now open for submissions! This annual award recognizes outstanding club efforts in public education and demonstration of exceptional commitment to educating its community about dogs. Each July, AKC Public Education aims to support the selected club’s continued outreach and to inspire more clubs nationwide to engage in public education efforts. These efforts may include offering educational opportunities to learn about AKC dog sports and events, purebred dogs, responsible dog ownership, and safety around dogs. The selected club will receive a $500 monetary award and a commemorative plaque in recognition of its achievement, along with recognition across AKC Public Education social media channels.
Submissions are due July 1, 2026. To learn more about the award and how to apply, please visit: https://www.akc.org/public-education/resources-for-clubs/public-education-award/.
Each year we are excited to showcase the beauty and essence of dogs across the country through the AKC Publications Photo Contest. This tradition allows us to connect with talented individuals in the United States who capture incredible dogs and the bond they share with their owners through photography. Entries are now open for the 48th annual photo contest.
This year’s theme is “The Great Outdoors,” and AKC Publications invites participants to capture the beauty, adventure, and spirit of dogs enjoying their natural world. All submissions are carefully evaluated based on creativity, quality, originality, and embodiment of the theme. Each entrant may submit one photograph in either black and white and/or in color. The top three winners in each category will be selected and awarded a cash prize. All submissions should be submitted or postmarked no later than October 31, 2026.
Please visit: https://www.akc.org/products-services/magazines/family-dog/photo-contest/rules/ for more details on contest rules and submissions.
We are pleased to share that the AKC National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) program now offers recipients of the NOHS Level of Achievements certificates the option to add these accomplishments as an official suffix title to their dog’s AKC record. Owners can apply for the title at any achievement level, which will be grandfathered back to the inception of the NOHS and reflected on all future AKC pedigrees and registration certificates. This development allows dog owners to permanently highlight this accomplishment in their dog’s official AKC record. This lasting recognition reflects AKC’s continued commitment to supporting owner-handlers and celebrating their contributions to the sport.
Owners can apply through AKC Title Application Portal (TAP) https://www.apps.akc.org/title-application-portal/ using their dog’s AKC registration number. This new addition reflects AKC’s continued commitment to supporting owner-handlers and celebrating their contributions to the sport.
This year, the AKC is thrilled to share two additional international partnerships that are creating meaningful opportunities for the future of dogs.
The American Kennel Club has individually entered into mutual cooperation agreements with both the Korea Kennel Federation (KKF) and the New Zealand Kennel Club. These agreements are strengthening international collaboration to enhance the future of purebred dogs, their culture, and dog sports. They also highlight shared priorities, including expanding canine exhibitions and registrations, advancing education, promoting dogs as family companions, and supporting responsible breeding. These collaborations establish a framework to deliver meaningful resources to breeders, exhibitors, and dog owners around the world.
These agreements will explore various opportunities, including holding events, promoting the registration of purebred dogs to expand breeding opportunities, and sharing knowledge to advance the education of judges, exhibitors, and breeders. Through sharing research, resources, and best practices, these agreements encourage cooperation on canine health and welfare initiatives, strengthen the future of dogs and dog sports worldwide, and promote responsible dog ownership.
To learn more about the Korean Kennel Club partnership, please visit: https://www.akc.org/press-releases/american-kennel-club-and-korea-kennel-federation-announce-mutual-cooperation-agreement/.
To learn more about the New Zealand Club partnership, please visit: https://www.akc.org/press-releases/american-kennel-club-and-new-zealand-kennel-club-announce-mutual-cooperation-agreement/.
AKC Agility enthralls spectators of all ages, welcoming dogs of all sizes and breeds. As the sport has grown over the years, the courses have become more technical and mindful of canine safety. This captivating competition has become one of the most popular dog events to watch and participate in!
The 2026 AKC National Agility Championship welcomed ferocious competition on March 21-22, 2026 in Temecula, California. This spectacular event aired on ESPN2 on May 10th and is available to stream on AKC.tv and YouTube!
As always, thank you for your dedication to AKC developments, programs, and events. Your commitment to supporting canines and the people who love them is truly heartwarming.
American Kennel Club (AKC)
