We are starting off summer with some exciting events and awards! This month, we are highlighting that the nominations for the AKC Eddy Awards and the President’s Sportsman Award are now open, as well as the thrilling AKC USA 250 event that took place this past June.
The American Kennel Club proudly celebrated our nation’s 250th anniversary with AKC Celebrates USA 250, a three-day festival of canine sports and family-friendly activities held June 5-7, 2026 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The weekend brought together elite canine athletes, exhibitors, spectators, sponsors, and dog lovers from across the country for an exciting celebration of competition, education, and the special bond between people and their dogs.
The event featured three AKC on ESPN events: the AKC Diving Dogs Team Challenge, the AKC Agility Premier Cup, and the inaugural AKC Agility Team Challenge. As part of the weekend, the AKC introduced an innovative new team-based Agility format featuring six city-based teams competing through strategy-driven preliminary rounds before advancing to dramatic head-to-head knockout competition. The new format represents an exciting evolution of the sport and creates a dynamic experience for competitors and spectators alike.
Beyond the competition, attendees enjoyed the AKC Doghouse, which served as the central hub of the weekend. The AKC Doghouse featured sponsor activations, educational exhibits, giveaways, and a mini AKC Meet the Breeds. Food trucks, family activities, and opportunities to learn more about responsible dog ownership and the many programs offered by the AKC were available throughout the weekend.
The excitement continues as these shows premiere on the networks of ESPN throughout the summer. The AKC Agility Premier Cup premiered on Sunday, June 28, showcasing the nation’s top Agility dogs and handlers. The AKC Diving Dogs Team Challenge premiered on Saturday, July 4, at 1:00 pm ET on ESPN, followed by the AKC Agility Team Challenge which premiers on Saturday, July 25, at 12:00 pm ET on ESPN2. Be sure to tune in, as these exciting events bring the energy and excitement of AKC Celebrates USA 250 to audiences across the country.
Nominations for the AKC EDDY Award are now open through September 1, 2026! This award is designed to encourage and reward Parent Clubs that provide unique ways to educate breeders and clubs through websites, workshops, mentoring, and more. Parent Clubs will be divided into four tiers based on the size of their membership program. Winners will be selected by this year’s committee consisting of Mari-Beth O’Neill (VP, AKC Sport Services), Christine Weisse, (Senior Subject Matter Expert, AKC Sport Services), and Guy Fisher (Director, AKC Club Development).
Recipients of the award will receive a certificate, which will be presented at the AKC National Championship in December, a digital badge to put on their club’s website, and posts on AKC social media and/or AKC Breeder Education page. Winners will also do a write-up about their Breeder Education to share with the dog world.
It is incredibly important to consistently provide clubs and breeders with resources to ensure responsible breeding. This award recognizes and honors those efforts, and we are so excited to see this round of nominees and all the great work they are doing to develop good and healthy dogs.
For more information on the award and how to submit a nomination, please visit: https://www.akc.org/public-education/resources-for-clubs/akc-eddy-award/.
The President’s Sportsman Award continues to honor individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the principles of the AKC Code of Sportsmanship and Civility for a second year in a row. We aim to always provide a safe, inclusive environment for everyone in attendance. This award recognizes those whose conduct reflects integrity, mentorship, and respect within the dog sports community.
Nominations are now open for this award and will be accepted through August 17, 2026. One adult and one junior recipient will be named by an independent selection committee. These honorees will both be invited to attend the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin, held in Orlando, Florida, this December, where the award will be formally conferred.
To nominate an adult, please visit: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=_lq-3sMFRkKkwDirdZRsDwN47JHsJRlJlUaC5yPH1EZUMldGUzlPQ1I2N1NaNlI5VVExUUZVVlNWSy4u.
To submit a nomination for a junior, please visit: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=_lq-3sMFRkKkwDirdZRsDwN47JHsJRlJlUaC5yPH1EZUNktQOENYWTZSMVNNUjQwOUNXTzZTTlpUTS4u.
We thank you for all your continuous commitment to the AKC and furthering dog sports and responsible dog ownership.
