At the American Kennel Club, education remains at the heart of our mission. Through AKC Public Education, we continue to teach and promote responsible dog ownership while fostering greater participation in the world of purebred dogs. I’m pleased to share several exciting developments from our Education Department—and some history-making sports news as well—all reflecting our ongoing commitment to outreach, learning, and the advancement of our sport.
The AKC Education Department has created rigorous, standards-aligned lesson plans, activities, and unit plans for grades Kindergarten through 12 in the subjects of math, social studies, language arts, science, and social-emotional learning. These lessons are available free of charge on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT), the largest online marketplace for PreK–12 educational resources. Each lesson is designed to engage students in academic subjects while introducing them to the fascinating world of purebred dogs.
AKC Public Education is proud to offer two engaging, completely free newsletters designed to support teachers and inspire students.
The Canine Corner is a monthly newsletter filled with classroom-ready resources, including lesson plans, read-alouds, and interactive activities for educators.
AKC Kids’ News is a quarterly newsletter packed with fun, educational content, including downloadable resources, articles, and crafts for young dog lovers.
Both newsletters provide creative ways for educators to bring the world of dogs into their classrooms and for students to connect with the AKC in meaningful, age-appropriate ways.
Our AKC Art Contests give students the opportunity to express their love of dogs through creativity. Students in grades K–12 in the NYC area are invited to participate in this year’s AKC Meet the Breeds Art Contest, which will showcase winning artwork at the 2026 AKC Meet the Breeds at the Javits Center on February 7–8, 2026.
Entries are due by December 23, 2025, and will be judged based on neatness, creativity, relevance to the theme, and the accurate portrayal of dogs. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate young artists while encouraging a deeper appreciation for the diversity and beauty of our breeds.
The inaugural AKC Scent Work Master National was held October 12–14, 2025, at the Roberts Centre in Wilmington, Ohio, drawing nearly 200 dogs from more than 40 states and representing 66 breeds.
We are proud to congratulate SWNC Rhubarb Gelotte ACT2J SWD SWME DM CGCA CGCU TKP, a female Vizsla owned by Leigh Gelotte, on earning the title of 2025 AKC Scent Work Master National Champion. Congratulations as well to all the talented teams who competed in this historic event and demonstrated exceptional teamwork, skill, and dedication to the sport of Scent Work.
The Regional Junior Showmanship events are set to be held throughout the calendar year of 2026. AKC will approve up to eight all-breed clubs to compete in this series of events. Regional Junior Showmanship events will follow the same structure and judging format as the Limited Class Junior Showmanship Competition, in accordance with the Junior Regulations. These events are designed to expand meaningful opportunities for Juniors by offering a distinctive and prestigious experience that is more accessible in terms of time and travel. The goal is to encourage broader participation, foster skill development, and recognize the dedication of young exhibitors within the sport. Clubs are encouraged to take part in this exciting opportunity to support the next generation of exhibitors by hosting a Regional Junior Showmanship Event in conjunction with their all-breed show in 2026. To learn more about criteria and how to submit a request for consideration, please visit the link visit: https://www.akc.org/press-releases/american-kennel-club-announces-regional-junior-showmanship-events-begin-2026/
The AKC and Federación Canófila Mexicana (FCM), the official Kennel Club of Mexico, are teaming up to hold the FCM Universal Dog Show, November 12-15, 2026, at the Santa Fe Expo Center in Mexico City, Mexico. This dog show will bring together breeders, exhibitors, and dog enthusiasts from across the Americas and beyond, fostering cultural exchange and collaboration within the sport. As this will be the first time an AKC-sanctioned show will been held in Mexico, it is a historic milestone for the sport of dogs! During this four-day show, both an AKC-Licensed Show and an FCM Special Attraction show will be featured each day to accommodate every recognized breed in the world. Dogs may enter the Universal Show under their foreign registration number, but for the results to be recognized by the AKC, they must become AKC registered. For more information about the event and how to register, please visit: https://www.akc.org/press-releases/american-kennel-club-federacion-canofila-mexicana-unite-landmark-2026-akc-sanctioned-shows-mexico-city/
These initiatives embody the very best of what the American Kennel Club stands for—education, excellence, and a shared love of dogs. Whether it’s inspiring the next generation through classroom learning, celebrating creativity through art, or recognizing outstanding achievements in competition, every effort helps strengthen our community and advance our mission. I look forward to the continued growth of these programs and the many ways they will inspire dog lovers of all ages to become part of the AKC story.
