As always, I am pleased to share all the exciting announcements and initiatives happening at the American Kennel Club (AKC). This summer has been filled with plenty of friendly and spirited competition at the National Championships in Obedience and Rally, and the AKC Agility Premier Cup broadcast on ESPN.
The AKC Agility Premier Cup, presented by Pet Perfect by Shaw Floors, premiered in a colorful, action-packed broadcast on Saturday, July 5th on ESPN. The event was held as part of AKC Salute the Troops weekend in May, and we were excited to share it with a larger audience of dog lovers around the country and show them how we honored service members. Nearly 100 of the country’s top Agility teams gathered to compete across five height divisions (8 inches, 12 inches, 16 inches, 20 inches, and 24 inches) and vied for a total of $10,000 in prizes in one of the most anticipated Agility competitions of the year. If you missed it, check your local listings for re-airs of the show and catch up on the action.
Meanwhile, the AKC National Obedience Championship and AKC Rally® National Championship were held on July 3-7, 2025, at the Purina Events Center in Gray Summit, Missouri, where more than 800 dogs competed. Teamwork is the forefront of these sports and demonstrates the dog and handler’s ability to complete each skill. Congratulations to our 2025 National Obedience Champion OTCH2 MARANATHA’S LIKE A MAN POSSESSED UDX2 OM3, a Labrador Retriever known as Zesty, handled by Petra Ford of Washington, New Jersey, and our 2025 Rally National Champion OTCH2 RACH3 SUMMER BROOK NOTHING BUT LOVE UDX2 PCDX OM5 RM7 RAE7 AXP OJP CGC, a Golden Retriever known as Tara, handled by Karen Summers of Chelsea, Alabama. Well done to all.
Watch these amazing dogs earn their Championship titles and more on demand on AKC.tv™. AKC.tv is available 24/7 on the web and on the AKC.tv app. Download the app today! It is also available on most streaming platforms.
Before I wrap up, I’d like to take a moment to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and the extraordinary work they do to build a healthier future for all dogs. With research programs spanning 23 focus areas, CHF tackles critical health issues through science-driven approaches—from Digestive Health and Epilepsy to Cancer Research and General Wellness. These programs are advancing veterinary medicine, refining diagnostics, and helping to create more effective treatments that benefit all dogs—purebred and mixed breed alike.
As we proudly celebrate 30 years of CHF’s impact on canine health, I’m happy to highlight the upcoming National Parent Club Canine Health Conference, taking place August 7-9, 2025, in Durham, North Carolina. This biennial event brings together a dynamic group of scientists, veterinarians, veterinary students, and dog enthusiasts—all united by a shared commitment to advancing canine health through CHF-funded research.
The AKC is proud to support this important event, not only through our sponsorship but through continued investment in the next generation of veterinary professionals. Our support includes outreach to veterinary students and funding for theriogenology and sports medicine residents—ensuring we cultivate the future leaders of canine health and wellness.
Learn more about the conference and AKC CHF’s mission here: https://www.akcchf.org/npcchc
At the heart of everything we do—whether in sport, education, or health—is the unwavering belief in creating a world that is better for dogs and the people who love them. We are proud to support initiatives and events that reflect our dedication. I look forward to continuing to share the impactful work being done across the AKC and celebrating the progress we make together.
